Kamo Shrines

The Kamo Shrines — Shimogamo Shrine (下鴨神社, Shimogamo Jinja, "Lower Kamo Shrine") and Kamigamo Shrine (上賀茂神社, Kamigamo Jinja, "Upper Kamo Shrine") — are among Kyoto’s most historically significant religious sites and are both designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto." Dating back to at least the 6th century, these shrines predate Kyoto itself, which became Japan’s capital in 794. Deeply intertwined with the city’s ancient history, the shrines were venerated by the Imperial Court and served as guardians of Kyoto’s safety, prosperity, and spiritual well-being. They are dedicated to powerful deities of the Kamo clan, believed to protect against misfortune and ensure the region's fertility and success.

Shimogamo Shrine lies at the confluence of the Takano and Kamo Rivers, embraced by the Tadasu no Mori ("Forest of Truth"), a sacred primeval woodland with trees hundreds of years old. About 3.5 kilometers to the north stands Kamigamo Shrine, recognizable for its iconic pair of sand cones (tatesuna), which symbolize purification and the presence of the divine. Both shrines remain active centers of Shinto practice, preserving centuries-old rituals and traditions. The highlight of their calendar is the Aoi Matsuri, held each May — one of Kyoto’s three great festivals — where elaborate Heian-period processions in traditional dress parade from the Imperial Palace to both shrines. Throughout the year, numerous other festivals and ceremonies maintain the vibrant spiritual life that has made the Kamo Shrines central to Kyoto’s cultural identity for over a millennium.