Kamigamo Shrine, Shinto shrine in Kita-ku district, Kyoto, Japan.
Description
Kamigamo Jinja is a place of worship in Kita-ku district, Kyoto, Japan, consisting of several wooden buildings set within gardens maintained along the Kamo River. Two scarlet torii gates mark the entrance to a wide complex containing main halls, auxiliary shrines, and storehouses for ceremonial objects.
History
The complex was erected in 678 to venerate Kamo Wake-Ikazuchi and grew into one of the most important worship sites of the capital during the Heian period. Imperial envoys visited the site regularly to pray for peace and prosperity throughout the realm.
Culture
The complex preserves the tradition of the Aoi Matsuri festival, where processions of hundreds of participants dressed in Heian-era clothing pass through the grounds each year. Visitors today can still watch the horse dedication ceremony, where riders in traditional dress show reverence to the thunder deity.
Practical
The grounds open daily from 5:30 AM to 5:00 PM and can be reached by several city bus routes from central Kyoto. Visitors should note that some inner areas are accessible only during special ceremonies, while the gardens can be walked through freely.
Did you know?
Priests construct two cone-shaped sand mounds every morning in the courtyard, called tatezuna, representing the link between divine spirits and the human world. This practice originates in ancient purification rituals and has continued without interruption for over a thousand years.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Kita-ku).
Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto
0 m
Tadasu no Mori
20 m
Kamo Shrine
0 m
京都ゴルフ倶楽部
806 m
Misono Bridge
374 m
Koryo Museum of Art
680 m
Nishigamo Bridge
734 mGonden
29 mHonden
27 mScenic viewpoint
155 m金毘羅大権現
157 mTatezuna
58 mTatezuna
57 mWork of art, statue
21 m
Ōta Shrine
524 m天之斑駒神社
156 m御影龍神
155 m稲荷大明神
159 m京都ゴルフ倶楽部 上賀茂コース
764 m紫式部 歌碑
60 m自動車お祓い所
57 mStele, memorial
129 m世界文化遺産
251 m厄除弘法大師
819 m厄除弘法大師道
827 m御土居
586 m御土居
574 m史跡 御土居
570 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes