Kamigamo Shrine - jinja

Kamigamo-jinja Shrine, officially known as Kamowakeikazuchi jinja, is dedicated to the god Kamowakeikazuchi Okami.

The word "Wakeikazuchi" in the name "Kamowakeikazuchi Okami" means the roar of the thunder god, representing the ancient Japanese's belief in the Thunder God. In the 6th century, Japan was hit by natural disasters and the whole nation suffered too much. The emperor at that time looked to famous fortune-tellers to find out the cause and heard about the curse of God Gamo. These fortune-tellers also offered solutions to reassure the Gods. Accordingly, the court performed a secret ceremony and the curse was lifted. Then the climate turned wonderful and the agricultural harvest was unexpectedly good. After this, the Kamigamo and Shimogamo shrines were said to be very sacred and had many followers, especially the Imperial family, who worshiped the Gods here. After the Kamakura period, every famous Shogun visited the shrine.

The temple grounds combine nature and expanses of pale gravel, with buildings that contrast but somehow harmonize natural wood with the vibrant vermilion of the gates and fences. The shrine's signature feature is the two carefully shaped sand cones in front of the Hosodono hall, known as tatesuna, which are said to represent the holy mountain Kō-yama where the kami Kamo Wakeikazuchi descended from the sky. If you look closely, you can find the "evergreen tree" at the top of the mountain, represented as a single pine needle stuck in the sand at the top of each cone.

With a long history as one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Kyoto, Kamigamo Shrine is traditionally associated with Shimogamo Shrine to the south, both collectively known as Kamo Shrine and recognized by Unesco as a heritage site. world product.

Kamigamo Shrine is home to many important Japanese festivals throughout the year, most notably the "Aoi" festival held in conjunction with Shimogamo-jinja Shrine. Considered one of the three most important festivals in Kyoto, the Aoi Matsuri takes place on May 15 every year. The origin of the festival can be traced back to rituals performed to appease the gods and pray for good harvests in the 6th century. Because aoi (holmhol) leaves were pinned to hats and pants. participants' clothes and cars, it was colloquially known as the Aoi Festival instead of the original Kamo Festival name.

Visit Kamigamo Shrine, learn about the long history of the 6th century shrine, and immerse yourself in the beautiful natural surroundings, especially the cherry blossom season and the red leaf season. experience valuable experiences for your life, because that's when visitors can live with the sanctity, reverence and beauty throughout history.

Business hours :

Daily 08:30-17:00

* Several Festivals are held at Kamigmo Shrine every year:

March 3 : Cherry Blossom Festival

May 15 : Aori . Festival

Admission : Free

Website: http://www.kamigamojinja.jp/english/index.html