Overview
Kamo Shrine is the collective name for two important Shinto sanctuaries in Kyoto: Kamigamo Shrine (Kamo-wakeikazuchi) and Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo-mioya), which stand on the banks of the Kamo River. Founded to enshrine the tutelary deities of the ancient Kamo clan, the shrines share the famous Aoi Matsuri festival, one of three imperial festivals that welcome an envoy of the emperor. Registered as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto World Heritage Site and counted among the Twenty-Two Shrines, they preserve both greenery and ritual heritage along the river.
Highlights
- ●A unified sacred realm of Kamigamo and Shimogamo shrines
- ●The Aoi Matsuri, one of three festivals welcoming an imperial envoy
- ●Registered as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto
- ●Ancient prestige as one of the Twenty-Two Shrines
History
Kamo Shrine traces its origins to sanctuaries enshrining the tutelary deities of the ancient Kamo clan, once also called the Great Kamo Deity. As a collective name for Kamigamo and Shimogamo shrines, it drew the reverence of the imperial court and was listed among the Twenty-Two Shrines. Their shared festival, the Aoi Matsuri, is one of three imperial festivals that welcome an envoy of the emperor and carries an ancient formal dignity. It is said that some 30,000 shrines across Japan, bearing names such as Kamo or Kamo-jinja, received their spirit from this shrine, showing how far its faith has spread.
Access
Within Kyoto, Kamigamo Shrine sits in Kita Ward and Shimogamo Shrine in Sakyo Ward, both along the Kamo River. Kamigamo Shrine lies near latitude 35.06 and longitude 135.75, and both are reachable by city transport. Visitors commonly combine city buses and trains from central Kyoto, and the two shrines can be visited together. Please check official sources for detailed routes and visiting hours.
Best season
The most festive time is May, when the Aoi Matsuri, the shared festival of both shrines, takes place. The procession in Heian-era costume moving through the old capital's streets is renowned as one of Kyoto's three great festivals and draws large crowds. Beyond the fresh greenery of early summer, the autumn foliage along the Kamo River and the quiet of winter each have their own charm. Festival days are crowded, so it is best to confirm the schedule through official sources.
Map
35.0603, 135.7528 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Worship at Kamigamo Shrine and explore its grounds
- 2Move along the Kamo River toward Shimogamo Shrine
- 3Stroll slowly amid the greenery of the Tadasu no Mori grove
- 4If visiting in May, watch the Aoi Matsuri procession from the roadside
Did you know?
💡 The Aoi Matsuri is one of Kyoto's three great festivals, ranked alongside the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri, and is regarded as the oldest of them. It is said that about 30,000 shrines across Japan received their enshrined spirit from Kamo Shrine, a testament to the reach of the Kamo faith.
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