Kamo shrines
Shinto sanctuary complex guarding Kyoto's northeast from demons.
Kamo Shrine (Kamo-jinja) is a general term for an important Shinto sanctuary complex on both banks of the Kamo River in northeast Kyoto, centered on two shrines: the upper Kamigamo Shrine and the lower Shimogamo Shrine. The complex was positioned at the northeast corner of the old capital, known as the 'devil's gate' (kimon), to prevent demons from entering the city via the river. The shrines are among the 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto' designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- type
- Shinto shrine complex
- location
- Northeast Kyoto, on both banks of the Kamo River
- established
- Pre-dates the founding of Japan's ancient capital; lower shrine dates to the 6th century
- key kami
- Kamo Wake-ikazuchi (thunder kami) at Kamigamo; Kamo Tamayori-hime and Kamo Taketsune at Shimogamo
- annual festival
- Kamo no Matsuri (Aoi Matsuri), oldest of Kyoto's three major festivals
- UNESCO status
- World Heritage Site as part of 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto'
Lore & Background
The Kamo Shrine encompasses two traditionally associated but independent shrines: Kamo-wakeikazuchi Shrine (Kamigamo) in Kita Ward and Kamo-mioya Shrine (Shimogamo) in Sakyo Ward. The name refers to the Kamo clan, early inhabitants who established this sacred place and many of whom continue to live nearby. The shrines' formal names memorialize roots in a history pre-dating the founding of Japan's ancient capital. The Tadasu no Mori forest, a primeval grove preserved as a national historical site, is theorized to have been the home of the sacerdotal Kamo clan, who were exclusive caretakers from prehistoric times.
Reader's Guide
The Kamo shrines are significant as a key Shinto complex that protected Heian-kyō from spiritual harm, positioned along the Kamo River to block demons entering from the northeast. They became objects of Imperial patronage during the early Heian period, with Emperor Murakami ordering Imperial messengers to report to them in 965. The annual Aoi Matsuri, the oldest of Kyoto's three major festivals, features a procession between the two shrines, horse races, and mounted archery. Both shrines were designated Kanpei-taisha (first-rank government-supported shrines) from 1871 through 1946. The Shimogamo Shrine, located in the primeval Tadasu no Mori forest, is associated with prayers for rice harvest success. The Kamigamo Shrine is famous for its haiden (worship hall) rebuilt in 1628-1629. Imperial progresses to the shrines occurred in 795 (Emperor Kanmu), 1334 (Emperor Go-Daigo), and 1863 (Emperor Kōmei, the first such visit in over 230 years).
Did You Know?
- The Kamo Shrine complex was positioned at the 'devil's gate' (kimon), the northeast corner of the old capital, to prevent demons from entering via the Kamo River.
- The Tadasu no Mori forest, home of the Shimogamo Shrine, is a primeval forest that has never been planted or pruned and is left to grow in its natural state.
- The annual Aoi Matsuri is the oldest of Kyoto's three major festivals, featuring a procession, horse races, and mounted archery (yabusame).
- The head priests of both shrines share the same title, Kamo-no-Agata-no Nushi.
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