10 Shrines to Visit in Kyoto City
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| 10 Shrines to Visit in Kyoto City |
Kyoto (京都市) is the capital city of Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Kyoto City is one of the oldest municipalities in Japan. The kanji used for its name kyo (京) refers to a capital city or metropolis while to (都) means capital city/ metropolis/ governance. The city is home to more than 500 shrines, each of which has its own rich history.
For those planning to visit as many temples as they can in this historic city, here are the 10 Shrines to Visit in Kyoto City:
1. Okazaki Shrine (岡﨑神社). This small shrine is known to ward off bad luck as it has protected the Imperial family for generations. There are also hundreds of rabbit statues here as the shrine is dedicated to rabbits. Don’t forget to avail yourself of the goshuin of Okazaki Shrine for your collection before leaving.
2. Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine (錦天満宮). This small shrine might look like a normal shrine in the morning but at night, its lanterns give it a beautiful new look. It’s located in Nishiki Market so you can visit this shrine after enjoying the market’s unique delicacies. Don’t forget to avail yourself of the goshuin of Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine for your collection before leaving.
3. Kawai Shrine (河合神社). This shrine is renowned as the place to go if you seek to pray for beauty. Here, you can purchase an ema designed in the shape of a hand mirror. On it, you can draw your ideal face before offering your prayers, wishing that it becomes your own face. Don’t forget to avail yourself of the goshuin of Kawai Shrine for your collection before leaving.
4. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (北野天満宮). This 10th-century shrine is visited by students and those who are going to take exams. The shrine also has vast grounds worth checking out. Don’t forget to avail yourself of the goshuin of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine for your collection before leaving.
5. Heian Shrine (平安神宮). This shrine was created in 1895 during the city’s 1100th founding anniversary. It has vast grounds which are known for its landscaped gardens and cherry blossom trees. Don’t forget to avail of the goshuin of Heian Shrine for your collection before leaving.
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| Kifune Shrine |
6. Kifune Shrine (貴船神社). This shrine is located in the mountains of northern Kyoto. Aside from being surrounded by nature, this shrine is known for its lantern-lined path. Don’t forget to avail yourself of the goshuin of Kifune Shrine for your collection before leaving.
7. Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社). This shrine was constructed sometime in 656 AD. It is considered the guardian shrine of the Gion District. This shrine is also home to the Gion Matsuri, one of the country's most popular and oldest festivals. Don’t forget to avail yourself of the goshuin of Yasaka Shrine for your collection before leaving.
8. Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社). This shrine is probably one of the most popular shrines in Kyoto City. However, the most photographed part of this shrine is not its main hall but its Sembon Torii or Thousand Torii Gates (千本鳥居). Keep in mind that this place is mostly crowded. If you want to escape the crowd, head up. Mt. Inari (稲荷山). Don’t forget to avail yourself of the goshuin of Kifune Shrine for your collection before leaving.
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| Kamigamo Shrine |
9. Kamigamo Shrine (上賀茂神社). This shrine complex is built sometime in 678. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto City. There are a lot of historic buildings in the shrine complex worth checking out. Don’t forget to avail yourself of the goshuin of Kamigamo Shrine for your collection before leaving.
10. Shimogamo Shrine (下鴨神社). This beautiful historic shrine is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kyoto City. It’s also one of the oldest. One of the best things to do here is to stroll and enjoy nature in Tadasu-no-mori before going to the shrine. Don’t forget to avail yourself of the goshuin of Shimogamo Shrine for your collection before leaving.
I hope my list of the 10 Shrines to Visit in Kyoto City gave you an idea and inspiration of what shrines to visit in the historic city in Kyoto Prefecture.
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