A Gate at Shimogamo Shrine
The Kamo Shrines, Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine, are both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are two of the most important shrines in Kyoto.
Two of the oldest shrines in Japan, the Kamo Shrines predate the city's establishment as national capital in 794. Throughout the thousand years that Kyoto served as Japan's capital city, the Imperial Court patronized the shrines as establishments dedicated to the city's protection and prosperity.
Shimogamo Shrine, also known as Kamomioya Shrine, is located at the junction of the Takano and Kamo rivers. It is surrounded by the Tadasu no Mori, a forest which was preserved during the modernization of the city. The forest has trees that are up to 600 years old, which are considered sacred by the priests of the shrine.
Inside Shimogamo Shrine
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Tadasu no Mori
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About three and a half kilometers upriver of Shimogamo is Kamigamo Shrine, which is officially named Kamowakeikazuchi Shrine. Kamigamo is well known for the two sand cones that can be seen at its entrance. They serve a purification function for the shrine, and have been made ritually since ancient times.
The Kamo Shrines jointly hold one of Kyoto's three biggest festivals, the Aoi Matsuri. Every May 15th at 10:30am, a large procession dressed in the style of the Heian court leaves from the Imperial Palace, continues to Shimogamo, and ends the day at Kamigamo. Both shrines also host other smaller festivals throughout the year.
Kamigamo's Sand Cones
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Inside Kamigamo Shrine
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