Shimogamo-jinja Shrine is second only to Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine as Kyoto’s best and most beautiful Shinto Shrine. It’s a brilliant place for a stroll.
Shimogamo shrine: beeboys / Shutterstock.com
They don’t make Shinto Shrines more attractive than Shimogam-jinja Shrine. The main hall of the shrine is approached by a long pedestrian walkway through a forest of broadleaf trees known as Tadasu-no-Mori. Broadleaf trees are something of a rarity in Japan, where so much of the original mixed forest has been cut down and planted with sugi (cedar or cryptomeria) trees, making this forest even more special.
If you’re in town on May 3rd, DO NOT MISS the yabusame (horseback archery) contest held on the pedestrian approach to the shrine. Shimogamo-jinja Shrine is also the final destination of the parade that forms the heart of the famous Aoi Matsuri, held annually on May 15th. Shimogamo-jinja Shrine is a short walk from Demachiyanagi on the Keihan Line.
English address:
59 Izumigawa-cho, Shimogamo, Sakyo-ku
Japanese address:
左京区下鴨泉川町59
Opening hours:
6.30am-5pm
Admission:
Free
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
10min walk from Demachiyanagi Station, Keihan line
Telephone:
781-0010
Website:
Official website (English)
Where Is This Place Located?
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Near To Here:
Shimogamo-jinja Shrine is located in Central Kyoto. See our complete list of things to do in Central Kyoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
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