Kamigamo Shrine

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.