Kamigamo Shrine (上賀茂神社), also known as Kamowakeikazuchi Shrine, is a Shinto shrine located in the northern part of Kyoto, Japan. It is one of the oldest and most important shrines in Japan, and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with Shimogamo Shrine, as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.”
The shrine is dedicated to the god Kamo Wake-ikazuchi, who is associated with thunder, and is said to have been established at least as early as 678. Throughout history, it has been deeply revered by the imperial court and samurai families. Its main hall (Honden), built in the traditional Shinto architectural style, and the Konden (権殿) are both designated as National Treasures of Japan.
One of the most distinctive features of Kamigamo Shrine is its beautiful natural setting. The shrine is located in a forested area at the base of Mount Kamo and is surrounded by gardens and ponds. The shrine’s annual Aoi Matsuri festival, held on May 15th, is a major event in Kyoto and features a grand procession of priests and participants dressed in Heian period attire.
Within the shrine grounds, visitors can also find the Hosoden (細殿), an Important Cultural Property used during the Aoi Matsuri, and the Romon Gate (楼門), another Important Cultural Property that serves as a symbol of the shrine. The grounds also encompass the sacred Koyama hill and the Narano Ogawa stream, creating a serene and natural atmosphere.
Kamigamo Shrine is believed to offer blessings for matchmaking and warding off evil. Additionally, Mitarashigawa, a stream within the shrine grounds, is said to be the birthplace of Mitarashi Dango, a popular sweet skewered dumpling covered in a sweet soy glaze.
Getting there
By Bus
- From Kyoto Station:
- Take bus #4 bound for Kamigamo-jinja, get off at “Kamigamo Jinja Mae” (about 30 minutes)
- Take bus #9 bound for Nishigamo Shako, get off at “Kamigamo Miso no Bashi”
- From Kitaoji Station (Karasuma Subway Line):
- Take bus #37 to “Kamigamo Miso no Bashi”
- Take Kita #3 bus to “Kamigamo Jinja Mae”
- From Kitayama Station (Karasuma Subway Line):
- Take bus #4 to “Kamigamo Jinja Mae”
By Train
- Take the Karasuma Subway Line to Kitayama Station, then walk about 15 minutes
By Car
- About 30 minutes from Kyoto Station
- About 20 minutes from Karasuma Station
- About 10 minutes from Kitaoji Station
Walking
- About 15 minutes walk from Kitayama Station
- About 20 minutes walk from Kitaoji Station
Details
| Hours | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Admission | Free |
| Phone | +81 75-781-0011 |
| Address | 339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8047 |
| Official Website | https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/en/ |