Orders

Kamigamo Shrine

Name: Kamigamo Shrine
Address: 339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8047, Japan
Rating: 4.5

4.5 (200)・Tourist Attraction・Place Of Worship・Point Of Interest・Establishment

Kamigamo Shrine, one of Kyoto's oldest Shinto shrines, dates back to 678 AD. It's located in the northern part of the city, surrounded by nature. The shrine is dedicated to the deity Kamo Wake-ikazuchi, who is believed to protect Kyoto from evil. The site is known for its annual Aoi Matsuri, a festival held every May that features a grand procession of people dressed in Heian period clothing.

The shrine's architecture showcases traditional Japanese design, with wooden structures, thatched roofs, and gravel pathways. The main buildings are the Honden and Gonden, where the deities are enshrined. Visitors often partake in rituals such as purification at the temizuya, a water basin, before entering the sacred areas.

Kamigamo Shrine is part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, recognized for its cultural and historical significance. The serene surroundings make it a peaceful retreat from the city, offering a glimpse into Japan's spiritual heritage.

Hours:

5:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Closed:

No closing days

Available:

All Year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Admission Fee:

Free

500 yen (Special Admission)

Hours

Monday: 5:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 5:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 5:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 5:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 5:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 5:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: 5:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 75-781-0011

Website

www.kamigamojinja.jp

The area

Address

339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8047, Japan

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What other travelers are saying about Kamigamo Shrine

I really enjoyed our visit here. You can freely walk around the area and there is the possibility of paying a fee to visit the inside of one of the shrines but we did not do it. The outdoor area was beautiful enough with vibrant orange colors and was very different from other shrines we have seen so far. Make sure not to miss a lovely stair with Torii which can be found on the left end side of the entrance lawn facing the exit.

Alessandro Balocco

Sep 25, 2024

I visit Kamigamo Shrine every time I am in Kyoto. It has a special atmosphere and is less crowded with tourists. I recommend walking along the river back to the city center after visiting the shrine. It takes about an hour to return to Shijō-Kawaramachi.

R Se

Jan 11, 2025

I stumbled upon Kamigamo while exploring the area, and I'm so glad I did. From the moment I walked through the gates, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. The shrine's tranquil atmosphere is palpable - it's like the world slows down and all that's left is the gentle rustling of leaves and the soft chirping of birds. what really drew me in was the sense of peace that permeates every inch of the grounds. I spent hours wandering the paths, taking in the vibrant flowers and lush greenery. What struck me most, though, was the way the shrine seems to quiet the mind. I felt my worries and cares melting away with each passing moment, replaced by a deep sense of calm and clarity. If you're looking for a place to unwind, reflect, or simply escape the chaos of everyday life.

Anandhu Prasad

Nov 8, 2024

We didn’t have enough time to do this shrine justice and will definitely return the next time we are in the area, but what we did see was quite impressive. The grounds are quite extensive and I would think you would need a couple hours to enjoy what this shrine has to offer. We loved the beautifully thatched rooves and general atmosphere.

Rory Rosszell

Apr 3, 2024

it was a nice place to sighsee, there was no one. The place is huge and a lot of interesting things to see. You can feel nature and mystical history vibe to the place. We were there on a Monday at 2pm, and there was almost no one. It was great and we enjoyed the place a lot.