Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo Mioya Jinja)

History and Divine Virtue

Formally known as Kamo Mioya Jinja, the shrine stands near the confluence of the Kamo and Takano rivers, deep within Tadasu-no-Mori, a forest that preserves the air of primeval woodland. The east hall enshrines Tamayorihime no Mikoto and the west hall her father, Kamo Taketsunumi no Mikoto. Together with Kamigamo Shrine it has been revered since antiquity as the tutelary shrine of the Kamo clan, holds the rank of ichinomiya of Yamashiro Province, and its precincts are registered as part of the World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto." Just before the tower gate stands Aioi-no-Yashiro, known for its sacred tree the Renri-no-Sakaki — two trees joined partway into one — and worshipped since Heian times as a shrine of en-musubi, the tying of destined bonds. The auxiliary Kawai Shrine enshrines Tamayorihime no Mikoto and is beloved for its mirror-shaped ema plaques for prayers of beauty. The approach through Tadasu-no-Mori keeps its stillness through every season, wrapped in a depth of forest scarcely believable within a city. Each July, the Mitarashi Festival continues the custom of wading into the Mitarashi Pond to pray for health and protection from illness.

Visiting Notes

• At Aioi-no-Yashiro, a distinctive rite of matchmaking is handed down: carrying your ema plaque, you circle the sacred tree.
• At the auxiliary Kawai Shrine, the kagami-ema — an ema shaped like a hand mirror — is adorned with makeup as a prayer for beauty.
• Tadasu-no-Mori covers some 120,000 square meters. Take the approach slowly on foot before your visit.

Deities and Location

Enshrined Deities

Kamo Taketsunumi no Mikoto, Tamayorihime no Mikoto

Location

京都府京都市左京区下鴨泉川町 (Kyoto)

Access

About a 12-minute walk from Demachiyanagi Station on the Keihan Line

Lineage

En-musubi: Bonds & Love

Visiting hours, goshuin (shrine stamps), and festival dates change; please confirm the latest information through each shrine's official announcements. If you find an error in this entry, we would be grateful if you let us know.