Shimogamo Shrine
賀茂御祖神社
Kyoto · Kyoto-shi, Sakyo-ku
Kamo Ichinomiya Matchmaking
Meishin-taisha
Ichinomiya (Yamashiro Province)
Kamigamo Shrine
賀茂別雷神社
/ Kamo-wakeikazuchi Jinja
Nijunisha
Admission
Free (special areas: 500 yen)
Goshuin
300 yen
Access
See details
Hours
5:30-17:00
Overview
Kamigamo Shrine (formally Kamo-wakeikazuchi Jinja) is one of Kyoto's most ancient and venerable shrines, predating the city's establishment as the imperial capital in 794. It is the upper of the two Kamo shrines, with its counterpart Shimogamo Shrine located downstream. The enshrined deity, Kamo-wakeikazuchi, is a thunder god said to have descended to earth in a flash of lightning. The shrine's distinctive pair of sand cones (tatesuna) in front of the worship hall represent this divine descent and are among the most iconic images of Kyoto. As a nijunisha (one of the Twenty-Two Shrines) and ichinomiya of Yamashiro Province, the shrine held supreme spiritual authority in the capital region. The Aoi Matsuri (Hollyhock Festival) in May, one of Kyoto's three great festivals, involves an imperial procession from the Imperial Palace to both Kamo shrines. Two buildings -- the main hall and the hall of authority -- are National Treasures.
History
Founding
📜According to tradition
678 [Tenmu 7]
One of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, predating the capital's establishment. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Together with Shimogamo Shrine, hosts the Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto's three great festivals.
📄
Documented
678 Source: Shrine records state formal establishment in 678 CE
678📜According to tradition
Formal establishment of the shrine according to shrine records
794📄Documented
Becomes guardian shrine of the new capital Heian-kyo (Kyoto)
Enshrined Deities
⛩
Blessings
Shrine Network
Kamo Upper Kamo Shrine
Did You Know?
💡
The pair of conical sand mounds (tatesuna) in front of the worship hall are said to represent the mountain where the deity descended and are a famous Kyoto icon.
Source: tradition
💡
The Aoi Matsuri parade uses real hollyhock leaves as decoration, a tradition dating back over 1,400 years.
Source: documented
💡
The shrine's grounds include a stream where a traditional Heian-era poetry game (kyokusui no en) is held.
Source: documented
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
35.0594, 135.7525
Physical Address
339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
京都府京都市北区上賀茂本山339
Historical Province
Yamashiro / Tanba / Tango
Access
Kitayama Station (Kyoto Subway Karasuma Line)
Hours
5:30-17:00
Bus
City Bus #4 to Kamigamo-jinja-mae, about 30 min from Kyoto Stn
Best Times to Visit
May (Aoi Matsuri)autumn
Foreign Language Support
English (pamphlet, sign)
Accessibility
Partial
Official Website
https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
Why This Shrine
One of Kyoto's oldest and most sacred sites, with National Treasure buildings, iconic sand cones, and the spectacular Aoi Matsuri. A UNESCO World Heritage shrine.
Related Shrines
Learn More About Shinto Shrines
Background reading for visitors and pilgrims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Kamigamo Shrine?
Kamigamo Shrine (formally Kamo-wakeikazuchi Jinja) is one of Kyoto's most ancient and venerable shrines, predating the city's establishment as the imperial capital in 794. It is the upper of the two Kamo shrines, with its counterpart Shimogamo Shrine located downstream. The enshrined deity, Kamo-wakeikazuchi, is a thunder god said to have descended to earth in a flash of lightning. The shrine's distinctive pair of sand cones (tatesuna) in front of the worship hall represent this divine descent and are among the most iconic images of Kyoto. As a nijunisha (one of the Twenty-Two Shrines) and ichinomiya of Yamashiro Province, the shrine held supreme spiritual authority in the capital region. The Aoi Matsuri (Hollyhock Festival) in May, one of Kyoto's three great festivals, involves an imperial procession from the Imperial Palace to both Kamo shrines. Two buildings -- the main hall and the hall of authority -- are National Treasures.
Where is Kamigamo Shrine located?
Kamigamo Shrine is located in Kyoto-shi, Kita-ku, Kyoto. The full address is: 339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto.
What deities are enshrined at Kamigamo Shrine?
The enshrined deities are: Kamowakeikazuchi no Kami.
What blessings can you pray for at Kamigamo Shrine?
Kamigamo Shrine is known for: Lightning Protection, Warding Off Evil, Matchmaking, Travel Safety.
How do I get to Kamigamo Shrine?
The nearest station is Kitayama Station (Kyoto Subway Karasuma Line). City Bus #4 to Kamigamo-jinja-mae, about 30 min from Kyoto Stn