Shimogamo Shrine, located in the northern part of the ancient capital of Kyoto, is a special place enveloped in a sacred atmosphere and a long history.
Also known as Kamomioya Shrine, this shrine has attracted the faith of many people as a historic institution that enshrines the god who founded Kyoto.
Since the Heian period, it has been an important shrine that prays for the peace of the nation and has been deeply revered by the Imperial family and the Imperial Court.
The temple grounds are surrounded by lush nature and have a divine atmosphere that soothes the souls of all who visit.
The solemn atmosphere created by the seasonal scenery and traditional festivals will leave a deep impression on those of us living in the modern age.
In this article, we will explain the history, highlights, and access to Shimogamo Shrine.
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What kind of place is Shimogamo Shrine?
Image source: Shimogamo Shrine official website Shimogamo Shrine, whose official name is Kamomioya Shrine, is a historic shrine located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City.
The western main hall enshrines Kamo Taketsunomi, who pioneered Kyoto, and the eastern main hall enshrines his son, Tamayorihime.
Since the capital was moved to Heian-kyo, it has been deeply revered by the Imperial family and the Imperial Court as a shrine protecting the nation, and is currently registered as a World Heritage Site.
Within the grounds is Tadasu no Mori, a forest that retains vegetation from ancient times , and the shrine is beloved as a god that protects people’s lives, providing protection from evil, finding love, fertility, safe childbirth, child-rearing, and road safety .
The shrine is also known as the venue for the Aoi Festival, one of Kyoto’s three major festivals.
The History of Shimogamo Shrine
In this chapter, we will look at the history of Shimogamo Shrine.
By understanding the history, you will be able to more easily visualize the scenes from that time when you visit.
Creation and origins
The exact date of Shimogamo Shrine’s founding is unknown, but there is a record that the sacred fence was repaired in the 7th year of Emperor Sujin’s reign (90 BC).
According to the shrine’s legend, its origins date back to the time of Emperor Jimmu (660 BC – 582 BC), when Kamo Taketsunumi descended to Mt. Mikage on the western foot of Mt. Hiei.
Excavations in the Tadasu-no-Mori area have uncovered Jomon period pottery and remains of Yayoi period dwellings, providing evidence of ancient faith.
Prosperity in the Heian Period
During the Heian period, the shrine was deeply revered by the imperial family and the imperial court as a shrine protecting the nation.
It frequently appears in imperial literature such as “The Tale of Genji” and “The Pillow Book,” and flourished as a cultural and religious center at the time.
Towards the end of the Heian period, over 60 manors and kitchens were donated from across the country, which supported the operation of the shrine.
Establishment of status as a shrine
It became a government-run shrine in 677, and the main shrine building was constructed the following year in 6782. In 927, it was listed as a famous shrine in the Engishiki Shinmei-cho, and in 1081 it was listed as one of the seven upper shrines of the 22 shrines, establishing its status as an important shrine.
Currently, it is registered as a World Heritage Site as an ancient Kyoto shrine that conveys the spirit of ancient times, with many cultural assets including two main halls that are national treasures, and Tadasu-no-Mori Forest, which retains vegetation from ancient times.
What to see at Shimogamo Shrine
Shimogamo Shrine is dotted with historical sights.
The following three spots in particular are definitely worth stopping by when you visit.
What to see at Shimogamo Shrine
Tadasu Forest
Aioisha and the Sage Tree of Love
National treasures: East and West main halls
Tadasu Forest
Image source: Keihan Railway Tadasu no Mori, which stretches along the main approach to Shimogamo Shrine, is a virgin forest that covers an area roughly three times the size of the Tokyo Dome.
There are about 5,000 trees growing here, of which about 600 are giant trees over 200 years old .
The clear Izumigawa and Semino streams flow through the forest, creating a mystical space where the only sounds to be heard are the rustling of the trees and the murmuring of the water.
It was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1994 as a precious forest where vegetation from the Jomon period still remains.
Aioisha and the Sage Tree of Love
Image source: PRTIMES Aioi Shrine, located at the entrance to the main shrine, enshrines Sanbutsu-no-kami, who is known as the god of matchmaking.
On the left side of the shrine is a sacred tree called “Renri no Kasageki,” which is made up of two trees joined together , and a child tree has also sprouted at its base.
Many worshippers visit this power spot, which is said to bring about not only romantic connections, but also business and friendship connections of all kinds.
National treasures: East and West main halls
Image credit: Cultural Heritage Online The western hall enshrines Kamo Taketsunomi, who developed Kyoto, and the eastern hall enshrines Tamayorihime.
The god in the Western shrine is said to grant world peace, bountiful harvests, and industrial development, while the god in the Eastern shrine is said to grant matchmaking, safe childbirth, and child-rearing.
It is a historic structure that has been deeply revered by the Imperial family and the Imperial Court as an important shrine praying for the peace of the nation since the Heian period.
What is the best season to visit Shimogamo Shrine?
Shimogamo Shrine is a tourist spot that has different charms throughout the four seasons, but it is especially recommended to visit in May and August.
The Aoi Festival , one of Kyoto’s three major festivals, is held in May, where you can see an elegant procession from the Heian period.
The Shimogamo Summer Secondhand Book Festival is held in August , and you can enjoy a charming secondhand book market in Tadasu Forest.
Additionally, the Mitarai Festival is held in late July , and you can take part in a traditional event to purify your body and mind at the Mitarai Pond.
We recommend visiting the temple early in the morning, so you can take your time strolling around the temple grounds while taking in the tranquil air and abundant nature.
The autumn foliage season is also beautiful, and the sight of the trees in Tadasu Forest changing colors is exceptional.
Access to Shimogamo Shrine
Shimogamo Shrine is located in Sakyo 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 to Shimogamo Shrine
Access by bus It is convenient to take city bus lines 4 or 205.
You can take a direct bus from Kyoto Station A2 bus stop to the Shimogamo Jinja-mae bus stop.
The journey takes about 30 to 40 minutes and costs 230 yen.
However, traffic jams are likely to occur during peak tourist seasons, so we recommend that you allow plenty of time when traveling.
Access by train There are two routes:
JR Nara Line + Keihan Main Line: 2 minutes from Kyoto Station to Tofukuji Station (JR), transfer to the Keihan Main Line and take it to Demachiyanagi Station for 13 minutes, then walk for 12 minutes.
The total journey time is approximately 40 minutes and the fare is 420 yen.
Subway Karasuma Line: 13 minutes from Kyoto Station to Kitaoji Station, then 5 minutes by bus.
The total journey time is approximately 35 minutes and the fare is 490 yen.
taxi
This is the fastest and most convenient method. It takes about 20-30 minutes and costs around 2,000-3,000 yen.
Access from Kinkakuji Temple to Shimogamo Shrine
Access by bus
Take city bus route 205 from Kinkakuji-michi bus stop (Platform C).
Get off at the “Shimogamo Jinja-mae” or “Tadasu-no-Mori” bus stop.
The journey takes about 20 minutes and costs 230 yen.
Buses run at least eight times an hour during the day, so waiting times are short.
taxi
There is a taxi stand near the entrance to Kinkakuji Temple.
The journey takes about 15 minutes and costs approximately 1,500 yen.
It gets busy during the tourist season, so we recommend calling a taxi company and requesting a ride.
Shimogamo Shrine admission fees and opening hours
Basic information about Shimogamo is summarized in the table below.
content Visiting hours Temple grounds: 6:30-17:30 (6:00-17:30 in summer) Admission fee Temple grounds: Free Special admission fee Oidono, Kamosha Museum, Kawai Shrine Museum: 3-museum combined ticket 500 yen Business hours 10:00-16:00 (Museum, etc.) parking West Parking Lot: 300 cars (paid)
Recommended spots near Shimogamo Shrine
The area around Shimogamo Shrine is dotted with historical sights.
We especially recommend the following three spots:
Tadasu no Mori Forest
Image source: Keihan Railway Tadasu Forest, which spreads out along the main approach to Shimogamo Shrine, is a sacred space rich in nature.
approximately 5,000 trees, including 600 giant trees that are over 200 years old , and the clear Izumi River and Semi no Ostream.
It has also been registered as a World Heritage Site as a precious forest that retains vegetation from the Jomon period .
As you stroll through the forest, which changes with the seasons, you will be soothed by the rustling of the trees and the murmuring of the water.
Kamogawa Delta
The Kamogawa Delta, which spreads out across the delta where the Kamogawa and Takanogawa rivers meet, is a popular place of relaxation for the people of Kyoto.
The spacious riverbank is a relaxing place to enjoy a picnic or stroll in any season.
Many people visit especially in spring and autumn, and you can spend your time relaxing and enjoying nature.
Kawai Shrine
Kawai Shrine, located within the grounds of Shimogamo Shrine, enshrines Tamayorihime, who is known as the goddess of beauty.
There is a unique type of votive tablet called “Kagami Ema,” on which worshippers draw their ideal makeup using their own makeup tools and make a wish.
Not only does it bring beauty, but it is also said to grant various blessings to women, such as safe childbirth, child rearing, and finding a partner.
Frequently asked questions about Shimogamo Shrine
What is the official name of Shimogamo Shrine?
Its official name is Kamomioya Shrine .
The shrine is named “Mioya” (divine ancestor) because Tamayorihime, the daughter of Kamo Taketsunumi, is enshrined here.
Since the Heian period, it has been important as a shrine protecting the nation, and has been revered as the Ichinomiya shrine of Yamashiro Province.
Who is the main deity of Shimogamo Shrine?
Kamo Taketsunomi no Mikoto is enshrined in the western main hall, and Tamayorihime no Mikoto is enshrined in the eastern main hall.
Kamo Taketsunumi is the god who developed Kyoto, and is also known for leading Emperor Jimmu on his eastern expedition as the Yatagarasu.
Tamayorihime is revered as the mother of Kamo Wakeikazuchi.
What kind of festival is the Aoi Festival?
It is one of Kyoto’s three major festivals, held every year on May 15th.
Beginning about 1,500 years ago, a procession of over 500 people dressed in Heian period costumes makes their way from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine.
It is known as an elegant festival reminiscent of a Heian picture scroll, with its ox carts and elegant umbrellas.
What is a Kotosha?
This is a sub-shrine located in front of the main hall of Shimogamo Shrine, and consists of seven shrines that enshrine the seven names of Okuninushi no Mikoto.
Each deity is the guardian deity of a particular animal, and the shrines are bustling with worshippers on Coming of Age Day in January and the Autumn Festival on October 9th.
summary
Shimogamo Shrine, known as a representative shrine of the ancient capital of Kyoto and also a World Heritage Site, is a sacred space where timeless history and abundant nature coexist in harmony.
The shrine enshrines Kamo Taketsunumi no Mikoto and Tamayorihime no Mikoto, and is beloved as a deity that bestows various benefits, from the peace of the nation to the fulfillment of personal wishes.
The mystical atmosphere of Tadasu Forest, the solemn festival of the Aoi Festival, and the picturesque scenery of each season soothe the souls of all who visit.
Be sure to visit Shimogamo Shrine, which continues to attract many believers as a god who accompanies people at turning points in life, such as in matchmaking, child-rearing, and safe childbirth.
