Kamigamo Jinja Shrine (上加茂神社)

The official name of Kamigamo Jinja Shrine is Kamowakezuchi Jinja Shrine. This shrine is dedicated to Kamowakeikazuchi-Okami. The entire area of the shrine is a part of World Heritage site, with two national treasure buildings and 41 important cultural properties.

The main shrine is not normally visible from the outside, but you can see the exterior on special viewing days. Next to the main shrine, where the deity resides, is a similar building “gonden”, where the deity temporarily resides during repairs etc. These two are national treasures. They are very beautiful buildings and you should visit on special viewing days, if possible. The explanations are in Japanese only, but it is worth seeing.

Shrine’s Official WEB site

There is a ancient myth in which the deity of this shrine and those of Shimogamo Jinja Shrine appear. This myth may be related to the Kamo clan, who lived in the northern part of Kyoto in ancient times. The myth is on the Kamigamo Jinja Shrine home page.

The approach connecting the Ichino-torii and Ni no-torii gates is an area with a variety of cherry trees. The best time to view the cherry blossoms is usually from early to mid-April. However, in recent years, due to global warming, the season has become a little earlier.

Nearby spots from Kamigamo Jinja Shrine

Shimogamo Jinja Shrine

Shimogamo Jinja Shrine enshrines the mother and grandfather of the deity of Kamigamo Jinja. In the past, these two shrines were one Kamo Shrine.

Shimogamo Jinja Shrine (下鴨神社)