Shimogamo Shrine

Shimogamo Shrine - Kyoto

December 01, 2018

Shimogamo Shrine (下鴨神社) is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kyoto. It is located at 59 Shimogamo Izumigawa-cho, Sakyu ward, Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.

Shimogamo Shrine

Shimogamo History

Formally called Kamo-mioya-jinja, Shimogamo Shrine is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. The shrine is traditionally linked to a sister shrine called Kamigamo Shrine and the two are referred to as the Kamo-jinja. However, Shimogamo Shrine is the oldest of the two and is believed to have been built sometime in the 6th century before Heian-kyo (Kyoto City) became the capital of Japan. Going back, the two shrines were designated as chief Shinto shrines (inchinomiya) for the former Yamashiro Province. The shrines function as "protection" of the capital from malign influences.

Tadasu no Mori

Ichi-no-Torii leading to the shrine

Check out the boat-shaped chozuya

Now, focusing on Shimogamo Shrine, it is dedicated to the veneration of Tamayori-hime (spirit-inviting maiden) and her father Kamo Taketsunomi. From 1871 to 1946, Shimogamo Shrine was officially designated as one of the Kanpei-taisha or shrines supported by the government. Throughout time, Shimogamo Shrine has been graced by several Imperial visits. These are:

Emperor Kanmu in 794
Emperor Suzaku in 942
Emperor En'yu in 979
Emperor Horikawa in 1088
Emperor Go-Shirakawa in 1156

Things to see in Shimogamo Shrine:

Shimogamo Shrine's Romon

Aioisha

The Komo-daru or decorative sake barrels

Zodiac Ema... Choose your birth year when buying one

Going to the shrine proper through the Naka-mon or Middle Gate

Shimogamo Shrine's Honden

Check out these sake bottles offered to the shrine

Some Kotosha or sub-shrines

The ema rack with the wishes of its visitors

Can you guess what was the Zodiac sign when we visited?

Mitarashi-sha

The Hashi-dono or Bridge Hall... The Tama-hashi bridge is seen on the far right side of the photo

The Maido-no or Dance Hall with the Shinbukuden or clothing hall at its background

We got to visit Shimogamo Shrine during the 7th day of our 2018 Japan trip. However, it was only me who explored the shrine complex as my wife and our friend Gil had a lot of catching up to do after 10 years of not seeing each other. What I love about Shimogamo Shrine aside from the rustic feel was the fact that it was surrounded by nature. I actually spent quite some time reflecting here while listening to the chirping birds and insects create a harmonious melody that gives out an aura of calmness. I also did not miss out on the chance of getting a goshuin here for my collection.

There they are... found them just as where I left them

Shimogamo Shrine Admission Fee:

It is FREE to explore the Shimogamo Shrine grounds. You can donate in any of the coin boxes found in the Honden and numerous sub-shrines.

Shimogamo Shrine Opening Hours:

Shimogamo Shrine is open from 6:30AM to 5PM every day.

Why visit Shimogamo Shrine?

Shimogamo Shrine is a must-visit not only for nature lovers, pilgrims, and history buffs but also for those looking for a place where one can get in touch with his inner self. Aside from that, who wouldn't want to visit one destination that's declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Getting to Shimogamo Shrine:

You can ride either one of these Kyoto City Buses; #1, #3, #4, #17, #102, #201, or #203 and board down at Damachiyanagi bus stop. From there, the shrine is just a 6-10 minute walk away.

You can also ride Kyoto City bus #1, #7, or #205 then board down at Aoibashi Nishidume bus stop. From there, walk through the Tadasu-no-Mori Forest towards the shrine.

Ratings: