# Kamigamo Shrine

> A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto's oldest Shinto shrines, founded in 678 AD, known for its distinctive cone-shaped ritual sand mounds called tatesuna.

- Prefecture: Kyoto
- Type: Shrine
- Address: Kyoto, Japan
- Admission: Free
- Official site: https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/

Founded in 678 and probably older than that, since the Kamo clan were in this valley before the capital arrived. Together with Shimogamo downstream it is the oldest shrine in Kyoto, and its deity is Kamo Wake-ikazuchi, a thunder god, which is not a gentle assignment.

The two cones of white sand in front of the worship hall are the thing to look at. They are called tatesuna, they stand about 1.8 metres, and they represent Koyama, the hill behind the shrine where the god is said to have descended. Sand from them is used for purification, and every pile of salt or sand you see beside a doorway in Japan descends from this idea.

The honden and the gonden behind it date from 1628 and are National Treasures. By tradition they are rebuilt periodically, the same practice as at Ise, so a building from 1628 is both old and repeatedly renewed. The grounds are wide and open, with the Nara-no-ogawa stream running through them under maples, and people put their hands in the water on hot days.

Outside the east gate is Shake-machi, a preserved street of houses built for the shrine's hereditary priest families, each with its own channel diverted from the stream. It is a quiet ten-minute walk and almost nobody does it.

Aoi Matsuri on 15 May brings a procession in Heian court dress from the palace to both Kamo shrines, and on 5 May there is horse racing in the grounds that has been held since 1093. Entry is free. The special viewing of the inner shrine costs 500 yen. It is about thirty minutes by bus from Kyoto Station, well north of the tourist belt.

## FAQ

### How do I get to Kamigamo Shrine?

Take city bus 4 from Kyoto Station to Kamigamo Jinja-mae (about 40 minutes). Alternatively, take the subway to Kitayama Station, then bus 4 or walk 30 minutes along the Kamo River.

### What are the tatesuna sand cones?

Two cone-shaped mounds of white sand in front of the worship hall, representing sacred mountains and used in Shinto purification rituals. They are meticulously maintained and are a distinctive feature of the shrine.

### When is the best time to visit?

May 15 for the elegant Aoi Matsuri procession from the Imperial Palace. Early morning visits offer a peaceful atmosphere. The shrine is less crowded than central Kyoto shrines year-round.

### Can I visit both Kamigamo and Shimogamo shrines in one trip?

Yes, both are along the Kamo River and connected by bus or a pleasant 3km riverside walk. Together they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Allow 3-4 hours for both.

---
Source: Kamigamo Shrine — Japan Voyage