is the oldest stone inscription in Japan and the earliest example of Japanese calligraphy. This stone commemorated the construction of , which was completed in 646. The inscription states that the bridge was built by a monk named Dōtō (道登). However, this is contradicted by the 8th-century Shoku Nihongi, which states that the bridge was built by another monk named Dōshō (道昭).文武紀四年三月己未の道照（道昭）伝「乃ち山背国の宇治橋は、和尚の創造せし所の者なり」
References
External links 橋寺-近畿のお宝マップ「トレジャーナビ・京都」-近畿農政局整備部 Hashi-dera—Kinki no Otakara Map "Treasure-navi Kyoto"—Kinki Agriculture Department Upkeep Section, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Japan) (Retrieved on May 15, 2009) Photograph in archives of Kyoto Prefecture (Retrieved on May 15, 2009) 宇治探訪 -お薦め観光スポット- Uji Tanbō —Osusume Kankō Spot— Uji City web site (Retrieved on May 15, 2009) 宇治市・宇治橋断碑 Uji-shi Ujibashi Danpi, KIIS (Kansai Institute of Information Systems & Industrial Renovation (Retrieved on May 15, 2009) 橋寺放生院（宇治橋の守り寺） Hashi-dera Hōjō-in (temple where the stone is located) (Retrieved on May 15, 2009)