All Reviews of Shimogamo Shrine (Kamomioya-jinja)

I decided to visit Shimogamo Shrine because I had originally planned to visit Kamigamo Shrine that day, and since I still had time on the way back, I stopped by Shimogamo Shrine as well, which is also closely associated with the Aoi Festival. I walked through Tadasu no Mori to the shrine, and the imposing vermilion tower gate was one of my strongest first impressions of Shimogamo Shrine.

I was also lucky enough to see a Shinto wedding that day. The bride in her colorful uchikake kimono fit perfectly with the shrine's historic atmosphere. Another thing that left a deep impression on me was the ox-drawn carriage. I'd often seen them in manga and works set in the Heian period, but it was still fascinating to see an actual vehicle associated with imperial court culture.

Overall, Shimogamo Shrine is quite lively on holidays. If you want to quietly take in the atmosphere of Tadasu no Mori and the shrine itself, visiting on a weekday or arriving earlier would probably be better.

Shimogamo Shrine (Kamomioya-jinja) is the most calming and relaxing place in all of Kyoto.

Before entering the shrine, you first pass through the vast, lush green Tadasu no Mori forest. Walking along the gravel path surrounded by towering old trees, all you hear are your footsteps and birdsong. The traffic and bustle outside suddenly feel cut off. The air feels so clean, almost as if it has been washed. Just this walk alone is incredibly healing.

After passing through the forest, the vermilion Romon Gate opens up in front of you. Besides being one of Kyoto’s oldest shrines, one of the most special spots here is Kawai Shrine, where people pray for beauty. You can use makeup to draw your own beautiful face on a wooden hand-mirror ema plaque. There is also the water fortune experience at Mitarashi Pond. Watching the words slowly appear on a blank fortune slip feels truly ceremonial.

Shimogamo Shrine doesn’t have the noise and crowds of the top tourist spots. Instead, it has a graceful, spiritual atmosphere embraced by nature.

An old-world, charming city. It felt so relaxing!

The shrine is really old, and the whole atmosphere is full of history. It's even a World Heritage Site!

There aren't many tourists here, and there's a huge forest. Walking around feels really nice and relaxing.

There's a beautiful forest path from the entrance to the main shrine. It's perfect for a relaxing stroll.

The much-talked-about lace omamori (amulet) that's all over the internet is right here at Shimogamo Shrine.