Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine: History and Highlights
Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine are highly historic Shinto shrines located in Kyoto City, both registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Originally, these shrines were part of a single entity known as the "Kamo Shrine," but they were later divided into the Upper Shrine (Kamigamo) and Lower Shrine (Shimogamo).
Origins and Stories of Kamigamo Shrine
The official name of Kamigamo Shrine is Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine, and its enshrined deity is Kamo Wakeikazuchi no Ōkami. It is believed to have been founded during the reign of Emperor Tenmu, with records indicating that the foundation of the current shrine buildings was laid in 678. Kamigamo Shrine holds great significance as the place where the Kamo clan worshipped their ancestral deity and has long been revered by the Imperial family. Notably, Emperor Kanmu visited this shrine when he relocated the capital to Heian-kyō (present-day Kyoto).
A beautiful conical mountain called Kōyama is located within the shrine grounds, and it is said that the deity descended upon this mountain. The shrine also features a sacred horse stable, and the sacred horse appears during festivals. Every year on May 5th, the Kamo Kurabeuma (Kamo Horse Races) are held, featuring rituals related to horses.
Origins and Stories of Shimogamo Shrine
The official name of Shimogamo Shrine is Kamo Mioya Shrine, and it enshrines Tamayorihime no Mikoto and Kamo Taketsunumi no Mikoto. Like Kamigamo Shrine, Shimogamo Shrine has been worshipped since ancient times and is especially known as a shrine for matchmaking and romantic blessings. Its founding is said to date back to the era of Emperor Jimmu, and it has long received reverence from the Imperial Court.
Within the shrine grounds lies the sacred forest Tadasu no Mori, considered a holy place. In this forest is the Mitarashi Pond, and the local specialty Mitarashi Dango (sweet rice dumplings) is said to be modeled after the bubbles that rise in the pond.
Local Gourmet Spots
There are several popular gourmet spots near Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines that attract visitors:
Malebranche Kyoto Kitayama Main Store: A Western-style confectionery shop known especially for its Mont Blanc. The freshly made Mont Blanc is noted for its smooth texture and refined sweetness.
Shimogamo Saryo: A restaurant offering Kyoto-style Kaiseki cuisine, featuring dishes made with local ingredients. A specialty here is Sarumochi, traditionally eaten during the Aoi Matsuri festival.
