About Goō Shrine
Goō Shrine is a shrine located west of the Kyoto Imperial Palace in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City. Its most distinctive feature is that instead of the usual guardian lions (komainu), guardian boars (komainoshishi) protect the main hall, and various boar statues are placed throughout the shrine grounds.
Deities and History
The main deities enshrined are Wake no Kiyomaro and his sister, Wake no Hiromushihime. Kiyomaro was a loyal retainer at the end of the Nara period and is known for thwarting Dōkyō’s ambitions during the Usa Hachimangu Oracle Incident. Legend says that he was attacked by assassins and had his leg tendons severed, but was protected by 300 boars that suddenly appeared, and his leg wound was healed by a sacred spring.
From this story, Goō Shrine became a place of worship for guardians of the legs and lower back.
Points to Note During Your Visit
Komainu (Guardian Boars)
A pair of Komainu (guardian boars) sit in front of the main shrine. There is an A-form (male boar with its mouth open) and an Un-form (female boar with its mouth closed), and the female boar is unusually depicted with a baby boar. Visitors stroke the heads of these Komainu to pray for good health of their legs and hips.
Monument for Recovery from Leg and Hip Difficulties
Within the shrine grounds is a stone monument inscribed with “Recovery from Leg and Hip Difficulties,” attracting many visitors praying for healing from leg and hip ailments. Numerous reports of people actually recovering from leg and hip injuries and illnesses have been received.
Quince Tree
A Quince tree is planted within the shrine grounds. Quince is believed to be effective for sore throats and coughs, and because the sound of “karin” (quince) sounds similar to “karin” (not borrowing), it is also believed to bring good fortune in finances.
Ema (votive tablets) and amulets
Ema featuring wild boars and amulets for protecting the legs and lower back are available. The leg and lower back amulet is particularly popular among athletes and the elderly.
Benefits
- Healthy Legs and Lower Back, and Healing from Illness: The most famous benefit
- Protection from Evil: Based on the story of Wake no Kiyomaro
- Child Rearing: Based on the virtue of Wake no Hiromushihime, who raised 83 orphans
- Protection for Those Born in the Year of the Boar: Many visitors are born in the Year of the Boar
- Improvement in Sports: Many athletes also visit
Access
Location
385 Sakuratsuruen-cho, Shimochōjamachi-dori, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 602-8011
Transportation
Train/Subway
- Get off at Marutamachi Station on the Karasuma Subway Line, approximately 7 minutes on foot north
Bus
- Get off at Karasuma Shimochōjamachi bus stop, short walk
- Get off at Sakaimachi Gomonmae bus stop, approximately 5 minutes on foot
Walking
- Approximately 3 minutes on foot west from the Hamaguri Gate of the Kyoto Imperial Palace
Visiting Hours
- Grounds are freely accessible (Shrine office is usually open from 9:00 to 17:00)
Parking
- Free parking available for visitors (limited spaces)
Annual Events
- January 4th: First Go-o Grand Festival
- April 4th: Spring Grand Festival
- November 1st: Inoko Festival – Go-o Shrine’s largest festival
Summary
Go-o Shrine is a hidden gem in Kyoto, known for its rare guardian boar statues and blessings for protection of the legs and lower back. Its convenient location makes it easy to visit in conjunction with sightseeing at the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and it is especially recommended for those with leg and back problems, athletes, and those born in the Year of the Boar.
