Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo Mioya Shrine)

Located in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, this shrine's official name is Kamo Mioya Shrine. The enshrined deities are Kamo-Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto in the West Hall and Tamayori-Hime-no-Mikoto in the East Hall. Records of the construction of a sacred fence date back to the 7th year of Emperor Suinin's reign (90 BCE), suggesting worship existed even earlier, making it one of Kyoto's oldest shrines. Situated at the confluence of the Kamo and Takano rivers, it forms a pair with the upstream Kamigamo Shrine (Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine) as the clan shrine of the Kamo family. The Aoi Matsuri (Kamo Festival), held at both shrines, began in the 5th year of Emperor Kinmei's reign (544 CE) and is counted among Kyoto's three great festivals. The shrine grounds, known as 'Toshino Mori' (Forest of Toshino), retain traces of a primeval forest and are designated as a National Historic Site, preserving ancient vegetation. The two main halls are designated National Treasures, and 53 shrine buildings are Important Cultural Properties. The shrine is registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site as part of the 'Cultural Properties of Ancient Kyoto'.