[2025 Kyoto Attraction] Travel Guide for Kamigamo-jinja Shrine (Updated Mar)

Located in the north of Kyoto, #Kamigamo-jinja Shrine enshrines #Kamobetsu-no-Rai-no-Omi, who has the power of Xuanwu's wind and thunder. It is the most powerful place in Kyoto, and it is also the oldest shrine in Kyoto, dating back 2,600 years, and has a great origin. Kamigamo Shrine is located along the upper reaches of the Kamogawa River and is shaded by green trees. Although there are relatively few tourists, it is relatively quiet. The shrine has a large area. Once you cross the Kamogawa Osono Bridge, you can see the huge #一之TORI Gate standing in front of you. Because it is next to a gurgling stream, irises are blooming along the stream, and with green maple leaves and a wooden temple as the background, there is a unique and lively atmosphere when taking photos. There is also a handmade market on the fourth Sunday of every month, which is very lively here. Kamigamo Shrine has a special custom, the #式年進宫 , which is held every 21 years. When the main hall is under renovation, the gods will move to the main hall and move back after the renovation is completed. It means that the gods are reborn every 21 years through relocation and renovation of the palace, just like running water, eternally guarding this ancient capital. In addition, Kamigamo Shrine has a close connection with horses. It is said that when the Kamobetsu Thunder God descended, a white horse decorated with a sunflower leaf went to greet Him, so there was a special wooden carved pony fortune, which is also said to be the origin of the later #Ema. Itinerary suggestion: You can put Kamigamo Shrine, #Kyoto Botanical Garden, and #Shimogamo Shrine together, walk along the upper reaches of the Kamo River to the delta, enjoy the beautiful scenery and green trees along the way, and enjoy the real Kyoto-style leisure. #日本探店 #京都景点 #Kamigamo神社 #Shimogamo神社 #Duck River

In the vibrant city of Kyoto, my sister and I took the bus to visit Kamigamo Shrine, eagerly anticipating the grandeur of the Aoi Matsuri festival. Our excitement, however, was dampened by a rain that postponed the festivities by a day. Undeterred, we decided to explore the grounds of Kamigamo Shrine and immerse ourselves in its enchanting atmosphere, capturing its hidden charms through the lens of our cameras. Stepping onto the hallowed grounds of Kamigamo Shrine, we were greeted by a serene sanctuary. The architectural beauty of the shrine and the towering torii gates filled us with a sense of reverence, connecting us to centuries of Japanese spirituality. As we wandered the paths of the shrine, our eyes were drawn to an intriguing sight - rabbit and horse-shaped omikuji, beckoning us to unravel their secrets. With curiosity brimming, we eagerly selected our fortunes. The rabbit-shaped slips promised good luck, and the horse-shaped ones foretold success. These delightful omikuji added a touch of whimsy to our visit, leaving us with a sense of joy and anticipation. Our rainy adventure at Kamigamo Shrine turned out to be a personal and profound experience. Amidst the mist and drizzle, we discovered the serenity and beauty that lie beyond the surface. #japan #kyoto #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #passionpassport #summervacation

The following is information about visiting Kamigamo Shrine: Overview - Long history: Kamigamo Shrine, officially known as Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine, was founded in 678 AD, even before the capital was moved to Kyoto. It is the oldest shrine in Kyoto and a World Heritage Site. - Area: It covers an area of approximately 760,000 square meters, with lush greenery and a peaceful atmosphere. - Architectural features: Two shrine buildings within the complex are designated as "National Treasures," and 41 are Important Cultural Properties. The main hall's front gate, rebuilt in 1628, along with the buildings on both sides, are also designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Getting There - Bus: Take City Bus No. 4 or 205 from Kyoto Station and get off at "Kamigamo-jinja mae" stop. The shrine is about a 5-minute walk from the bus stop. - Bicycle: Cycling along the Kamo River is also a good option. There is free bicycle parking at the entrance. Highlights - Cherry blossom viewing: The shrine grounds are home to various cherry blossom trees, including Beni-shidarezakura, Fūryūzakura, Minazakura, and Kamozakura. Early-blooming Goshozakura can be seen in early April, with the best viewing period in mid-April. - Aoi Festival: Held annually on May 15th, the Aoi Festival is one of Kyoto's three major festivals. Over 500 participants, dressed in gorgeous Heian period aristocratic costumes, parade from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine. - Craft Market: A craft market is held on the fourth Sunday of every month within the shrine grounds, offering various accessories, bags, handmade food, and more. - Shrine visit: The honden (main hall) and haiden (worship hall) are "living fossils" of Heian period architecture. There is also the "Tate-suna," a conical sand mound modeled after a sacred mountain, adding a touch of mystery. Nearby Attractions Kyoto Botanical Garden, located south of Kamigamo Shrine, is another great spot for cherry blossom viewing, especially along its tree-lined paths. You can also take the subway to Imadegawa Station and visit Kyoto Gyoen National Garden to admire the cherry blossoms.

Dear friends, when you come to Kyoto, you absolutely cannot miss the Kamigamo Shrine 🌸 Its official name is Kamo-wakeikazuchi Shrine, and its history is truly astonishing. It was founded in 678 AD, even earlier than the capital's relocation to Kyoto, making it the oldest shrine in Kyoto and a World Cultural Heritage site with a profound historical background! The architecture here is ancient and solemn, full of traces of time. Every cherry blossom season, the entire shrine seems to don a new pink outfit. When the oldest ⛩️ meets the blooming 🌸, the scene is breathtakingly beautiful! The ancient shrine buildings are embraced by cherry blossoms that look like clouds and mist, with red and pink intertwining, creating a stunning contrast between antiquity and romance. Any random snapshot here could become a viral hit on social media. Besides cherry blossom viewing, you can also get an omamori (protective charm) at the shrine and experience Japanese shrine culture. Whether you are a history buff or a photography enthusiast, Kamigamo Shrine will satisfy all your imaginations of Kyoto. When you come to Kyoto, you must visit here for a date with cherry blossoms and history!

I really enjoyed our visit here. You can freely walk around the area and there is the possibility of paying a fee to visit the inside of one of the shrines but we did not do it. The outdoor area was beautiful enough with vibrant orange colors and was very different from other shrines we have seen so far. Make sure not to miss a lovely stair with Torii which can be found on the left end side of the entrance lawn facing the exit. #japantrip

#100 Ways to Travel Kamigamo Shrine ~ "The ghost gate guarding Kyoto for thousands of years on the banks of the Kamogawa River" Kyoto is the area with the highest concentration of shrines in Japan, but do you know where the oldest shrine in Kyoto is? I visited it two years ago, but I didn’t know at the time that it was the oldest shrine in Japan! Now come and follow my footsteps to learn about this shrine full of culture and legends! 🎒Myth: (1) In the ancient times of the Gods, a scarlet arrow fell from the sky with thunder, and was brought back to the bedside by the princess of the "Kamo Clan", "Kamo Tamaki". At the same time, the princess became pregnant and gave birth to a baby. A boy is "*Kamo Betsu Raimei" and is also the chief deity of the shrine ⛩️~ (2) Kamo's grandfather once held a banquet and invited all the gods to attend the feast. His grandfather picked up the wine glass and said to Bere nobility: "Give the glass to whoever you think is the father of the gods!" Bere noumei said " Tianjin God" was my father, and he ascended to heaven with a thunder. (3) Not long after, Kamo Tamaki missed her son very much. One day, Bie Lei asked her in a dream to make "Tian Yu Shang" and "Ten Yu Yi", and use sakaki wood as the carrier of attachment; and then use the branches and vines of sunflower and osmanthus as decoration. , you can see me again in the future! And~this is exactly the origin of the three major festivals in Japan, "Aoi Matsuri"~~! The venue is "Kamigamo Shrine⛩️"~ 📓Small addition: The original meaning of "Kamo Betsu Raid" is "a god with powerful abilities like dividing thunder." In addition, the Kamo family has a deep relationship with the "Onmyoji". It is said that the shrine was built at that time to suppress Kyoto. "Ghost Gate" 📖Class time: It is said that it was built during the era of "Emperor Jimmu" and has a history of 2,600 years. It is the oldest shrine in Kyoto. The "main shrine" and "Gonden" are listed as national treasures, and almost all the buildings inside are Designated as an important cultural property and listed as a "World Cultural Heritage" in 1994! ! ✨Must-see highlights: ～Tatesha and Xiden～ There are two sandstones in front of the main hall. They are piled up based on the impression of Kamobetsu thunder coming to the sacred mountain. If you have good eyesight, you will see that the sandstone on the left has "three-leaf pine leaves", while the sand on the right has "three-leaf pine leaves". There are "two-leaf pine leaves". In the concept of yin and yang, "odd numbers are yang and even numbers are yin". Through the concept of yin and yang harmony, we pray for the appearance of gods. The other function of fine sand is to exorcise evil spirits, so the fine sand is piled up to guard the ghost gate and prevent Heian Kyo from being invaded. Purifying sand is sold nearby. It is said that taking it home can keep you safe~ ~Main shrine area~ ➡️In front of the shrine gate: The gate was built in 1628 and is currently designated as one of the national important cultural properties. ➡️Loumen: There is a bridge in front of the tower called "Jade Bridge". The river below the Jade Bridge is the "Omonoji River". It is not normally crossed. Only priests who are performing "sacred ceremonies" can cross it! ➡️Nakamon: Built in the late Edo period, it is the place connecting the main hall and the Gonden Hall. The "Honden" enshrines "Kamo Betsu Raimei". The "Gonden" has the same purpose as the main hall. Both halls are listed as national treasures~ ➡️The main hall: This is a place that only clergy can enter. If ordinary people want to enter, they need to pay extra and be led in by clergy. Generally, tourists will only worship in front of the middle gate with "two salutes, two claps and one salute"🙏 🎫 Ticket price: 500 yen ⌚️Time: 10:00-16:00 ~ Katayama Tamako Shrine⛩️~ Walking back along the main shrine and passing Kataoka Bridge, you will see that the main enshrined deity is "Kamo Tamaki", the mother of the God of Thunder. The shrine is in charge of "love💕", "bonding", "safe childbirth", etc. If you want to request Don’t miss out on a good marriage! The famous "Murasaki Shikibu" also came here to pay homage! ! ~Nara no Ogawa~ Inside the shrine⛩️ there are the "Omonoji River" and the "Omori Aigawa". The former is more sacred related to sacred matters, and the latter is a stream that can purify people's hearts. When the two rivers converge, it is the "Nara no Ogawa"! ~Kamiyama Yongshui Coffee. Fried☕️~ It is a coffee shop ☕️. The coffee brewed here is made with the water from the Kamo Beretsu when it came to the sacred mountain. The coffee is priced at 400 yen. It is recommended to taste it with wagashi 🍡 🕰️Business hours: 10:00-16:00 📍Address: 339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita-ku, Kyoto City ~Go to Kamo Shrine ⛩️Original Lotus~ ➡️Yatatori Royal God Lotus: Yatara is said to be the ancestor of the Kamo family. When Emperor Jimmu went on his Eastern Expedition, it was said that Yatara was the guide, so it is also called the "God of Guidance". If If you feel confused about the future now, you might as well take one home! ➡️Horse God's Lotus: It is part of the Aoi Festival celebration. It is said that Japan's "horse racing culture" originated from this ～Cherry blossom viewing🌸～ It is also a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Kyoto. The viewing time is from late March to late April. There is a 150-year-old "Saio Sakura" that you must go to see! ! ~Shenmashe🐎~ In Japanese mythology, if you want to greet the gods, you need to ride a horse with bells to greet them. Therefore, there is a "Kamo Horse Racing" event on May 5th every year, and every Sunday and national holidays at 09: From 30-15:00, there will be a tour inside Shenma Shrine for everyone to visit! ~🎆Important Festival~ "Kamo Racing": Started in 1093, it is held grandly on May 5th every year to pray for a good harvest and the coming of the gods. It is also a part of the prelude to the "Aoi Festival". Riders will compete wearing "Takumi" and "Komabo" and it is listed as an "Intangible Folk Cultural Property"! 🕰️Business hours: 5/5 every year (starts at 13:00) 💰Per capita consumption: 500 yen "Aoi Matsuri": Also known as "Kamo Matsuri", it is held on May 15 every year. It is one of the three major festivals in Kyoto. Since ancient times, it has been a festival attended by the "royal family👑". The costumes are decorated with "Aoi leaves" and " "Kusana leaf" is used as decoration, and we walk all the way from Shimogamo Shrine to "Kamigamo Shrine"~ 🕰️Business hours: Every year on 5/15 (departure from Kyoto Imperial Palace at 10:30, arrival at Kamiga at 15:30 🚴Transportation: From Kyoto Metro Karasuma Line "Kitaoji Station", transfer to bus "No. 4" and get off at "Kamigamo Shrine-mae" or "No. 9" and get off at "Nishigamo Garage Line" 📍Address: 339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita-ku, Kyoto City 🕰️Business hours: 05:30-17:00 💞Recommended reasons: 1. Just say that you must go to World Heritage Sites 2. There are many intangible and tangible cultural properties 3. The Aoi Matsuri and Kamo Horse Racing events are both worth visiting. 4. Famous place for cherry blossom viewing🌸 🗓️Itinerary: Nijo Castle-Seimei Shrine⛩️-Kamigamo Shrine⛩️ #WorldCulturalHeritageSeries #KYOTOtourism #cherry blossom viewing spots #Kyoto’s oldest shrine #哈马竞技 #久久sai