Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo Mioya Shrine)

Shimogamo Shrine (officially known as Kamo Mioya Shrine) is located in the Sakyo Ward of Kyoto City and is registered as a World Heritage site as part of the "Cultural Assets of Ancient Kyoto." This shrine is surrounded by the Kamo River and the Takano River, nestled in the lush natural environment of the Tadasu no Mori forest. The forest is home to approximately 600 trees, aged between 200 and 600 years, and is known as a spiritual spot.

The deities enshrined here are Kamo Taketsunomi no Mikoto and Tamayori Hime no Mikoto, with Tamayori Hime being particularly popular among women as a goddess of matchmaking and safe childbirth. This shrine, along with Kamigamo Shrine, is known as "Kamo Shrine," and the two share a close relationship.

Every year in May, one of Kyoto's three major festivals, the "Aoi Matsuri," takes place. This festival features a procession of over 500 people moving from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Shimogamo Shrine, where rituals are solemnly conducted at the shrine.

Shimogamo Shrine offers many attractions and mysteries, such as the matchmaking ema (votive plaques) and the "Seven Wonders of Kamo," bringing peace of mind to its visitors.

Basic Information

Spot Name: Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo Mioya Shrine)
Location: 〒606-0807 59 Shimogamo Izumikawacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Access: About 25 minutes by bus from the Karasuma Subway Line "Kita-Oji Station," get off at "Shimogamo Shrine-mae" or "Tadasu no Mori-mae" immediately.
Approximately 12 minutes on foot from Keihan Electric Railway "Demachiyanagi Station."
Parking: Parking available
Business Hours: [Summer] 5:30 AM - 6:00 PM, [Winter] 6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Regular Holiday: Open year-round
Fees: Free
Special viewing of "Ooidono" - Adults 500 yen, Free for middle school students and below.
Contact Information: Phone Number：075-781-0010
Official Website: https://www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/