Kyoto · Northeast Kyoto
Shimogamo-jinja Shrine
The shrine's official name is Kamo-mioya Jinja. It is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, older than the move of the capital to the city, and it is dedicated to the god Kamo Taketsunumi and his daughter Tamayori-hime. The two main halls, east and west, were built in 1863 and are National Treasures, and 53 more buildings are Important Cultural Properties. Since 1994 the shrine has been part of the World Heritage Site of ancient Kyoto.
The approach to the shrine passes through the Tadasu-no-Mori forest, about 124 thousand square meters of ancient natural vegetation between two rivers. On 15 May the Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto's three great festivals, sets out from here.
In July, on the days of 'doyo no ushi', the Mitarashi ritual takes place: you dip your feet in the spring pool next to the shrine. According to tradition, the bubbles that rise from the pool gave mitarashi dango its shape: rice balls on a skewer in a sweet soy sauce. At Kawai Shrine, inside the grounds, people pray for beauty.
Good to know
- Start at the Kamo River delta near Demachiyanagi and walk north through the forest to the red gate. That way you see the whole forest and not just the shrine.
- Kawai Shrine closes at 16:30, half an hour before the main gate.
- The Eizan Railway from Kurama and Kibune returns to Demachiyanagi, and the shrine is a 12-minute walk from there. It is a convenient end to a day in the north.
What is nearby
Approximate walking minutes from the entrance of Shimogamo-jinja Shrine.
- HereShimogamo-jinja Shrine
- ~6 min
Kamo Mitarashi Chaya Cafe
A sweet shop from 1922 near the shrine, known as the place where mitarashi dango was born. Eat in or take away. Cash only.
- ~9 min
Shimogamo Saryo Food
A kaiseki restaurant from 1856 at the southern edge of the Tadasu forest, with a menu that changes every month.
- ~12 min
Kamogawa Delta More to see
Where the Kamo and Takano rivers meet, in the shape of the letter delta. You cross the water on stepping stones shaped like turtles and birds. Free.
- ~13 min
Demachi Futaba Food
A wagashi shop from 1899, known for its mame-mochi, a rice cake with beans and bean paste. Takeaway only, and the products are good for that day only. Cash only.
- ~15 min
Demachi Masugata Shopping Street Street
A neighborhood arcade between Kawaramachi and Teramachi, with food and everyday shops. It was the model for the street in the anime series 'Tamako Market' (2013).
More in Northeast Kyoto
Appears in: Kurama and Kibune: a walk on the tengu's mountain, the water shrine, and a meal above the stream