About Kamigamo Shrine
Kamigamo Shrine (Kamigamo Jinja), officially known as Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine, is one of Kyoto’s oldest shrines, located in Kita Ward, Kyoto City. It is said that the current shrine buildings were constructed in the late 7th century (678 AD), and in 1994 it was registered as a World Heritage Site as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.”
The shrine grounds are located upstream of the Kamo River, forming a sacred space surrounded by lush trees and pure water. Along with Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo Mioya Shrine), it enshrines the tutelary deity of the Kamo clan and has long been revered by the imperial court as a guardian deity of Kyoto.
History and Origins
History of Founding
It is said that Kamo Wakeikazuchi no Okami descended to the present-day Koyama (Mount Koyama) during the age of the gods. The shrine was built in 678 AD during the Asuka period (the 7th year of Emperor Tenmu’s reign). After the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo, it held a special position as a guardian deity of the imperial city.
National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties
The main hall and auxiliary hall are designated as National Treasures and are known as representative examples of the Sangensha Nagare-zukuri architectural style. The current main hall was built during the Shikinen Sengu (periodic rebuilding of the shrine) in 1863, and 41 buildings are designated as Important Cultural Properties.
Main Benefits
Protection from Lightning and Misfortune
The enshrined deity, Kamo Wakeikazuchi no Okami, is known as the god of thunder and is revered for its protection from lightning and lightning strikes. By extension, it is also worshipped as a god of protection against all kinds of misfortune.
Other Benefits
- Protection from Directions and Eight Directions: Removal of misfortunes related to directions
- Prayer for Victory: Success in competitions and contests
- Protection of the Electrical Industry: Nowadays, it is also revered as the guardian deity of the electrical industry
- Matchmaking: Kataoka Shrine within the grounds is a famous spot for matchmaking
Points to Note During Your Visit
From the First Torii Gate to the Second Torii Gate
After passing through the first torii gate at the entrance to the approach, a vast lawn unfolds. A stream called “Nara no Ogawa” flows through this space, and in May, the Saio-dai of the Aoi Festival performs a purification ritual here, making it a sacred place. Just walking along the approach to the second torii gate will leave you feeling refreshed.
Tatezuna (Standing Sand)
The conical sand mound in front of the Hosoden is called “Tatezuna.” It is modeled after the sacred mountain where the gods descended, and is considered the origin of “purification sand,” which is scattered in the northeast and southwest directions. Pine needles are placed at the top, representing yin and yang.
Visiting the Main Shrine
The main shrine is usually closed to the public, but you can worship from the gate tower, beyond the worship hall. The sight of the national treasure main shrine and auxiliary shrine standing side by side is a precious landscape that conveys the tradition of the Shikinen Sengu (periodic rebuilding of the shrine).
Visiting the Shrines within the Grounds
- Kataoka Shrine: Dedicated to Tamayorihime-no-Mikoto, the goddess of matchmaking. It is said that Murasaki Shikibu also worshipped here.
- Shingu Shrine: For protection against evil and healing from illness.
- Suwa Shrine: For safe childbirth and fertility.
Annual Events
Aoi Festival (May 15th)
One of Kyoto’s three major festivals, officially called the “Kamo Festival.” A procession of people dressed in Heian period costumes travels from the Kyoto Imperial Palace through Shimogamo Shrine to Kamigamo Shrine, a festival reminiscent of an imperial picture scroll.
Other Major Events
- Kamo Horse Race (May 5th): A traditional horse racing ritual that has continued since the Heian period.
- Summer Purification Ceremony (June 30th): Purification of impurities accumulated over the past six months by passing through a ring of reeds.
- Crow Sumo (September 9th): Children’s sumo wrestling held on the Double Ninth Festival.
Access Information
Public Transportation
Using City Buses
- From Kyoto Station: Approximately 40 minutes by City Bus No. 4 or No. 9, get off at “Kamigamo Shrine” bus stop.
- From Kitayama Subway Station: Approximately 5 minutes by City Bus No. 4, get off at “Kamigamo Shrine” bus stop.
- From Kitaoji Subway Station: Approximately 15 minutes by City Bus No. 37, get off at “Kamigamo Misonobashi” bus stop, 3-minute walk.
Walking
- Approximately 20 minutes on foot from Kitayama Subway Station.
By Car
Approximately 40 minutes from Kyoto Minami Interchange on the Meishin Expressway. There is a parking lot for visitors on the shrine grounds (170 spaces, 100 yen for 30 minutes). However, traffic restrictions are in place on days when events such as the Aoi Festival are held, so the use of public transportation is recommended.
Visiting Information
- Address: 339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Visiting Hours: Grounds are open freely (Shrine office is open from 8:00 to 17:00)
- Admission Fee: Grounds are free (Special visits are 500 yen)
- Estimated Time Required: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Official Website: https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/
Nearby Attractions
Shimogamo Shrine is located about 3.5 km south of Kamigamo Shrine, and the “Kamo Shrine Pilgrimage,” which involves strolling along the Kamo River and visiting both shrines, is popular. Also nearby are the Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden and Ota Shrine (famous for its irises), which are recommended to visit together.
