Kamigamo Shrine(上賀茂神社) (official name: Kamowake Ikazuchi Shrine), a World Heritage Site, is the oldest shrine in Kyoto.Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine are collectively called Kamosha.
Since the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo, it has been worshipped as the god of protection of the imperial castle, the guardian of the devil’s gate, the god of protection from the direction of the sun, the god of protection from lightning, and the god of the general landowners.
In May, the Aoi Matsuri (Kamo Matsuri), one of the three major festivals in Kyoto, is held jointly with Shimogamo Shrine.In May, “Kamo Kurabeuma Ashizoroeshiki” (May 1) and “Kamo Kurabeuma” (May 5), the prelude to Aoi Matsuri, are held at Baba, and “Saiodai Gyokei” (alternating every other year with Shimogamo Shrine) at Mitarashi River.
To get to Kamigamo Shrine from Kyoto Station, take a 38-minute bus ride and an approximately 5-minute walk from Kamigamo Misonobashi bus stop.
opening hours | 5:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
regular closing day | without a holiday |
entrance fee | free※Special visit to the main shrine: 500 yen, free for accompanying family members of junior high school students or younger. |
bus stop | City bus Kamigamo Jinja-mae bus stop |
station | Subway Kitayama Station※Approx. 25 minutes walk from the nearest station |
parking lot | Parking lot available (charged)※6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. |
official site | Kamigamo Shrine |