Kamigamojinja
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TEL :075-781-0011 Address :339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto Access :JR Kyoto Station > (city bus number 4 ) > Kamikamojinja mae bus stop Parking :There is a parking lot(Paid) |
Introduction to Kamigamo-jinja shrine
Kamigamo-jinja Shrine is a shrine that boasts a history said to be the oldest in Kyoto. In ancient Japan, gods descended to the mountains, and people worshipped them from the foot of the mountains. This shrine originates from the descent of the enshrined deity, Kamo-Wakeikazuchi-no-Okami, to Mount Koyama, located to the north-northwest.
This shrine preserves ancient forms of worship to this day. The shrine grounds contain two National Treasures and 41 Important Cultural Properties, and are also registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
The grounds of Kamigamo-jinja Shrine
After passing through the second torii gate, you will arrive at the Hosodono. The two mounds created in front of it are called tatezuna (standing sand mounds). It represents Mount Koyama, where the gods first descended, and serves the role of welcoming the gods.
Further inside, you’ll find a vermilion-painted gate. If you pass through here, you will find the middle gate, and further beyond that is the main hall, a national treasure.
Special prayers and viewing
Special prayers and viewings are accepted here at any time. It’s 500 yen per person. Upon applying, you will be given a purification sash to wear around your neck.
Wearing this, you can receive prayers from the Shinto priest and view gardens and treasures that are normally off-limits.
It’s a very valuable experience, so I recommend participating if you have the time.
Other Highlights
There are many subsidiary shrines and smaller shrines within the grounds of Kamigamo-jinja Shrine.
Among them, Kataoka-sha is particularly popular. This shrine is dedicated to Tamayorihime-no-Mikoto, the mother of Kamo-Wakeikazuchi-no-Okami, and is especially believed to bring good fortune in matchmaking.
Murasaki Shikibu, the author of The Tale of Genji, which had a great influence on Japanese literature, also visited this shrine.
The Shokeien Garden, located to the right after passing through the second torii gate, is said to have been the site of a pond where a dragon lived. The stone unearthed from the bottom of the pond is said to represent the ultimate fusion of yin and yang. You can receive its power by touching it with both hands simultaneously.
Behind the main hall of Kamigamo-jinja Shrine lies Mount Koyama, where a pure spring has been preserved since ancient times.
Coffee made with that water is sold. It has a smooth texture and a gentle aroma of coffee beans.
