A–Z directory

上賀茂神社

Kamigamo Shrine

Japanese Name上賀茂神社
English NameKamigamo Shrine
ReligionShinto
RankKanpei-taisha
Primary DeityWake-ikazuchi-no-mikoto
TypeImperial shrine Shrine
Coordinates34.8807394, 137.3377823

⛩ AI-enriched content

About this Shrine

One of Kyoto's oldest Shinto shrines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kamigamo Shrine is formally known as Kamo-wakeikazuchi Shrine. Located in northern Kyoto, it forms a pair with the nearby Shimogamo Shrine as part of the historic Kamo Shrine complex. The shrine is renowned for its pristine vermillion buildings, sacred forest, and the famous Aoi Matsuri festival held annually in May.

Cultural Significance

The shrine is famous for the Aoi Matsuri (Hollyhock Festival), one of Kyoto's three major festivals, featuring an elaborate imperial procession. The distinctive cone-shaped sand piles (tatezuna) in the courtyard represent purification and the sacred mountain where the kami first descended.

Enshrined Deities

Wake-ikazuchi-no-mikoto

More info

Known formally as Kamigamo Jinja, this ancient shrine is dedicated to Wake-ikazuchi-no-kami, the powerful thunder deity who protects the imperial family and brings purification through divine lightning. As one of Kyoto's oldest and most prestigious shrines, it serves as the head shrine of over 300 Kamo shrines throughout Japan, where visitors seek protection from natural disasters, purification of sins, and blessings for important life transitions. The shrine is particularly revered for its role in the famous Aoi Matsuri festival and attracts worshippers seeking spiritual cleansing and imperial protection through its sacred thunder kami.

Visitor-oriented summary; please verify important details before travel or citation.

Location

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

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

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Quick Facts

  • Era: Asuka period
  • Founded: 678
  • Rank: Kanpei-taisha
  • Religion: Shinto

⛩ Visitor Tip

Visit during the early morning hours to experience the serene atmosphere and avoid crowds, especially beautiful when morning light filters through the sacred forest.

History

Founded in the 7th century, Kamigamo Shrine served as a guardian shrine for the ancient capital of Heian-kyo (modern Kyoto). The Kamo clan, who controlled the area, established the shrine to honor the thunder deity Wake-ikazuchi-no-mikoto. During the Heian period, it became one of the most important imperial shrines, receiving patronage from the imperial court and serving as a venue for important state ceremonies.

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