Summary
Kamigamo Shrine, formally Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine (賀茂別雷神社), is one of Kyoto’s oldest shrines and a major guardian of the ancient capital. Known for its spacious grounds, flowing streams, and twin National Treasure sanctuaries, it enshrines Kamo Wakeikazuchi no Okami, a powerful deity of thunder and protection.
Key Facts
- Province: Yamashiro (historical province)
- Enshrined Deity: Kamo Wakeikazuchi no Okami (賀茂別雷大神)
- Founded / Legend: Linked to the Kamo clan and the descent of the deity to Mt. Koyama after the legend of Kamo Tamayorihime and a vermilion arrow on the Kamo River.
- Architecture: Honden and Gonden in nagare-zukuri (流造); both designated National Treasures.
- World Heritage: Part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.”
Ichinomiya Status in Yamashiro (Quick Note)
Kamigamo Shrine is widely regarded as the Ichinomiya (chief shrine) of Yamashiro Province, paired with Shimogamo Shrine (Kamomioya Shrine). Together, the two Kamo shrines have protected Kyoto from ancient times, especially from the northeast direction, traditionally considered inauspicious.
History in Brief
According to shrine tradition, Kamigamo Shrine traces its origin to the legend of Kamo Tamayorihime, who conceived the thunder deity after encountering a mysterious vermilion arrow along the Kamo River. The deity later descended in adult form to Mt. Koyama, and rituals began there to honor him as Kamo Wakeikazuchi no Okami.
The first shrine buildings at Kamigamo Shrine were recorded in 677. When Emperor Kanmu moved the capital to Heian-kyo (Kyoto) in 794, he granted special patronage to the Kamo shrines as guardians of the new capital. Positioned in the northeast, Kamigamo Shrine came to be seen as a key protector against misfortune entering from that direction.
Over the centuries, the shrine received support from the imperial court and powerful warriors, including the Minamoto, Oda, Toyotomi, and Tokugawa families. Kamigamo Shrine followed the practice of shikinen sengu, regularly rebuilding or repairing its sacred buildings. The current main halls were rebuilt in the late Edo period.
Enshrined Deity
Kamo Wakeikazuchi no Okami is a deity of thunder and powerful natural forces. He is believed to protect from disasters, lightning, and misfortune from unlucky directions, while bringing good fortune and successful outcomes in important life events. Today, many people also regard him as a guardian for electricity, innovation, and technology-related work.
The Kamo Shrines (Kamigamo & Shimogamo)
Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine together are known as the Kamo shrines of Kyoto. Shimogamo Shrine enshrines Kamo Taketsunumi no Mikoto and Kamo Tamayorihime no Mikoto, the mother of Kamo Wakeikazuchi. The two shrines share myths, rituals, and major festivals such as the Aoi Matsuri, offering a unified view of the Kamo faith that has long protected Kyoto.
Etiquette
Please keep these simple manners in mind when visiting the shrine.
- Purify your hands and mouth at the temizuya (手水舎).
- Bow twice, clap twice, and bow once (ni-rei ni-hakushu ichi-rei).
- Keep quiet around the honden (本殿, main sanctuary) and during rituals.
- Please refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking within the shrine grounds.
- Aerial drones are strictly prohibited without special permission.
- Photography is not allowed near the honden (main sanctuary). Please follow on-site signs.
Visitor Tips
- The shrine grounds stretch along the Kamo River, with wide lawns, white gravel paths, and small streams that create a calm, open atmosphere.
- The vermilion Romon gate and Tamabashi Bridge form a striking entrance to the inner shrine area.
- In front of the Hosodono Hall, two tatezuna sand cones represent Mt. Koyama and express harmony through different numbers of pine needles placed at their peaks.
- The National Treasure honden and gonden are not open to photography from the inner area. Visitors can enjoy the view from outside the sacred zone.
Photography may be restricted near sacred areas. Please follow on-site signs.
The name “Kamo” appears with two kanji: 賀茂 and 鴨. Around Kamigamo Shrine, the area and shrine use 賀茂, derived from the ancient Kamo clan (Kamo-uji).
The river beside the shrines is called Kamo-gawa, written 鴨川 in its lower course near Shimogamo Shrine. Both forms appear in this area, reflecting historical usage rather than different meanings.
Omamori (Amulets)
Common omamori (お守り) for protection from misfortune, good fortune, studies, work, travel safety, and family well-being are typically ¥800–¥1,500. Offerings are made as hatsuhoryo (初穂料). Shrine offices usually accept cash only.
You can find details on the shrine’s official page (Japanese only): Amulets Page ↗
Festivals
Kamigamo Shrine hosts many rituals through the year. The two below are especially famous.
- Aoi Matsuri (葵祭): May 15 — the main festival of the Kamo shrines. A grand Heian-period style procession travels from Kyoto Imperial Palace to Shimogamo Shrine and then to Kamigamo Shrine, with participants and horses decorated with futaba-aoi leaves.
- Kamo Kurabeuma (賀茂競馬): Early May — traditional horse-racing rites held within the shrine grounds as an offering for peace and good harvests.
How to Visit & Access
Kamigamo Shrine is located in Kita Ward, northern Kyoto, along the upper Kamo River. It is easily reached by bus from central Kyoto.
From central Kyoto, buses and subway connections provide convenient access. For detailed routes, please refer to the shrine’s official access guide: Official Access (English) ↗
- Address: 339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita-ku, Kyoto (Google Maps) ↗
- Nearest Stop: Kamigamo Jinja Mae (Kyoto City Bus) — about 1 minute on foot.
- Hours: The main approach typically opens around 5:30, while the inner gate and shrine offices open from 8:00. Hours may vary by season and events.
- Official Site: Kamigamo Shrine (English) ↗
- Official Instagram: @kamigamojinja.official ↗
Travel times are approximate and may vary by schedule and traffic. Hours may change during festivals and special events.
Nearby
- Shimogamo Shrine (Kamomioya Shrine) — partner Kamo shrine and World Heritage site at the junction of the Kamo and Takano Rivers.
- Kamo River — pleasant riverside walks and cycling routes leading toward central Kyoto.
- Ota Shrine — related Kamo shrine known for rice-planting rites and iris flowers in late spring.
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