A–Z directory

鴨都波神社

Kamotsuba Shrine

Japanese Name鴨都波神社
English NameKamotsuba Shrine
PrefectureNara
ReligionShinto
Primary DeityTsumihayae-kotoshironushi-no-mikoto
TypeKamo Shrine
Coordinates34.4600596, 135.7328959

⛩ AI-enriched content

About this Shrine

Kamotsuba Shrine is an ancient Shinto shrine in Gose, Nara Prefecture, considered one of the oldest shrines in the Yamato region. Known as the birthplace of kemari (ancient Japanese kickball), the shrine has deep connections to both spiritual practices and traditional Japanese culture. The shrine's name combines 'kamo' (duck) and 'tsuba' (wing), reflecting its association with waterfowl and the Kamo deity lineage.

Cultural Significance

The shrine is renowned as the spiritual home of kemari, an ancient Japanese ball game played by court nobles that dates back over 1,400 years. Legend holds that kemari was first played at this shrine, making it a pilgrimage site for those interested in traditional Japanese sports and court culture.

Enshrined Deities

Tsumihayae-kotoshironushi-no-mikoto Shimotsutsuo-no-mikoto Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto

Location

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Spot an error?

This shrine data is sourced from OpenStreetMap. You can submit a correction or edit it on OpenStreetMap.

Shrine data © OpenStreetMap contributors, under the Open Database License.

Browse shrines by prefecture

Jump to Shinto shrines across Japan — 108 prefectures in our directory.

Quick Facts

  • Era: Heian period
  • Religion: Shinto

⛩ Visitor Tip

Visit during the annual kemari festival to witness traditional court kickball demonstrations performed in historical costume.

History

Founded in the early Heian period, Kamotsuba Shrine has served as an important religious center in the Yamato Basin for over a millennium. The shrine is historically significant as the legendary birthplace of kemari, the ancient court game that influenced modern football. During the Heian period, court nobles would travel here to participate in kemari ceremonies, making it a cultural bridge between spiritual and secular activities.

A-Z Creatures
Learn Japanese

Japanese Culture Network

Japanese Wood Joints

Ancient joinery techniques of Japanese master craftsmen

ShrinePuzzle

Directory of Japanese board games and traditional games

Kohibou

Japanese coffee culture — kissaten, third wave and brewing guides

E2Japan

Explore Japan's landmarks, shrines and hidden locations

The 725 Club

SNES and Super Famicom collection tracker

Spaceship Adventures

Hoshi no Isan — a Japanese-aesthetic space RPG in development

Uptown Zero

Pixel art life sim MMO — start at zero, build your life

Book Fairy Tales

AI-powered educational stories for kids

CSSKitsune

Japanese-aesthetic design tokens & AI-ready UI prompts

Shinto Wisdom app icon
Free App · No Ads · Offline

Shinto Wisdom Daily Practice

by 10k Game Studio

Every day, one teaching. One moment of stillness.
Kanji, meaning, and a quiet reflection — rooted in the philosophy behind Japan's forests, seasons, and sacred silences.

結び Musubi 清め Harae 自然 Shizen 間 Ma 誠 Makoto + 45 more
Get it on Google Play

Explore 297+ yōkai, oni, kami, and spirits — plus one of the largest English-language Shinto shrine directories on the web.

Explore
Popular Yokai
Popular Shrines

Content Warning: This website explores Japanese folklore and mythological beings—including yokai, oni, and other supernatural entities—that may be frightening to younger audiences or sensitive viewers. All material is presented for educational and cultural appreciation only. Viewer discretion is advised.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to preview content before sharing it with children. By continuing to use JapaneseMythicalCreatures.com, you acknowledge and accept this advisory.

Copyright © 2026 Japanese Mythical Creatures • All Rights Reserved.