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Shimogamo Shrine together with Kamigamo Shrine are known as the Kamo Shrines, and they are both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kamo Shrines were two of the most revered shrines by the Imperial Court, who often made offerings there.

Originally built prior to Kyoto becoming Japan's capital, Shimogamo Shrine is one of the first shrines built in Kyoto. 

The forest surrounding the shrine, known as Tadasu no Mori, is believed to be a natural forest, and legend has it that the secrets of those who enter the forest will be revealed. The forest contains trees that are up to 600 years old.

Shimogamo Shrine

​Kamigamo Shrine "Upper Kamo Shrine" is most famous for the Tatesuna, the two large sand cones on its grounds. They serve a purification function for the shrine, and have been made ritually since ancient times.

Kamigamo Shrine stands about three and a half kilometers upriver from Shimogamo Shrine in Kita Ward. The Shimogamo Shrine "Lower Kamo Shrine" is located at the junction of the Takano and Kamo rivers in Sakyo Ward.

The shrines’ annual festival, Kamo no Matsuri, also called Aoi Matsuri, is the oldest of Kyoto's three major festivals. The others are Jidai Matsuri and Gion Matsuri. Both Shrines entrance is free.

Kamigamo Shrine

Access

Shimogamo Shrine can be accessed from Demachi-Yanagi Station on the Keihan Line. The Shrine is a 15 minutes’ walk from the station.

Kyoto City Bus No. 4 bound for Kamigamojinja-mae can be taken from the station to Shimogamojinja-mae bus stop "takes about 5 minutes" directly beside the shrine.

Kamigamo Shrine – From Kyoto Station take the train on Karasuma Subway Line to Kitaoji Station "takes about 15 minutes". The Shrine is a 15 minutes’ walk from the Station. 

Pathway Leads Through Tadasu no Mori

(Shimogamo Shrine - Sakyo-ku) & (Kamigamo Shrine  - Kita-ku) - Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture