What is Shimogamo-jinja Shrine?
Located in the northern part of Kyoto City, Shimogamo-jinja Shrine (official name: Kamo Goso-jinja Shrine) is one of Kyoto's historical shrines and a World Heritage Site.
Surrounded by the Tadasu Forest, the source of the Kamo River, the shrine is known as a beautiful spot where nature and history are in harmony.
The shrine has been worshipped as the guardian deity of Kyoto since ancient times and is famous for its prestigious status, attracting many visitors.
Historical Background
Shimogamo-jinja Shrine dates back to ancient times and is said to have existed as early as 90 BC.
The shrine has protected the area since before the Heian-kyo capital was built, and together with Kamigamo Shrine, it is an important shrine worshipped by the Kamo clan in Kyoto.
The shrine is also known as the site of the Kamo Matsuri ( Aoi Mats uri today) held in the Heian period (794-1185), and the Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto's four major festivals, is still held in May each year.
Main Highlights
Tadasunomori (Tadasunomori Forest)
Tadasunomori is a vast forest that stretches over 120,000 square meters within the precincts of Shimogamo Shrine.
Lined with trees several hundred years old, it is a quiet space where visitors can forget the hustle and bustle of the city.
Just walking along the approach to the shrine, one can feel the energy of nature and calm down.
Mitarai Festival
The Mitarashi Festival, held in July, attracts many worshippers to purify their feet.
This event, in which visitors dip their feet in the cold Mitarashi Pond to pray for good health, is a well-known summer tradition in Kyoto.
Lou-mon Gate and Maiten (dance hall)
The vermilion-lacquered Toromon Gate is the symbol of Shimogamo Shrine and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
The Maiten (dance hall), located behind the gate, is where Gagaku (ancient court music) and Shinto rituals are performed, and conveys the atmosphere of the Heian period.
Access Information
Address
59 Shimogamo-Izumigawa-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
How to access
- Train: 12 min. walk from Demachiyanagi Sta. on the Keihan Line
- Bus: Short walk from Shimogamo-jinja-mae bus stop by Kyoto City Bus.
- Bicycle: Cycling along the Kamo River is also recommended.
Points of interest when visiting the shrine
- Early morning visit is recommended: Visiting early in the morning allows you to avoid the crowds and take a leisurely stroll in the quiet precincts of the shrine.
- Collecting red seals: Beautiful red seals are popular at Shimogamo Shrine. Bring your own red seal book to commemorate your trip.
- Visit on the day of Aoi Matsuri (hollyhock festival): Aoi Matsuri (hollyhock festival) in May is one of Kyoto's representative traditional events. The procession of people dressed in Heian-period costumes is a must-see.
Conclusion
Shimogamo-jinja Shrine is one of Kyoto's most popular tourist spots, combining history and nature. Visitors can not only stroll through the Tadasunomori forest and see the historical buildings, but also participate in various rituals and festivals throughout the year. The Mitarashi Festival in summer and the Aoi Matsuri Festival in May are especially worth visiting. We encourage you to visit these festivals when sightseeing in Kyoto.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the hours of worship at Shimogamo Shrine?
A: The normal hours of worship are 6:30 am to 5:00 pm. However, please check the official website for details as they may vary depending on the season and events.
Q: Is there a fee to visit the shrine?
A: There is no charge to visit the shrine grounds, but there may be a fee for special visits and events.
Q: Are there any sightseeing spots near Shimogamo Shrine?
A: Kamigamo Shrine and the Kamo River are nearby. We encourage you to explore the surrounding area as well, which is conveniently accessible by bicycle.
