A cultural treasure of ancient Kyoto with over 2000 years of history. The serene grounds, surrounded by lush nature, offer a tranquil escape from the city bustle. It's also a popular power spot.
Shrines and Temples
World Heritage
Historic Sites
National Treasure
📷
No image
📷
No image
📷
No image
📷
No image
📷
No image
📷
No image
📷
No image
📷
No image
📷
No image
📷
No image
📷
No image
📷
No image
📷
No image
📷
No image
Loading...
Highlights
A tranquil and verdant shrine with over 2000 years of history
Features a National Treasure main hall and Important Cultural Properties, including the gate and dance hall, offering a palpable sense of history
Home to the remaining Tadasu no Mori, a primeval forest
The Mitarashi-gawa, a stream of pure water, has long been revered as a sacred place
15-minute walk from Demachiyanagi Station on the Keihan Main Line and Eizan Electric Railway, or a short walk from Shimogamo-jinja-mae bus stop on the Kyoto City Bus. Show route
Op.Hours
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cld.Days
None
Fee
Free admission
INFO
The grounds are extensive, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. In summer, the sun is strong, so please bring a hat and sunscreen. The water in the Mitarashi River is quite cool, so be cautious during the summer months. There are several restaurants and shops within the grounds. Mitarashi dango (rice cakes in a sweet soy sauce glaze), chilled in the Mitarashi River water, are a local specialty of Shimogamo Shrine. Be sure to try them!
Shimogamo Shrine, located in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, is a venerable shrine considered one of the cultural treasures of ancient Kyoto. Its history stretches back over 2000 years. According to shrine tradition, its origins trace back to the reign of Emperor Jimmu, when the enshrined deities descended upon Omiyama. Along with Kamigamo Shrine (Kamo Wakeikazuchi Jinja), it enshrines the deities of the Kamo uji (clan), and both shrines are collectively referred to as Kamo Shrine (Kamo-sha).
The shrine grounds are surrounded by the verdant Tadasu no Mori, a primeval forest offering a peaceful retreat from the city's clamor. The Mitarashi-gawa, a stream of pure water, has long been revered as a sacred place. The water remains refreshingly cool in summer and pleasantly warm in winter, maintaining a comfortable temperature year-round, offering solace to visitors.
Shimogamo Shrine boasts numerous historical structures, including the main hall, designated as a National Treasure, and the gate, dance hall, and sacred costume hall, all Important Cultural Properties. These structures are invaluable legacies that embody the culture of ancient Kyoto, offering visitors a tangible connection to the past.
The shrine is also renowned as a power spot. Several locations within the grounds are believed to offer blessings for successful romances and warding off evil, attracting many worshippers. The water of Mitarashi-gawa is considered to possess sacred power; purifying your feet and offering prayers there is said to grant wishes.
Various festivals are held throughout the year at Shimogamo Shrine. The Aoi Matsuri, held on May 15th, is a representative traditional festival of Kyoto, jointly held at Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines. During the festival, a woman acting as the Saio Dai (Imperial Maiden) in sacred attire rides in a portable shrine, processional through the shrines. This grand festival serves as a valuable event that preserves and showcases the traditions and culture of ancient Kyoto.
Shimogamo Shrine is a captivating place where history, nature, and culture harmoniously coexist. It's the perfect destination for those seeking a quiet and peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Experience the charm of ancient Kyoto with a visit to Shimogamo Shrine.
Favorite
