Kamowakeikazuchi Shrine (Kamigamo Shrine) Complete Guide: History and Highlights of Kyoto’s Oldest Shrine
Kamowakeikazuchi Shrine (Kamigamo Shrine) Overview
Kamowakeikazuchi Shrine (かもわけいかづちじんじゃ) is one of Kyoto’s oldest shrines, located in Kamigamo Honzan, Kita Ward, Kyoto. Commonly known as “Kamigamo Shrine (かみがもじんじゃ),” it is collectively referred to as “Kamo Shrine” along with Kamomioya Shrine (Shimogamo Shrine).
The “Wakeikazuchi” (分雷) in the formal name “Kamowakeikazuchi Shrine” is read as “わけいかづち,” meaning a deity that divides and controls lightning. This shrine, which enshrines the tutelary deity of the Kamo clan that dominated ancient Kyoto, is deeply intertwined with Kyoto’s history.
In 1994, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site as a component asset of “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto,” and has become a representative shrine of Kyoto visited by many pilgrims from around the world.
Enshrined Deity and Mythology
Kamowakeikazuchi no Okami
The enshrined deity of Kamigamo Shrine is Kamowakeikazuchi no Okami (賀茂別雷大神). This deity is a thunder god worshipped for protection against misfortune, lightning strikes, and as a guardian of the electrical and electronics industries. It is also said to provide benefits against directional misfortune and disasters, and is highly revered by electrical and electronics-related companies in modern times.
Descent to Mount Koya Mythology
According to mythology, Kamowakeikazuchi no Okami descended to Mount Koya (こうやま), located north-northwest of the main hall, approximately 2,600 years ago in ancient times. Mount Koya is a prominent peak of about 678 meters in elevation and has been revered since ancient times as a sacred place where deities descend.
An interesting legend about the birth of Kamowakeikazuchi no Okami is preserved in the “Yamashiro no Kuni Fudoki” (fragmentary text). It is said that Tamayorihime no Mikoto (玉依姫命), a daughter of the Kamo clan, found a red-painted arrow flowing down the Kamo River while playing there. She placed it on the floor, and through this arrow, she became pregnant and gave birth to Kamowakeikazuchi no Okami. The red-painted arrow is believed to have been an incarnation of Honoinokazuchi no Kami (火雷神).
History
From Founding to Ancient Times
While the founding year of Kamowakeikazuchi Shrine is unclear, it is said to date back to mythological times according to shrine traditions. As a historical record, it is confirmed that the shrine building was constructed at the present location in 677 during the reign of Emperor Tenmu (the 40th emperor), which became the foundation of the shrine building for Kamo Shrine.
Existing before the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo (794), Kamigamo Shrine was valued as a protective deity for the imperial capital during Emperor Kanmu’s construction of Heian-kyo. Throughout the Heian period, along with Shimogamo Shrine, it was designated as “Yamashiro’s Premier Shrine,” the highest-ranking shrine in Yamashiro Province (present-day southern Kyoto Prefecture).
Relations with the Imperial Court
Throughout the Heian period, Kamigamo Shrine received special reverence from the imperial court. In 810, it was granted the highest rank, Senior First Rank (正一位), and the Kamo Festival (Aoi Festival) became a state-sponsored festival.
As a shrine second only to Ise Grand Shrine in prestige, emissaries bearing ritual offerings were sent on the occasion of imperial accessions and major state affairs. Additionally, a saio (斎王) was selected from the Kamo clan to serve as a priestess attending the deity at the shrine. This saio system continued from the era of Emperor Saga (810) until the Kamakura period.
From Medieval to Early Modern Periods
During the medieval period, the shrine buildings fell into disrepair due to warfare, but restoration efforts were made under the protection of the imperial court and shogunate. During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate also provided protection, and shrine lands were confirmed and buildings were repaired.
With the separation of Buddhism and Shintoism in the Meiji period, the Buddhist temple facilities that had existed as a shrine-associated temple were abolished. However, in 1871, the shrine was designated as an Imperial Shrine of the First Rank (官幣大社), maintaining its position as a nationally important shrine.
Modern Kamigamo Shrine
After World War II, it became a religious corporation affiliated with the Japan Shrine Association. Since its UNESCO World Heritage registration in 1994, it has also attracted attention as an international cultural property. In 2015, the “42nd Periodic Rebuilding Ceremony” (式年遷宮) was held, including the replacement of the hinoki bark roof of the main hall and auxiliary hall, ensuring the continuance of traditional techniques and preservation of the shrine buildings.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
The Kamigamo Shrine grounds span approximately 230,000 tsubo (approximately 760,000 square meters), with the entire area registered as a World Heritage site. The verdant grounds are dotted with historical buildings and retain a strong atmosphere as a place of faith since ancient times.
First Torii Gate and Approach
Passing through the first torii gate that serves as the entrance to the grounds, a straight pathway extends ahead. Beautiful lawns stretch on both sides of this approach, welcoming visitors with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in fall. As you proceed along the approach, the second torii gate comes into view, beyond which the central sacred area spreads.
Hosodono and Tatesuna (Conical Sand Mounds)
The first thing to catch your eye after passing through the second torii gate is the Hosodono (細殿), designated as an Important Cultural Property. In front of this building are a pair of conical sand mounds called “Tatesuna” (立砂) that symbolize Kamigamo Shrine.
The tatesuna represent Mount Koya, where the deity descended, and stand approximately 2 meters high. Made of white sand beautifully formed into conical shapes, these sand mountains are believed to be the seat of the deity. At the top of one mound are placed two pine needles, and three on the other, said to represent yin and yang. These tatesuna are believed to be the origin of “moriizuna” (purifying sand mounds), and the practice of piling sand in front of houses as a purification ritual is said to derive from this tradition.
Romon Gate (楼門)
Beyond the Hosodono stands the Romon Gate (楼門), designated as an Important Cultural Property. This red lacquered two-story gate was rebuilt in 1628 and stands approximately 13 meters tall, displaying the dignity of Kamigamo Shrine.
The Romon gate is normally closed and only opened during special festival occasions. Sukibe (transparent lattice fences) extend on both sides of the gate, demarcating the sacred space from the secular world.
Main Hall and Auxiliary Hall (National Treasures)
Ensconced within the romon gate in the most sacred location are the Main Hall and Auxiliary Hall (権殿). These two structures are designated as National Treasures and are the central buildings of Kamigamo Shrine.
The Main Hall was rebuilt in 1863 and is constructed in the sangensha nagaregatari style (三間社流造), a representative form of shrine architecture. The hinoki bark roof describes elegant curves, exemplifying the pinnacle of Japanese architecture. The sacred object is enshrined within the Main Hall and is not normally visible to general worshippers.
The Auxiliary Hall stands to the east of the Main Hall and is of approximately the same scale and style. It serves as a temporary hall where the deity is transferred during repairs or rebuilding ceremonies of the Main Hall, and as a backup hall in case anything befalls the Main Hall.
Both halls are characterized by their hinoki bark roofs, which have preserved a tradition spanning over a thousand years through periodic replacement.
Katayamakomago Shrine (Kataoka Shrine)
On the eastern side of the grounds stands the Katayamakomago Shrine (通称：片岡社), designated as an Important Cultural Property. This shrine enshrines Tamayorihime no Mikoto, known as a deity of matchmaking, romantic fulfillment, and childbearing, making it particularly popular with female worshippers.
It is said that Murasaki Shikibu visited this shrine while writing “The Tale of Genji,” making it a pilgrimage site for literature enthusiasts. There is also a well called Shogai Ido, and it is said that washing your face with its water will make you beautiful.
Naranogawa Stream and Omononoimi Stream
The Naranogawa Stream and Omononoimi Stream that flow through the grounds are important elements creating the pure atmosphere of Kamigamo Shrine. These streams are clear flows originating from Mount Koya and have been used for purification rites and sacred ceremonies since ancient times.
Along the Naranogawa Stream is a garden called “Shokkeien,” and before the Aoi Festival in May, a refined ceremony called “Kamo Kyokusui En” is held. A cup is floated on the stream, and people compose waka poems before the cup passes in front of them—a recreation of a Heian-period pastime.
Tsuchino-ya (Earthenware Hall)
On the grounds stands a building called Tsuchino-ya (土屋), designated as an Important Cultural Property. The Tsuchino-ya is a place where sacred food offerings such as earthenware were prepared, serving as a valuable structure that conveys ancient forms of religious ritual to the present day.
Sessha and Massha (Associated Shrines)
Twenty-four sessha (subsidiary shrines) and massha (sub-shrines) are enshrined within and around the grounds of Kamigamo Shrine. Each possesses its own divine virtues and responds to the various wishes of worshippers.
Major Associated Shrines
The Shinmiya Shrine is located to the east of the Main Hall and enshrines the rough spirit of Kamowakeikazuchi no Okami. The Kamoyamaguchi Shrine is situated at the entrance to Mount Koya’s hiking path and enshrines the mountain deity. The Kugashrine enshrines the ancestor deities of the Kamo clan, and the Iwamoto Shrine is an ancient shrine located in the northwestern part of the grounds.
The Tanao Shrine is located in the eastern part of the grounds and is worshipped for bountiful harvests. A “circuit of subsidiary shrines” visiting these associated shrines is also one of the pleasures of worshipping at Kamigamo Shrine.
Major Festivals and Sacred Rites
Throughout the year, numerous festivals and sacred ceremonies are conducted at Kamigamo Shrine, conveying traditions from ancient times to the present.
Aoi Festival (Kamo Festival)
The Aoi Festival is held annually on May 15 as the annual festival of both Kamigamo and Shimogamo shrines and is counted among Kyoto’s three major festivals. Formally called the “Kamo Festival,” during the Heian period it was so important that simply saying “the festival” referred to the Aoi Festival.
The origins of the festival are said to date back to the era of Emperor Bidatsu (6th century), when it began as a way to appease the Kamo deity by controlling poor harvests and epidemics. The current festival is highlighted by the “Rotou no Gi” (pathway ceremony), in which a procession of over 500 people in Heian-period dress travels from the Imperial Palace to Shimogamo Shrine and then to Kamigamo Shrine.
All participants in the procession wear aoi (hollyhock) leaves, giving the festival its name “Aoi Festival.” A special imperial envoy is dispatched and ritual offerings are presented in this highly formal ceremony.
Kamo Kyokusui En (Kamo Poetry Contest)
Every year on the second Sunday of April, the Kamo Kyokusui En is held. This is a reenactment of a Heian-period imperial court event held on the banks of the Naranogawa Stream.
Poets in Heian costume compose waka poems before a cup floated on the stream passes in front of them—a refined sacred ceremony that conveys the elegance of court culture to the present day. This valuable event, which represents the refinement of Heian culture, is visited by many tourists.
Bushaito (Martial Archery Ceremony)
The Bushaito is held on January 16 and is a ceremony to dispel evil and pray for bountiful harvests at the beginning of the year. It involves shooting arrows at a target labeled with the character for “demon” to drive away evil spirits.
Nagoshi no Harae Shiki (Midsummer Purification Rite)
On June 30, the Nagoshi no Harae Shiki is conducted. This is a ceremony to purify oneself of six months’ accumulation of sin and impurity and to pray for good health and safety for the remaining six months. It is said that passing through a chigaya (sedge) ring set up in the grounds purges one of misfortune.
Karasu Sumo (Crow Sumo)
On September 9, the Double Ninth Festival, a unique sacred ceremony called Karasu Sumo is held. In this event, children of shrine priests called tonen (刀祢) engage in sumo wrestling. The name “Karasu Sumo” derives from the performers mimicking the cries of crows with “Kaa-kaa-kaa, koo-koo-koo.”
This ceremony originates from the mythology that Kamotakeetsunumi no Mikoto (賀茂建角身命), the ancestor deity of the Kamo clan, transformed into a yatagarasu (eight-span crow).
Other Major Festivals
The Kurabeumaeshinji (Competing Horses Ceremony) is held on May 5 and is a spirited event in which two horses race across the shrine grounds to compete for speed. This is a traditional event continuing from the Heian period.
The Niiname Festival on November 23 is an important ceremony in which that year’s new grain is offered to the deity. Additionally, the Kannammatsuri Enshuku Sai in October commemorates the Kanname Festival held at Ise Grand Shrine with a sacred ceremony.
Cultural Properties
Kamigamo Shrine preserves many valuable cultural properties.
National Treasure Buildings
- Main Hall (本殿): Sangensha Nagaregatari style, hinoki bark roof
- Auxiliary Hall (権殿): Sangensha Nagaregatari style, hinoki bark roof
Important Cultural Property Buildings (41 structures)
The Romon Gate, Hosodono, Tsuchino-ya, Katayamakomago Shrine Main Hall, and 34 other buildings are designated as Important Cultural Properties. These structures, erected from the Muromachi through Edo periods, are invaluable materials for understanding the history of shrine architecture.
Other Cultural Properties
The entire shrine grounds are designated as a National Historic Site, and numerous art objects and ancient documents are also housed here. Sacred treasures passed down through the ages, including ancient swords and ritual objects, are precious items that tell of the deep relationship between the Kamo clan and the imperial court.
Special Worship and Talismans
Special Main Hall Worship
While normal worship takes place outside the Romon gate, the main gate fee allows for special worship within the gate. Visitors can observe the National Treasure Main and Auxiliary halls up close and listen to explanations from shrine priests.
Amulets and Offerings
Kamigamo Shrine offers various protective amulets. Particularly popular are the “Thunder Protection Amulet” (raijin除守), “Misfortune Prevention Amulet” (厄除守), and “Matchmaking Amulet” (縁結守).
The “Aoi Amulet” (葵守) featuring hollyhock leaves is a unique offering of Kamigamo Shrine. The “Futaba Aoi” (two-leaf hollyhock) divine crest of Kamowakeikazuchi no Okami is believed to be the origin of the Tokugawa family’s “Mitsubaaoi” (three-leaf hollyhock) crest.
Omikuji (Fortune Slips)
In addition to standard fortune slips, the shrine also offers popular “Yatagarasu Omikuji,” cute crow-shaped fortune slips. These offerings commemorate the connection between the Kamo clan and the yatagarasu.
Practical Information and Access
Basic Information
Formal Name: Kamowakeikazuchi Shrine
Common Name: Kamigamo Shrine
Address: 〒603-8047 Kamigamo Honzan, Kita Ward, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-781-0011
Office Hours: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Visiting Hours: 5:30 AM–5:00 PM (may vary by season)
Admission: Free (special worship is fee-based)
Access
By Train and Bus
- 15-minute walk from Kitayama Station on the Kyoto Subway Karasuma Line
- Directly served by the Kyoto City Bus “Kamigamo Shrine Mae” stop
- 3-minute walk from Kyoto City Bus “Kamigamo Osonohashi” stop
- Approximately 40 minutes from Kyoto Station via City Buses 4 and 9
By Car
- Approximately 40 minutes from Kyoto Minami IC on the Meishin Expressway
- Visitor parking available on the grounds (170 spaces, 100 yen per 30 minutes)
Nearby Attractions
In the vicinity of Kamigamo Shrine, there remains a historic neighborhood called Shakemachi, where the residences of shrine priests who served the shrine are lined up. The landscape of earthen walls and hedgerows is well preserved. The walking path along the Myojin River is particularly scenic and allows visitors to enjoy Kyoto’s old townscape.
Also, Shimogamo Shrine is approximately 3 kilometers away and can be reached by walking along the Kamo River. The “Kamo Shrine Circuit,” visiting both shrines, is one of the standard routes for Kyoto tourism.
Conclusion
Kamowakeikazuchi Shrine (Kamigamo Shrine), with a history of over 2,600 years, is one of Kyoto’s oldest shrines and a Japanese cultural property registered as a World Heritage site. The valuable structures, including the National Treasure Main and Auxiliary halls, traditional sacred ceremonies such as the Aoi Festival, and the verdant expansive grounds allow visitors to feel the breath of faith from ancient times.
Located in Kamigamo Honzan, Kita Ward, Kyoto, with good accessibility, this shrine is an essential stop in Kyoto tourism. Whether you are a history enthusiast, architecture fan, or someone seeking spiritual power spots, this is a place well worth visiting.
Why not experience touching the source of Japanese spiritual culture at Kamigamo Shrine, where the natural beauty of the four seasons, solemn sacred ceremonies, and traditions preserved for over a thousand years converge?
