Kamigamo Shrine, Kyoto

Name: Kamigamo Shrine
Address: Kyoto, Japan
Telephone: +81-75-781-0011

#22 among attractions in Kyoto

Unesco, Temple

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Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / 663highland / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0 / SarahStierch / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / Fg2 / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.5 / 663highland / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0 / SarahStierch / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.5 / 663highland / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / もかめーる / URL

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the verdant landscape of Kyoto, Kamigamo Shrine stands as a serene testament to Japan's ancient Shinto traditions. This historic shrine, one of the oldest in Japan, has been a spiritual sanctuary since its establishment in 678 AD. Kamigamo Shrine, along with its sister shrine Shimogamo Shrine, form the Kamo Shrines, both of which are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.

The shrine is renowned for its picturesque setting by the Kamo River, surrounded by a protective forest that has stood untouched for centuries. The approach to the shrine is marked by the iconic Tatesuna, two conical sand mounds symbolizing the purification of the visiting worshippers before they enter the sacred space.

Kamigamo Shrine is celebrated for its elegant architecture, particularly the Honden, or main hall, which is a prime example of the Nagare-zukuri style characterized by a gently sloping roof extending over the front. The complex includes a variety of auxiliary shrines and halls, each contributing to the tranquil atmosphere of the site.

One of the most significant events at Kamigamo Shrine is the Aoi Matsuri, an annual festival held every May. This grand festival, one of Kyoto's three major festivals, features a procession of participants in Heian period costumes and elaborate rituals that highlight the living tradition of the shrine.

Visitors to Kamigamo Shrine can experience the charm of Kyoto's spiritual heritage throughout the year. The shrine grounds offer a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city, inviting guests to stroll along the shaded paths, purify themselves at the chozuya water pavilion, and pay their respects at the various altars.

Local name: 賀茂別雷神社 Established: 678 (1346 years ago)Unesco: from 1994Area: 0.94 mi²Coordinates: 35°3'34"N, 135°45'11"E

Address

Kyoto Japan

Contact

+81-75-781-0011

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Kyoto

Day trips

Kamigamo Shrine – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Daitoku-ji, Kyoto Botanical Garden, Kamigamo Shrine, Kōtō-in.

1.1 miS
Buddhist temple site known for gardens
Daitoku-ji, Kyoto
30 min walk • Nestled in the northern part of Kyoto, Daitoku-ji stands as a testament to the city's deep-rooted Zen Buddhist traditions. This sprawling temple complex, established in the 14th century, is not only a place of religious significance but also a serene park that offers a...
0.9 miSE
Botanical gardens with a serene setting
Kyoto Botanical Garden, Kyoto
24 min walk • The Kyoto Botanical Garden, nestled in the heart of the ancient city of Kyoto, Japan, is a verdant oasis that offers a serene escape from the urban landscape. Established in 1924, this expansive park encompasses an area of roughly 240,000 square meters and is renowned...
~300 ftW
Temple, Sacred and religious sites, Historical place
Kamigamo Shrine, Kyoto
2 min walk • Kamo Shrine is a general term for an important Shinto sanctuary complex on both banks of the Kamo River in northeast Kyoto. It is centered on two shrines.
1.3 miSW
Buddhist architecture, Temple, Sacred and religious sites
Kōtō-in, Kyoto
33 min walk • Kōtō-in is a sub-temple of Daitoku-ji, Kyoto, Japan. It was founded by Hosokawa Tadaoki. There is a teahouse, the Shōkō-ken, and the gardens are celebrated for their momiji.
1.3 miS
Buddhist architecture, Temple, Sacred and religious sites
Ryōgen-in, Kyoto
33 min walk • Ryōgen-in is a subtemple of the Daitoku-ji Buddhist complex, located in Kita-ku, Kyoto, Japan. It was constructed in 1502. There are five gardens adjoining the abbot's residence, including Totekiko, Isshi-dan, Koda-tei, and Ryogin-tei.
1.1 miSW
Temple, Sacred and religious sites
Imamiya Shrine, Kyoto
29 min walk • Imamiya Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Kita-ku, Kyoto, Japan. It was originally established for patrons to pray for safety from an epidemic, though it has evolved into a shrine where patrons can pray for general good health.
1.1 miS
Buddhist architecture, Sacred and religious sites, Buddhist temple
Daisen-in, Kyoto
29 min walk • Daisen-in is a sub-temple of Daitoku-ji, a temple of the Rinzai school of Zen in Buddhism, one of the five most important Zen temples of Kyoto. The name means "The Academy of the Great Immortals." Daisen-in was founded by the Zen priest Kogaku Sōkō, and was built between 1509 and 1513.
~1990 ftS
Museum, Specialty museum
Koryo Museum of Art, Kyoto
10 min walk • The Koryo Museum of Art opened in Kyoto, Japan, in 1988. The collection amassed by the Museum's founder, pachinko magnate and izakaya operator Jeong Jo-mun, comprises some 1,700 objects including Goryeo celadons, Joseon white porcelain, Buddhist art, Korean folk art...
1.2 miS
Temple, Sacred and religious sites
Jukō-in, Kyoto
30 min walk • Jukō-in is a sub-temple of Daitoku-ji, Kyoto, Japan. It was founded in 1566 as the mortuary temple of Miyoshi Nagayoshi. In 1589 Sen no Rikyū designated it as the mortuary temple for his family. The Hondō and chashitsu are Important Cultural Properties and the gardens have been designated a Place of Scenic Beauty.
1.2 miSW
Temple, Sacred and religious sites
Sōken-in, Kyoto
30 min walk • Sōken-in is a sub-temple of Daitoku-ji, Kyoto, Japan. It was founded by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1582 as the mortuary temple of Oda Nobunaga.
1 miSE
Theater, Concerts and shows, Concert hall
Kyoto Concert Hall, Kyoto
27 min walk • Kyoto Concert Hall is a concert hall in Sakyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan. It opened in 1995 as part of the 1200th anniversary celebrations of the foundation of Heian-kyō. The shoebox-style Main Hall seats 1833 and the Ensemble Hall Murata 500. It is the home of the Kyoto Symphony Orchestra.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Kamigamo Shrine?

Nearby attractions include Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, Kyoto (2 min walk), Tadasu no Mori, Kyoto (2 min walk), Kamigamo Shrine, Kyoto (2 min walk), Koryo Museum of Art, Kyoto (10 min walk).

How to get to Kamigamo Shrine by public transport?

The nearest stations to Kamigamo Shrine:

Bus

上賀茂神社前 • Lines: 30, 32, 35, 36, 4, バス, 快速35 (4 min walk)
御薗口町 • Lines: 4 (4 min walk)

Metro

Kitayama • Lines: K (23 min walk)
Kitaōji • Lines: K (28 min walk)

Train

Kyoto Seikadai-mae (34 min walk)