Kamo Goso-jinja Shrine (Shimogamo-jinja Shrine) [Kyoto]

【Summary】

The shrine is located in Shimogamo, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, in the lower reaches of the Kamo River, and is officially called Shimogamo Jinja (Shimogamo Shrine). It is registered as one of the “Cultural Properties of Ancient Kyoto” on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The shrine was founded in the 7th year of Emperor Sojin’s reign (90 B.C.), and pottery and other remains from the Jomon and Yayoi periods have been excavated from the shrine grounds, suggesting that it was a sacred place from ancient times. The shrine is believed to be a place of divine virtues, such as good luck and good luck warding off bad luck, safety in transportation and travel, safe delivery of children, and marriage for bringing up children.

【scenery】

Walking along the approach from the Demachiyanagi direction, it takes about 15 minutes to reach the tower gate. The path is like walking through a forest that has remained unchanged from the past.

The Tadasunomori forest from Ichinotorii to the main shrine was calm and serene, and there was a sense of elation that we were heading from the lower world to another place.

【premises】

I think it is a recommended shrine for shrine sightseeing in Kyoto because it is free to visit, and you can enjoy various activities such as looking at amulets and water fortune-telling. I felt that there were more female worshippers here than at other shrines, as it is said to offer prayers for marriage, easy childbirth, and beauty. It is also attractive that you can feel the sacred space throughout the year.

Shimogamo Shrine is one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto. Although it is in the middle of a crowded city, the grounds cut into a deep forest are a very serene place surrounded by beautiful woods. The grounds are large, so the crowds were not that bad.

【Access】