
Shimogamo-Jinja Shrine, Kyoto
Shimogamo-Jinja is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto and one of the 17 monuments in the old city declared World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO.
The shrine dates back to the 6th century and was originally constructed to protect the city of Kyoto. It is located within a forest, called Tadasu no Mori (the “Forest of Truth”), and is dedicated to the deities Kamotaketsunumi-no-Mikoto and his daughter Tamayorihime-no-Mikoto, as well as to the God of Fire and Thunder, Honoikazuchi-no-Mikoto. The shrine received imperial patronage during the Haien Era and from 1871 to 1946, being a Kanpei-Taisha or government-supported shrine of the first rank.
Shimogamo-Jinja is famous for the annual Aoi Matsuri (“Hollyhock”) Festival that takes place on May 15th. It is also the site of an annual New Year Ritual, called Kemari Hajime. Kemari is a traditional Japanese sport originated in the Haien Era. It had almost disappeared after the Meiji Restoration but was revived by the efforts of the Kemari Preservation Society in 1903. The Tadasu no Mori surrounding the shrine is a green oasis of tranquility amid the bustling metropolis. The park has many ancient and beautiful trees, is crisscrossed by clear streams, and has been regarded as an important Haien-era botanical garden.
Why You Should Visit:
The shrine itself is not big, but the surrounding it park-like area offers a pleasant respite in the shade of old trees.
The tall bamboo is peaceful and a very nice alternative to the usually crowded bamboo grove in Arashiyama.
Tip:
Any festival held here has some interesting traditions to it, so it's probably best to visit here with a knowledgeable guide to explain them.
Opening Hours:
Daily: 5:30am-6pm (summer); 6:30am-5pm (winter)
The shrine dates back to the 6th century and was originally constructed to protect the city of Kyoto. It is located within a forest, called Tadasu no Mori (the “Forest of Truth”), and is dedicated to the deities Kamotaketsunumi-no-Mikoto and his daughter Tamayorihime-no-Mikoto, as well as to the God of Fire and Thunder, Honoikazuchi-no-Mikoto. The shrine received imperial patronage during the Haien Era and from 1871 to 1946, being a Kanpei-Taisha or government-supported shrine of the first rank.
Shimogamo-Jinja is famous for the annual Aoi Matsuri (“Hollyhock”) Festival that takes place on May 15th. It is also the site of an annual New Year Ritual, called Kemari Hajime. Kemari is a traditional Japanese sport originated in the Haien Era. It had almost disappeared after the Meiji Restoration but was revived by the efforts of the Kemari Preservation Society in 1903. The Tadasu no Mori surrounding the shrine is a green oasis of tranquility amid the bustling metropolis. The park has many ancient and beautiful trees, is crisscrossed by clear streams, and has been regarded as an important Haien-era botanical garden.
Why You Should Visit:
The shrine itself is not big, but the surrounding it park-like area offers a pleasant respite in the shade of old trees.
The tall bamboo is peaceful and a very nice alternative to the usually crowded bamboo grove in Arashiyama.
Tip:
Any festival held here has some interesting traditions to it, so it's probably best to visit here with a knowledgeable guide to explain them.
Opening Hours:
Daily: 5:30am-6pm (summer); 6:30am-5pm (winter)
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kyoto. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Shimogamo-Jinja Shrine on Map
Sight Name: Shimogamo-Jinja Shrine
Sight Location: Kyoto, Japan (See walking tours in Kyoto)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Kyoto, Japan (See walking tours in Kyoto)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Kyoto, Japan
Create Your Own Walk in Kyoto
Creating your own self-guided walk in Kyoto is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Arashiyama and Bamboo Grove Walking Tour
The Arashiyama district is slightly out of way for tourists – but that just means one can enjoy it more comfortably. While arguably the most popular attraction here is the 'bamboo path' with its magnificent, towering bamboos, you should also enjoy other scenic attractions such as the Ōi River and Mount Arashi, or the Monkey Park, all within walking distance and selected/described in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Gion District Walking Tour
Famed for being one of the most mesmerizing parts of Kyoto, Gion is the area long associated with traditional Japanese entertainment, stunning temples, geisha and local eateries ideal to while away a day in the ancient capital of Japan. The district forms part of the Higashiyama (“Eastern Mountain”) neighborhood lying north and south of Shijo Street, stretching from Yasaka Shrine in the east... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Higashiyama Walking Tour
Kyoto is a city catering for tourists, especially the ones with love of history, religion and, of course, Japanese culture. Many of Kyoto's attractions are located in the eastern part of the city, which itself is split into wards. One of them is the Higashiyama Ward, home to several famous temples of Kyoto, including centuries-old Zen and Shinto sites such as lantern-lit Yasaka shrine and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Imperial Kyoto Walking Tour
The former capital of Japan, Kyoto is the city of tradition, history and culture. Attesting to this is the central part of the city, replete with historic attractions – centuries-old imperial palaces, castles and shrines that have seen a lot in the turbulent past of Kyoto. The explore the most prominent of them and to feel the breath of antiquity, follow this self-guided walk.
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Walk on Philosopher's Path
Extending about 2 km along a canal carrying water from Lake Biwa to the foothills, the Philosopher's Path (so called because famed Japanese philosopher, Nishida Kitaro, used to walk it as a daily meditation before WWII) is perfect for a leisurely stroll with views that change through the seasons; cherries followed by new green leaves and, then again, the pastel hues of autumn.
It's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
It's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Kyoto Shopping and Food Tour
The cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is just as famous as a shopper’s paradise and is, without saying, the best place in the country to buy traditional and modern Japanese goods. Souvenirs, food, bargains and various “one-of-a-kind items” are all up for grabs here. If you would like to walk around Kyoto on your own two feet and enjoy shopping and authentic Japanese cooking, follow this... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
18 Japanese Products To Bring Home from Kyoto
The old capital of Japan, the city of Kyoto has once again been the talk of the world lately, thanks to the bestselling "Memoirs of a Geisha" book and the namesake Hollywood blockbuster movie. Renowned for its impeccable craftsmanship, Japan has so much to amaze a foreign eye with. Many of...