Shimogamo Shrine

This shrine was dedicated to spirits in the 6th century. Now, it survives as the oldest of its kind in Kyoto, pre-dating the city itself.

This site is one of the two oldest shrines in the city of Kyoto. It is part of the Kamo Shrines, which are considered extremely significant as they pre-date the city itself. Even the site’s surviving trees date back to the 15th century. It is listed as one of the 17 Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.

Visit the traditional main halls with their sloping roofs. They are dedicated to deities. Wander the large grounds to see the seemingly countless shrines on the site. Find the Mitarashi Shrine and its large pond where autumnal purification ceremonies take place. Head to the red palace, which is surrounded by clay that may have been used for ceramics many years ago.

Marvel at the 600-year-old trees of the Tadasu no Mori forest surrounding the shrine’s complex. Walk across the Taikobashi Bridge to enjoy the greenery of the surrounding trees. The forest is on a river delta, encouraging the lush, green landscape. Visit the shrine in spring to make the most of the cherry blossom trees. Take photos of the most famous tree, which stands in front of the forest’s vermillion gate. The woods cover an area of 30 acres (12 hectares).

The site’s name means “Lower Kamo Shrine,” which stresses its important link with the Kamigamo Shrine. Of the two, Shimogamo is believed to be the oldest, possibly dating back to the 6th century. It is dedicated to deities and spirits. During Kyoto’s reign as Japan’s capital, the imperial family designated it as a site of protection and prosperity.

The shrine sits in the north of Kyoto, between the Takano and Kamo rivers. Demachi-Yanagi Station is 0.7 miles (1.1 km) away on foot. It is on the Keihan Line of the city’s subway. Buses run regularly to Shimogamojinja-mae bus stop, right by the shrine.

Guide to Exploring Shimogamo Shrine

Kiyomizu Temple

Constructed entirely without nails and built on high poles, this temple is part of a World Heritage Site and offers visitors both beauty and history.

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Nijo Castle

Visit the world of a wealthy and powerful shogun in this opulent 17th-century castle complex.

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Fushimi Inari Shrine

This shrine at the base of Inari Mountain is dedicated to the goddess of rice and prosperity. See its thousands of red gates around a network of beautiful trails.

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Philosopher's Walk

This is a great walk to orient yourself around Kyōto. Stroll along a cherry tree-lined canal and visit shrines, temples, gardens and boutiques.

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Eikando Temple

 Explore this hillside temple which features a statue with an unusual history, connected wooden walkways, a bathhouse and a steam house.

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Arashiyama Monkey Park

Watch as park staff feed about 130 wild snow monkeys on Arashiyama Mountain, or climb inside a cage and feed them yourself.

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Temple of the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji Temple)

Built in the 14th century for a shogun, then rebuilt twice, this temple is now a Buddhist site and its top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.

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Katsura Imperial Villa

Modelled on a setting in a novel, this site has one of Kyōto’s greatest traditional gardens and architectural treasures.

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Yasaka Shrine

Observe traditional Shinto architecture, pretty lanterns and sacred rituals at this historic shrine, home of the annual Gion Festival and Kyoto’s favorite cherry blossom park.

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Ryoanji Temple

Features such as one of the most famous rock gardens in the country and a placid pond with charming islands distinguish this temple from others in the city.

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Tofukuji Temple

More than any other site, this shrine is celebrated for the unrivaled autumnal colors of the trees surrounding the spiritual Zen haven.

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Sanjusangendo Temple

This temple is the famous site where thousands of hand-carved deities from the 13th century flank the longest wooden building in Japan.

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Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art

As a place that celebrates 20th-century contemporary art, this museum has innovative themes that are very different from traditional Kyoto culture.

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Nanzenji Temple

Art, elaborate gardens and a giant gate await at this temple that stands tall as one of the most important of its kind in the country.

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Honen-in Temple

This is a shrine devoted to a peaceful and learned environment with an impressive gate, natural greenery and a serene atmosphere.

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Toji Temple

The To-ji Temple is one of the preeminent traditional sites in Kyoto, with exquisite structures, a flea market and the tallest pagoda in the country.

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Kenninji Temple

Visit this Zen Buddhism temple for a slice of history, art and tranquility. It is said that the temple is the oldest of its kind in Kyoto.

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Ninnaji Temple

With picturesque blossom gardens and a golden hall considered a national treasure, this temple is a historic monument devoted to bliss and tranquility.

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Myoho-in Temple

This temple is a hidden gem with majestic halls that open to the public on select occasions.

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Kodaiji Temple

A widow built this temple in 1606 to pay homage to her late warrior husband. Today, it survives as an eye-catching site of tranquility with postcard-pretty gardens.

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Shoren-in-Temple

This temple borrows its graceful quality from the imperial family. It is home to traditional art, spiritual statues and a bamboo orchard.

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Nishiki Market

Come to this market in the heart of the city to experience the authentic sights, smells and sounds of the bartering vendors and their traditional food.

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Ishibe Alley

Imagine life as it was during the Taisho Period as you explore this preserved Kyoto alley, complete with traditional teahouses, inns and kimono-clad hostesses.

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Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

This shrine was created in 947 to mollify a furious spirit. Now, students and tourists gather to soak in the ambience of its traditional architecture and gardens.

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Entokuin Temple

Visitors come to this ancient site for its pleasant temple but stay to relish the nature and tranquility of its serene Zen garden.

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Shokoku-ji Temple

A major center of Zen Buddhism, this stylish, ancient relic is ranked as one of the great temples of Japan.

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Map

Top Hotel Deals

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Yadoya Kyoto-Shimogamo P17,004

Per night/room

Dec 10 - Dec 11

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Yadoya Kyoto-Shimogamo

3.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated in Kyoto, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Shimogamo Shrine and Kyoto Institute of Technology. Kyoto University and Kyoto Imperial Palace are also within 2 miles (3 km). Kitaoji Station is 14 minutes by foot and Kuramaguchi Station is 15 minutes.

Hidden Inn Shimogamo

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Hidden Inn Shimogamo

3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated in Kyoto, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Shimogamo Shrine and Kyoto University. Kyoto Imperial Palace and Heian Shrine are also within 2 miles (3 km). Kyoto Mototanaka Station is 5 minutes by foot and Kyoto Demachiyanagi Station is 9 minutes.

Guest House Motana

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Guest House Motana

3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated in Kyoto, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Shimogamo Shrine and Kyoto University. Kyoto Imperial Palace and Heian Shrine are also within 2 miles (3 km). Kyoto Mototanaka Station is only a 4-minute walk and Kyoto Chayama Station is 8 minutes.

Kyoto Guest House Kohinobori - Adult Only Hostel

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Kyoto Guest House Kohinobori - Adult Only Hostel

1.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated in the historical district, this hostel is within 1 mile (2 km) of Shimogamo Shrine, Kyoto University and Kyoto Imperial Palace. Heian Shrine and Doshisha University are also within 2 miles (3 km). Kyoto Demachiyanagi Station is only a 2-minute walk and Kyoto Mototanaka Station is 14 minutes.

Hotel Riverte Kyoto Kamogawa P15,435

Per night/room

Dec 15 - Dec 16

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Hotel Riverte Kyoto Kamogawa

202 Seiryucho, Kamigyo, Kyoto, Kyoto

2.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated in the historical district, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Shimogamo Shrine and Kyoto Imperial Palace. Heian Shrine and Gion Corner are also within 3 mi (5 km). Kyoto Demachiyanagi Station is only a 5-minute walk and Imadegawa Station is 15 minutes.

Kyoto Brighton Hotel P6,262

Per night/room

Dec 12 - Dec 13

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Kyoto Brighton Hotel

4.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Central Kyoto, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Kyoto Imperial Palace and Doshisha University. Nijō Castle and Kyoto University are also within 1 mile (2 km). Imadegawa Station is 11 minutes by foot and Marutamachi Station is 13 minutes.

Karan Hoshi

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Karan Hoshi

3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated in Kyoto, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Shimogamo Shrine, Kyoto University, and Doshisha University. Kyoto Imperial Palace and Heian Shrine are also within 2 miles (3 km). Kyoto Demachiyanagi Station is 6 minutes by foot and Kyoto Mototanaka Station is 7 minutes.

Rakuya Demachiyanagi East

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Rakuya Demachiyanagi East

3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated in Kyoto, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Shimogamo Shrine, Kyoto University, and Doshisha University. Kyoto Imperial Palace and Heian Shrine are also within 2 miles (3 km). Kyoto Demachiyanagi Station is 6 minutes by foot and Kyoto Mototanaka Station is 7 minutes.

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