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Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo Mioya Shrine)
〒606-0807 京都府京都市左京区下鴨泉川町５９
Located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, this shrine's official name is Kamo Mioya Shrine. The enshrined deities are Taketsunushi-no-Mikoto in the West Hall and Tamayori-hime-no-Mikoto in the East Hall. Records indicate that a sacred fence was constructed in the 7th year of Emperor Suinin's reign (90 BCE), suggesting worship predates this period, making it one of Kyoto's oldest shrines. Situated at the confluence of the Kamo River and Takano River, it forms a pair with Kamigamo Shrine (Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine) upstream, both serving as the clan shrines 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 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 site is registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site under 'Cultural Sites of Ancient Kyoto.'
History
One of Kyoto's oldest shrines, embraced by the 'Toshino Mori' (Forest of Toshino), and a World Heritage Site together with Kamigamo Shrine. The Aioi Shrine within the grounds is well-known as a shrine for matchmaking.
Blessings
It is worshipped for blessings related to love luck (matchmaking) and warding off misfortune.
What visitors say
A walk through the 'Toshino Mori' (Forest of Toshino) offers a healing time that calms the mind, providing a sensation of purification. The grounds also include Kawada Shrine; during visits, worshippers tour areas and main halls divided by their zodiac signs. Goshuin (calligraphic seal stamps) can be obtained at the reception on the right side before the main hall. Omamori (amulets) with designs that change by season or month are also popular.
Opening hours
- Monday: 6:00 – 17:00
- Tuesday: 6:00 – 17:00
- Wednesday: 6:00 – 17:00
- Thursday: 6:00 – 17:00
- Friday: 6:00 – 17:00
- Saturday: 6:00 – 17:00
- Sunday: 6:00 – 17:00
Annual events & festivals
- January 4Kemari Hajime (First Kemari of the Year)
An elegant New Year event featuring a dedicatory performance of kemari (traditional Japanese ball game) by performers in Heian-period attire.
On January 4, the Kemari Preservation Society performs an elegant dedicatory kemari, where players in Heian-period noble attire keep the ball in the air without letting it drop.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Kemari in Heian-period attire
- ・Elegant New Year tradition
- May 3Yabusame Shingi (Horseback Archery Rite)
A preliminary rite to the Aoi Matsuri, featuring a vigorous Shinto rite of shooting targets from horseback in the Susuki-no-mori forest.
On May 3, preceding the Aoi Matsuri, archers in hunting attire gallop through the horse arena in Susuki-no-mori forest, shooting targets from horseback in a vigorous Shinto rite.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Yabusame in Susuki-no-mori
- ・Preliminary rite to the Aoi Matsuri
- May 15Aoi Matsuri (Kamo Festival)
One of the three great festivals of Kyoto. The elegant procession in Heian-era court dress, known as the Michito no Gi.
One of the three great festivals of Kyoto, held together with Kamigamo Shrine. The Michito no Gi is a procession of approximately 500 people in Heian-era court dress, along with ox-carts, that proceeds from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines. It is a festival that resembles a scroll painting of the imperial court.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Michito no Gi (Imperial Court Procession)
- ・Decorations with Aoi (Hollyhock) leaves
- ・One of the three great festivals of Kyoto
- July, around the day of the Ox in the Dog daysMitarashi Matsuri (Ritual of Foot Washing)
The Ashi-tsuke Shinsai (Foot-Immersion Rite), where participants dip their feet in the Mitarashi Pond to pray for health and safety.
Around the day of the Ox in the Dog days, participants dip their feet in the Mitarashi Pond, light lamps, and perform the Ashi-tsuke Shinsai to pray for health and safety. The shrine is also known as the birthplace of Mitarashi dango (sweet rice dumplings).
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Ashi-tsuke Shinsai (Foot-Immersion Rite)
- ・Lamps at the Mitarashi Pond
- ・Birthplace of Mitarashi dango
Dates can shift from year to year. Please check the official information before you go.
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