Kamigamo Shrine

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Kamigamo Shrine (Photo: mTaira / Shutterstock.com)

The Kamo Shrines, Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine are both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are two of the most important and oldest shrines in Kyoto. They are located in the north of the city and are intentionally placed to ward off evil and Protect the city In fact, the two Kamo shrines are even older than the city, which became the national capital in 794.

Overview

Address

339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8047 (Directions)

Hours

5:30 - 17:00 Closed now

Opening Hours

Monday 5:30 - 17:00
Tuesday 5:30 - 17:00
Wednesday 5:30 - 17:00
Thursday 5:30 - 17:00
Friday 5:30 - 17:00
Saturday 5:30 - 17:00
Sunday 5:30 - 17:00
Holidays 5:30 - 17:00

Price

Free entry

Phone Number

075-781-0011

Website

https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/english/

What's unique

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site

General Amenities

  • Prayer rooms
  • Information Counter

Access

20 minutes on foot from Kitaoji Station

15 minutes walk from Kitayama Station

30-minute bus ride #4 Kyoto City Bus from JR Kyoto Station get off at last stop Kamigamo Shrine

Upcoming Events

Aoi Matsuri Festival

Aoi Matsuri Festival

Bonson Lam

The Aoi Matsuri is one of the oldest and most celebrated festivals in Japan. So much so, the word “Matsuri” originally referred only to the Aoi festival.

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Kamigamo Shrine in Summer

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Aoi Matsuri Festival

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The Kamo Shrines, Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine are both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are two of the most important and oldest shrines in Kyoto. They are located in the north of the city and are intentionally placed to ward off evil and Protect the city In fact, the two Kamo shrines are even older than the city, which became the national capital in 794. Shimogamo Shrine is located at the confluence of the Takano and Kamo Rivers and is surrounded by a forest that contains trees up to 600 years old. The Kamigamo Shrine is about three and a half kilometers upstream and is known for two sand cones on its site, which have a cleaning function for the sanctuary and have been ritually made since ancient times. Together the shrines host one of Kyoto's three biggest festivals, the Aoi Matsuri, which takes place on May 15th.

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