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Kamigamo Jinja

(Source : 旅 瀬戸内)
Kamowake Ikazuchi Jinja, known as Kamigamo Jinja, is the oldest shrine in Kyoto that enshrines the god of thunder, Kamowake Ikazuchi-no-Okami. It is said the current building was built in 678. After walking through the Nino Tori (gate), the first thing you will notice is a couple of cone-shaped white sand hills. They are called Tatezuna, which is said to be a place where God descends. Many people visit Kamigamo Jinja since it is famous for Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto’s three big festivals and the beautiful scenery during cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in autumn. 

(Source: いま明かす! 旅を通じて広がった世界100景Y&Y)

Tatezuna

Hosodono, the building of the shrine and Tatezuna, cone-shaped sand hill, can be seen after going through the Nino Tori. Since it is said that God descends on these white sand hills that represent the mountain that is worshipped as a spirit of god, it provides a distinctive solemn atmosphere. It is also said these sand hills are the origin of Morijio, the Japanese traditional custom placing small salt piles at the entrances of houses to drive away evil spirits.

(Source: PhotoAC)

Aoi Matsuri (Kamo Matsuri)

On May 15th, Kamo Matsuri, known as Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto’s three big festivals, is held every year. It is called Aoi Matsuri because people participate with leaves of Aoi, hollyhocks. It is one of the few festivals that keeps the old tradition and is well-known for participants dressed in costumes from 1068-1185.

(Source: pixta)

Hosodono

Hosodono, the main building of the shrine, is enshrined behind the Tatezuna. It is designated as an important cultural property. The ground covers an area of about 670,000 square meters, there are over 40 buildings that are designated as national treasures, important cultural properties and World Cultural Heritage Site.

(Source: 旅 瀬戸内)

Address
339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Contact No.
+81-7-5781-0011
+81-7-5781-0011
Access
11-min bus ride (No.4 Kyoto Municipal Bus) from 4 Exit, Kitayama Station on Kyoto Municipal Subway, get off at Kamigamo Jinja bus stop and walk for a min; 27-min bus ride (No.9 Kyoto Municipal Bus) from JR Kyoto Station, followed by a 5-min walk from Kamigamo-misonobashi Bus Stop,
Opening Hours / Holidays
5:00-17:00 Open all year round
Official Website
Time Required

(Source: いま明かす! 旅を通じて広がった世界100景Y&Y)

Tatezuna

Hosodono, the building of the shrine and Tatezuna, cone-shaped sand hill, can be seen after going through the Nino Tori. Since it is said that God descends on these white sand hills that represent the mountain that is worshipped as a spirit of god, it provides a distinctive solemn atmosphere. It is also said these sand hills are the origin of Morijio, the Japanese traditional custom placing small salt piles at the entrances of houses to drive away evil spirits.

(Source: PhotoAC)

Aoi Matsuri (Kamo Matsuri)

On May 15th, Kamo Matsuri, known as Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto’s three big festivals, is held every year. It is called Aoi Matsuri because people participate with leaves of Aoi, hollyhocks. It is one of the few festivals that keeps the old tradition and is well-known for participants dressed in costumes from 1068-1185.

(Source: pixta)

Hosodono

Hosodono, the main building of the shrine, is enshrined behind the Tatezuna. It is designated as an important cultural property. The ground covers an area of about 670,000 square meters, there are over 40 buildings that are designated as national treasures, important cultural properties and World Cultural Heritage Site.

(Source: 旅 瀬戸内)