Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto

Situated in northern Kyoto, the Shimogamo Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan’s ancient capital. The lower Kamo shrine, which dates back to the 6th century, was originally constructed to guard Heian-kyo (Kyoto), the new capital of Japan.

Features

- Shimogamo, popularly known as "Kamomioya Shrine”, stands inside Tadasu no Mori, the forest of truth, a primeval forest that never faced any fire or damage.
- The east and west Shrine buildings are considered as Japan’s National Treasures.
- The deities Kamotaketsunuminomikoto and his daughter Tamayorihimenomikoto were enshrined in Shimogamo.
- The shrine with 53 buildings, all of which are designated as Important Cultural Properties, has been registered as a UNESCO world heritage site, in 1994.

Shimogamo, located at the confluence of the Kamo and Takano rivers along with Kamigamo, its sister shrine, host the annual “ Aoi Matsuri” festival in Kyoto. “ Aoi Matsuri”, the Hollyhock Festival, occurs on May 15th every year. This festival is very popular and one of the three big festivals in Kyoto. Its historical parade through the streets of the city attracts huge crowd. The Hollyhock Festival derived its name from the fact that the car, horses, people and all other things that participate in the great parade are adorned with hollyhock leaves.

Another interesting feature of Shimogamo is the Tadasu Forest. The forest with small streams and ancient trees, in the midst of the crowded city, takes you to a world of tranquility. The forest has preserved its ecological environment intact since ancient times and is considered to be an important botanical site.

Shimogamo is also the site of "Kemari Hajime”, a very popular New Year ritual, which means first ball kicking of the year. Players of this traditional game dress themselves in gaudy costumes of the Henian Period (8-12C AD). Kemari performed by the players is a major source of entertainment for the tourists visiting the shrine. Kemari was brought into Japan from China together with Buddhism. Rule of Kemari involves kicking a ball by a group of players preventing it from touching the playground. This popular game phased out during the onset of westernization following the Meiji Restoration in the 19th century. Later the Kemari Preservation Society restored this traditional court game in 1903.

How to Reach

To reach the famous Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto, get off at the Demachi-yanagi Station on the Keihan en Eizan lines. From the station 10-minute walk will take you to the Shimogamo Shrine.

Your trip to Kyoto wouldn’t be complete if you miss this famous shrine.

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