Kamigamo Shrine

Kamigamo Shrine

Officially known as Kamomioya Shrine, Kamigamo Shrine is located along the upper stream of the Kamo River in central Kyoto and is one of the city’s most ancient and historically significant shrines. It was built in the 7th year of Emperor Tenmu’s reign (678 AD), enshrining the deity Kamotaketsunumi-no-Kami, and holds its annual main festival on May 15.

In addition to its main hall and worship hall, Kamigamo Shrine’s expansive grounds include 34 other structures. The Aoi Festival, held in early summer, is one of Kyoto’s three major festivals. This traditional event prays for a bountiful harvest and has been celebrated since the mid-6th century. Visitors pass through the first torii gate (the traditional Shinto shrine gate), walk along a path of white gravel, and on their left is the shrine’s beautiful, expansive lawn where the Kamo Horse Racing Festival takes place every May 5. Passing through the second torii gate, an air of mystique surrounds the area. In front of the Shinden Hall, two standing mounds of sand are displayed—said to mimic the sacred mountain that rises behind the main hall. Moreover, the shrine complex features numerous unique architectural elements including vermilion-lacquered gates, corridors, offering halls, the main hall, and the worship hall. The main and worship halls, constructed in 1863, have been designated as National Treasures of Japan; other shrine buildings, built around 1628, many of which are also Important Cultural Properties.

Kamigamo Shrine

Must-visit reason: Kyoto’s oldest and most historic shrine

Continent: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region: Japan[Japan]

Prefecture/State: Kyoto Prefecture [Kyoto Prefecture]

City: Kyoto [Kyoto]