Kamigamo Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, is dedicated to Kamo Wakeikazuchi no Okami, known as the god of thunder.
It has 41 important cultural properties, including two national treasures, the main hall and the secondary hall, and the entire temple grounds are registered as a World Heritage Site.
The approach to the shrine, which is lined with vast lawns, offers beautiful scenery throughout the year, and is one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist attractions, especially in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom.
In addition, the Aoi Festival, one of Kyoto’s three major festivals, is held every year on May 15th, conveying the atmosphere of ancient festivals to the present day.
This shrine attracts worshippers from all over the country as a god of warding off evil, protection from all directions, and victory, as well as the patron saint of the electrical industry, and people continue to pray to it for over 1,000 years.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the history and highlights of Kamigamo Shrine.
table of contents
What kind of place is Kamigamo Shrine?
Image source: Let’s go to Kyoto Kamigamo Shrine, whose official name is Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine, is known as one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto.
The shrine enshrines Kamo Wakeikazuchi no Okami, the god of thunder, and has attracted worshippers since ancient times as a god who wards off misfortune, disasters, and ensures victory.
The entire temple grounds are registered as a World Heritage Site, and it contains 41 important cultural properties, including two national treasures, the main hall and the secondary hall.
The vast grounds are filled with abundant nature, and the grounds themselves are popular as a power spot.
Every year on May 15th, the Aoi Festival, one of Kyoto’s three major festivals, is held here. Approximately 500 people attend in traditional Heian period attire, and this ancient festival has been passed down to the present day.
The History of Kamigamo Shrine
Kamigamo Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto and has a history of over 1,000 years.
In this chapter, we will explore the history of Kamigamo Shrine.
Founding and origin
The origins of Kamigamo Shrine are ancient, dating back to when Kamo Wakeikazuchi no Okami descended upon the sacred mountain (Koyama).
According to legend, Kamo Taketsunumi no Mikoto’s daughter Tamayorihime was guided by a red-painted arrow and gave birth to Kamo Wakeikazuchi no Okami.
It had already become an influential shrine by the end of the 7th century, and the foundations for the current shrine building were built during the reign of Emperor Tenmu (678).
Originally it was one shrine with Shimogamo Shrine, but during the Nara period it separated and each developed independently.
Prosperity in the Heian Period
Since the Heian period, it has been revered by the Imperial Court as a shrine dedicated to protecting the nation.
In particular, Emperor Kanmu made his first visit there in the year the capital was moved to Heian (794), and in the second year of the Daido era (807), he was awarded the highest rank of divine rank, Shoichii, by the Imperial Court.
By the beginning of the 11th century, it had been restored to its present-day form and became a place of deep reverence for the Imperial family.
The Kamo Festival, which is said to be the origin of the Aoi Festival, also began in the Heian period and became established as an important festival of the Imperial Court.
Development since the early modern period
It fell into a temporary decline in the early 17th century, but in 1628, with the assistance of Tokugawa Iemitsu, it underwent a large-scale restoration, restoring it to its Heian period appearance.
The main hall was subsequently rebuilt several times between the 17th and 19th centuries, and the current main hall and secondary hall, both national treasures, were rebuilt in 1863.
It was revered by military commanders such as Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, and after the Meiji Restoration it was designated a government-sponsored shrine. It is now highly regarded as a World Heritage Site.
Highlights of Kamigamo Shrine
Kamigamo Shrine is dotted with historic sights.
The following three spots in particular are definitely worth stopping by when you visit.
Highlights of Kamigamo Shrine
Main Hall and Tower Gate
Nara stream
Shinbasha
①Main hall and tower gate
Image source: Let’s go to Kyoto The main hall is designated as a national treasure as a typical example of “nagare-zukuri” style shrine architecture.
On the wall of the shrine is a painting of guardian lion dogs called “Kagekoma” painted by the Kano school, which has attracted attention as a valuable painting from the Edo period.
Additionally, the tower gate in front of the main hall and worship hall has been designated an Important Cultural Property and, with its beautiful bright red exterior, is a structure that symbolizes Kamigamo Shrine.
The main hall in particular has a unique architectural style known as Kamo-zukuri, and is a sacred place where imperial ceremonies have been held since ancient times.
② Nara no Ogawa
A quaint little stream flows through the temple grounds, and the trees growing along its banks create a beautiful landscape.
It is especially beautiful in the fall, when the autumn leaves cover the river like a tunnel, making it a popular scenic spot.
It has been developed into a walking path, allowing you to worship while enjoying the nature of the four seasons.
This stream has also been written about in waka poetry since ancient times, and its picturesque scenery, which has continued since the Heian period, continues to this day.
In summer, you can enjoy the cool sound of water, and it shows different faces with each season.
③Shinbasha
This is a special place where worshippers are greeted by “Shimme,” sacred horses that serve the gods.
On Sundays, holidays, and major festivals, they are in attendance from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and visitors can actually interact with them, including feeding them carrots.
There are also special charms and fortune slips that can only be purchased here, allowing you to feel a connection with the sacred horse.
Sacred horses have been cherished since ancient times as vehicles for the gods, and play an important role in the Aoi Festival.
At the Shinbasha shrine, you can also learn about the history and culture surrounding the sacred horses.
What is the best season to visit Kamigamo Shrine?
Kamigamo Shrine is beautiful in every season, but spring and autumn are especially recommended times to visit.
In spring, it is known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, with various types of cherry blossoms blooming in full glory from late March to late April.
The Saio Sakura is especially popular as a symbol of spring.
Also, on May 15th, the Aoi Festival, one of Kyoto’s three major festivals, will be held, and you can see a procession of people dressed in Heian period costumes.
In autumn, many tourists visit the area as it is famous for its autumn leaves. The leaves begin to change color in early November and the best time to see them is from late November to early December.
In particular, around Nara no Ogawa, the maple trees turn bright red, allowing you to enjoy a spectacular tunnel-like view.
If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting on a weekday between 6am and 8am.
Access to Kamigamo Shrine
Kamigamo Shrine is located in Kita Ward, Kyoto City and can be accessed by multiple means of transportation.
Many tourists arrive from Kyoto Station or Kinkakuji Temple, so we will explain in detail how to get there from each location.
Access from Kyoto Station
The most common way to get there is by city bus.
Take bus number 4 bound for Kamigamo Shrine from Kyoto Station Bus Terminal and get off at the last stop, Kamigamo Shrine-mae, and you will arrive there in no time.
The journey takes approximately 55 minutes and costs 230 yen.
Also, if you take route 9 “Nishigamo Depot” you can get off at “Kamigamo Misonobashi” and it is a 5 minute walk from there.
If you want to get there faster, you can take the Karasuma Subway Line to Kitaoji Station (about 13 minutes) and then transfer to a bus from there.
Access from Kinkakuji Temple
To get from Kinkakuji Temple to Kamigamo Shrine, take city bus number 46.
Get off at Kamigamo Jinja-mae and you will arrive shortly.
Alternatively, if you take a taxi, it will take about 15 minutes.
It takes about 30 minutes on foot, but you’ll be able to enjoy the sights of Kyoto as you travel.
Especially during cherry blossom season, you can enjoy the seasonal scenery while strolling around.
Kamigamo Shrine admission fees and opening hours
Basic information about Kamigamo Shrine is summarized in the table below.
item Contents Visiting hours Temple grounds: 5:30-17:00 Admission fee Precincts: Free Prayer Reception hours: 9:00-16:00 (no reservation required) Goshuin (stamp of a temple) Reception hours: 9:00-17:00 parking 170 vehicles: telephone number 075-781-0011 (8:30-17:00)
Recommended spots near Kamigamo Shrine
The area around Kamigamo Shrine is dotted with historical sights.
We especially recommend the following three spots:
①Kamigamo Traditional Buildings Preservation District
Image source: National Council for Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings This historic townscape is located about a 7-minute walk from Kamigamo Shrine.
It developed into a town with a mixture of homes for the priests serving the shrine and farmhouses, and has been designated as the “Kamigamogo Neighborhood Landscape Development District.”
The Myojin River flows through this tranquil townscape of stone and earthen walls, and the unique structure of the property allows water from the river to be brought into the house.
You can also enjoy pickles made from suguki, which has been cultivated in this area for a long time, and temple sweets such as “yakimochi.”
②Ota Shrine
Image source: Kyoto Tourism Federation Official Website This is a branch shrine located about a 10-minute walk from Kamigamo Shrine.
In ancient times it was called Ontasha, and it is said to grant blessings of long life, protection from disasters, improvement in the arts, and matchmaking.
From early to mid-May in particular, you can enjoy viewing the wild colonies of Japanese iris, which are designated as a national natural monument.
There is also a large camphor tree on the grounds that is over 400 years old, making it a popular power spot.
The Ota Festival is held every year on May 5th and is a beloved traditional local event.
3. Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Image source: Kyoto Prefecture official website Located about 1.5 km from Kamigamo Shrine, this is the oldest public botanical garden in Japan.
Opened in 1924, the gardens are home to approximately 12,000 species of plants across their vast 12 hectare site.
The greenhouse displays rare tropical and subtropical plants, allowing visitors to enjoy flowers throughout the seasons.
The cherry blossoms in spring, the rose gardens in early summer, and the autumn leaves are particularly beautiful, making it a popular relaxation spot for local residents throughout the year.
The park also features a Japanese garden, a greenhouse, and a botanical garden hall, making it a place where people can learn about plants.
FAQs about Kamigamo Shrine
What is the official name of Kamigamo Shrine?
The official name is Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine.
The enshrined deity is Kamo Wakeikazuchi no Okami, which means “a god with such great power that he can part thunder.”
Locals affectionately call it “Kamigamo-san.”
Since ancient times, he has been worshipped as a god who wards off misfortune and disasters and ensures victory, and is particularly known as the guardian deity of the electrical industry.
What buildings are listed as World Heritage Sites?
The entire temple grounds are registered as one of the World Heritage sites, “Cultural Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.”
In particular, the main hall and secondary hall are designated as national treasures, and there are 41 other buildings designated as important cultural properties.
The main hall and auxiliary hall are of the same shape and size, lined up from east to west, and are highly regarded as a typical example of the architectural style known as “Nagare-zukuri.”
What kind of experiences can you have at Shinbasha?
At Shinbasha, you can actually interact with the sacred horses known as shinme, which serve the gods.
They are there on Sundays, holidays, and major festival days from 9:30am to 3pm, and visitors can give them carrots.
There are also special charms and fortune slips available that can only be purchased at Shinbasha.
What is the relationship with Shimogamo Shrine?
Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine were originally one shrine, but were separated during the Nara period.
Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo Mioya Shrine) enshrines Tamayorihime, the mother of Kamo Wakeikazuchi no Okami, the deity enshrined at Kamigamo Shrine, and Kamo Taketsunumi, his grandfather.
Both shrines are known as the oldest shrines in Kyoto.
summary
Kamigamo Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, is officially named Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine and enshrines Kamo Wakeikazuchi no Okami, the god of thunder, as its main deity.
It has 41 important cultural properties, including two national treasures, the main hall and the secondary hall, and the entire temple grounds are registered as a World Heritage Site.
He has long been worshipped as a god of protection from evil, protection from all directions, and certain victory, and is particularly known as the patron saint of the electrical industry.
Be sure to visit Kamigamo Shrine, where you can spend some quiet time within its vast grounds.
