Shimogamo Shrine

World Heritage site & partner shrine to Kamigamo Shrine

Cathy Cawood Feb 24, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>View of the main gate from the shrine courtyard</p>

<p>A red wooden lantern and an inscribed rock stand at the entrance to Shimogamo Shrine</p>

<p>A small stream flows beside the road through the ancient forest remnant of Tadasu-no-Mori</p>

<p>A display of strange sculpture under the trees</p>

<p>Bamboo scoops for ritual hand-washing rest on a huge rock<br />
 </p>

<p>Large paper lanterns with the Imperial chrysanthemum motif hang within the gate</p>

<p>Typical traditional sliding doors of wooden lattice and paper</p>

<p>You cannot walk on the arched red bridge</p>

<p>Expanse of water in front of a small shrine<br />
 </p>

<p>Shrine worker with broom in hand<br />
 </p>

<p>Rattan blind with brocade edging and large tassels</p>

<p>A couple dressed in kimono approach the gate</p>

<p>Red wooden lantern stands beside a sacred rock</p>

<p>This long straight path from the shrine to the road entrance is where the Aoi Festival horse races take place.</p>

This ancient shrine existed since before Kyoto became the Imperial capital in 794, and the shrine precinct includes the remains of a primeval forest even older than the shrine. It is one of Kyoto's 'Kamo Shrines' (the other is Kamigamo Shrine), and was deeply revered by the Heian Imperial court. In May the Aoi Festival procession stops at Shimogamo Shrine before continuing on to Kamigamo Shrine, and horse races and a display of equestrian archery are held.

More info

Find out more about Shimogamo Shrine.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...