Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine
Cost
free
Attractions > Kyoto > Shrines Temples > Kyoto North
About | Access | Hotels & Lodging | Hours & Fees
Shimogamo Gate at Shimogamo Shrine by 32X (Public Domain)
About
The Kamo Shrines are composed of Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine on the Kamo River in northeast Kyoto. In ancient times people of the area believed that the Northeast brought misfortune so the two shrines were built on either side of the river to block evil from entering the city. Both of the shrines are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, considered "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto" AND are two of the most important and oldest shrines in Kyoto. The shrines were actually constructed before the city of Kyoto existed and for the thousand years Kyoto served as the capitol of Japan, the Imperial Court made many visits.
Shimogamo Shrine (下賀茂神社, Shimogamo Jinja, "Lower Kamo Shrine"):Sits right where the Takano and Kamo rivers come together. The shrine is surrounded by "Tadasu no Mori" (a forest) which was preserved by the city and is said to be over 600 years old.
Kamigamo Shrine (上賀茂神社, Kamigamo Jinja, "Upper Kamo Shrine"): Is a little north of the Shimogamo Shrine on the east side of the river. It is famous for it's rock garden which has two "Sand Cones" that have been made since ancient times. The "Sand Cones" in the rock garden are said to purify the shrine against evil.
The shrines jointly hold the "Hollyhock Festival" (or Aoi Matsuri) May 15th (please see the detail page for exact event dates) which leaves from the Kyoto Imperial Palace. A large procession dressed in the style of the Heian court makes it's way from the Kyoto Imperial Palace up to Shimogamo and then makes it's way to Kamigama where it ends. The festival is popular with Japanese and tourists alike as the participants are decked out in beautiful and traditional costumes which make for excellent photos.
Access
Closest Train Station: Kitayama
339 Motoyama, Kamigamo
Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8047 Japan
Tel: 075-781-0011
Shimogamo Shrine: 15 min. walk from Demachi-Yanagi Station on the Keihan Line.
Kamigamo Shrine: 30-45 min. walk from Demachi-Yanagi Station on the Keihan Line OR take a Kyoto city bus number 4 from Shimogamo Shrine.
Hotels & Lodging
View a full list of Hotels and Lodging in or nearby Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine.
Hours & Fees
Hours: The grounds of Shrines and Temples are generally open 27/7, 365 days a year but, many set their own hours. If hours are set, they are generally open from 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. in the morning and close around 4:30 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. in the evening.
Cost: The general grounds of Shrines and Temples are free but may charge a small fee (a couple/few hundred yen) for special gardens, exhibitions, artifact viewing, etc.
Information presented is based on the time it was created. There may be changes since publication. Please confirm information by visiting the Official Website before visiting.
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