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?
- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
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.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- ESSENTIALS – For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- HOTELS – Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- BULLET TRAIN – You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- WHERE TO STAY – Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- PACKING LIST – See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- SIM CARDS – You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- FLIGHTS – Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- JAPAN RAIL PASS – If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- TRAVEL INSURANCE – World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- WANT HELP? – Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
