Shimogamo Shrine, officially known as Kamo Mioya Shrine, is one of Kyoto’s oldest Shinto shrines. Together with Kamigamo Shrine, officially known as Kamo-wakeikazuchi Shrine, it forms the pair of shrines collectively called the Kamo Shrines.
The shrine grounds are designated a historic site, and the complex preserves an exceptional collection of traditional Japanese architecture. The East and West Main Halls are designated National Treasures of Japan, while 31 other buildings, including the tower gate, dance hall, sacred clothing hall, and four-legged middle gate, are designated Important Cultural Properties.
Shimogamo Shrine is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Its distinctive atmosphere comes not only from its historic buildings but also from the vast woodland surrounding the shrine, which offers a rare natural sanctuary in the heart of the city.
The shrine has two main halls, each dedicated to a different deity. The East Hall enshrines Tamayorihime-no-Mikoto, the mother of Kamo-wakeikazuchi-no-Okami, the deity worshipped at Kamigamo Shrine. The West Hall enshrines Kamo Taketsunumi-no-Mikoto, Tamayorihime’s father and the grandfather of Kamo-wakeikazuchi-no-Okami.
The name Kamo Mioya Shrine reflects this ancestral relationship, as the shrine honors the divine family from which the deity of Kamigamo Shrine descends.
Two legendary figures associated with Kamo Taketsunumi-no-Mikoto are the golden kite, or Kinshi, and the three-legged crow known as Yatagarasu. Yatagarasu is especially famous in Japanese mythology as a divine guide.
In front of Mitarashi Shrine, a subsidiary shrine within the grounds, lies Mitarashi Pond, where clear spring water rises from the earth. The water has long been used in religious ceremonies and purification rituals.
The sacred water is associated with the purification of the Saiō-dai, the ceremonial representative of the imperial court who participates in the Aoi Matsuri festival. According to shrine traditions, the water can also be drunk.
Visitors can try a special fortune-telling experience known as mizu-mikuji, or water fortune slips. The fortunes initially appear blank or difficult to read, but the written message emerges when the paper is placed in the water of Mitarashi Pond.
The pond is also associated with the origins of mitarashi dango, a popular Japanese sweet made from small rice-flour dumplings served on skewers. The traditional connection between the pond and this beloved treat adds another layer of cultural interest to a visit.
Kotoyasha, also known as Koto-sha or Kotosha, is a group of small shrines within the grounds that is associated with the twelve animals of the Japanese zodiac. Each shrine serves as a guardian for people born in a particular zodiac year and is believed to offer its own blessings.
Visitors can explore these shrines to discover the traditional beliefs surrounding the zodiac and seek blessings associated with their birth year.
Aioi Shrine is especially popular with visitors seeking blessings for love, marriage, and harmonious relationships.
One of its most famous features is a sacred tree known as Renri no Sakaki. Two trees have grown together and become joined into a single trunk, a natural phenomenon traditionally regarded as a symbol of a strong and enduring bond.
The tree has become a symbol of good fortune in relationships, attracting couples and visitors who wish to pray for lasting connections.
Kawai Shrine, another subsidiary shrine within the Shimogamo Shrine complex, is particularly popular among women. It enshrines Tamayorihime-no-Mikoto, who is revered as the mother of Emperor Jimmu, the legendary first emperor of Japan.
Because her name and image are associated with jewel-like beauty, she is also worshipped as a deity of beauty. Visitors can purchase special wooden votive plaques called kagami ema, shaped like hand mirrors.
Visitors decorate the front of these mirror-shaped plaques with a face representing their desired appearance, then write their wishes on the reverse. The ritual expresses a hope to cultivate not only outward beauty but also inner beauty and personal growth.
Tadasu no Mori, or the Forest of Tadasu, is one of the shrine’s most remarkable features. Covering approximately 36,000 tsubo (about 119,000 square meters), this historic woodland is believed to have roots extending back to the Jomon period, which began thousands of years ago.
The forest has survived through centuries of urban development and remains a precious natural refuge in Kyoto. Its towering trees, shaded paths, and tranquil atmosphere offer a striking contrast to the busy city beyond its borders.
Walking through Tadasu no Mori is an opportunity to experience the close relationship between nature and Shinto worship. The forest is not merely a scenic setting; it is an integral part of the shrine’s sacred landscape and historical identity.
Shimogamo Shrine is an important center of Kyoto’s religious heritage. Its National Treasure main halls, historic subsidiary shrines, sacred springs, and ancient forest preserve traditions that have continued for generations.
As part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the shrine offers visitors a chance to explore the history of Japan’s ancient capital while enjoying one of its most peaceful natural settings. Whether you are interested in mythology, traditional architecture, spiritual customs, or woodland scenery, Shimogamo Shrine is a memorable destination in Kyoto.
Shimogamo Shrine is located at 59 Shimogamo Izumigawa-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto.
Visitors arriving by car can approach from either the Kyoto-Higashi Interchange or the Kyoto-Minami Interchange. From the Kyoto-Higashi Interchange, follow Sanjo Street toward Kawaramachi Street, turn right, and continue toward Aoi Bridge. After crossing the bridge, turn right at the fourth traffic signal; the shrine is nearby. From the Kyoto-Minami Interchange, follow National Route 1 north, then travel via Horikawa and Kawaramachi streets toward Aoi Bridge. After crossing the bridge, turn right at the fourth traffic signal.
Opening and closing hours: 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Hours of admission: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Open all year round
Admission fee
Adult: 500 yen per person
Children: 250 yen per child (up to 6th grade)
By car
From Kyoto East Interchange
From the Kyoto East Interchange on the expressway, follow the road along Sanjo Street,
Pass in front of the Westin Miyako Hotel Kyoto and go straight to Kawaramachi Dori,
Turn right at the Sanjo Kawaramachi Dori intersection and continue straight (approximately 10 minutes),
Cross the Aoi Bridge and go straight (about 10 minutes) from the traffic light at the end of crossing.
Turn right at the fourth traffic light (Lawson is on the left side).
From Kyoto Minami Interchange
Take Route 1 in a northerly direction (to Horikawa) → Turn right at Horikawa Gojo (about 10 minutes)
Turn right at Horikawa Gojo (to Kawaramachi) → Turn left at Kawaramachi Gojo
Turn left at Kawaramachi-Gojo (follow the road for a while)
After crossing the Aoi Bridge, turn right at the fourth traffic light (there is a Lawson on the left side).