Imamiya Shrine

Imamiya Shrine（今宮神社） began as a shrine to the deity of the Goryoe.Goryoe is a festival to appease vengeful spirits that cause epidemics and disasters.The word “Ima” in Imamiya Shrine means “new.”Miya” means “shrine”.

On the second Sunday of April, the “Yasura Maturi,” one of the three major festivals in Kyoto, is held to pray for good health.Imamiya Shrine is the origin of the word “tama no koshi.Tama-no-Koshi is when a woman marries a man of social status or wealth.

In front of the shrine building, there is an “Ahokashi-san” (omokarushi), which is said to fulfill wishes.In front of the Imamiya Shrine gate is the Aburi Mochi shop Ichimonjiya Wassuke, the oldest wagashi shop in Japan with a history of over 1,000 years.

To get to Imamiya Shrine from Kyoto Station, take a 33-minute bus ride and a 6-minute walk from the bus stop.