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most visited sights
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33
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of 46 sights
in Kyoto
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| basic
information |
A Gate at Shimogamo Shrine
The Kamo Shrines, Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine, are both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are two of the most important shrines in Kyoto.
Two of the oldest shrines in Japan, the Kamo Shrines predate the city's establishment as national capital in 794. Throughout the thousand years that Kyoto served as Japan's capital city, the Imperial Court patronized the shrines as establishments dedicated to the city's protection and prosperity.
Shimogamo Shrine, also known as Kamomioya Shrine, is located at the junction of the Takano and Kamo rivers. It is surrounded by the Tadasu no Mori, a forest which was preserved during the modernization of the city. The forest has trees that are up to 600 years old, which are considered sacred by the priests of the shrine.
Inside Shimogamo Shrine
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Tadasu no Mori
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About three and a half kilometers upriver of Shimogamo is Kamigamo Shrine, which is officially named Kamowakeikazuchi Shrine. Kamigamo is well known for the two sand cones that can be seen at its entrance. They serve a purification function for the shrine, and have been made ritually since ancient times.
The Kamo Shrines jointly hold one of Kyoto's three biggest festivals, the Aoi Matsuri. Every May 15th at 10:30am, a large procession dressed in the style of the Heian court leaves from the Imperial Palace, continues to Shimogamo, and ends the day at Kamigamo. Both shrines also host other smaller festivals throughout the year.
Kamigamo's Sand Cones
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Inside Kamigamo Shrine
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Any advice or questions? Voice them in the forum!
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| how
to get there |
Shimogamo Shrine is a 15 minute walk from Demachiyanagi Station on the Keihan Line. Kyoto City Bus #4 bound for Kamigamojinja can be taken from the station to Shimogamojinja Mae bus stop for 220 yen. The bus ride takes 5 minutes and the stop is directly beside the shrine.
Kamigamo Shrine can be reached in about 30 minutes from either Demachiyanagi Station or Shimogamo Shrine (Shimogamojinja Mae bus stop) on the Kyoto City Bus #4 bound for Kamigamojinja. It can also be reached from the Kitayama Station on the Karasuma Subway Line. It is about a 15 minute walk from the station, or a 10 minute bus ride on the #4 bus. A bus ticket costs 220 yen.
Orientation in Kyoto
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| hours
and fees |
Shimogamo Shrine
Closed: no closing days
Admission: free
Kamigamo Shrine
Closed: no closing days
Admission: free
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| news
and reports |
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| travel
community |
Popularity of Kamo Shrines:
Users who have been to Kyoto: 1926
Users who have been to Kamo Shrines: 105 33rd of 46 most visited sights in Kyoto.
181st of 554 most visited sights nationwide.
Ratings for Kamo Shrines:
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japan-guide.com Rating:
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outstanding
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User Rating (by 54 users):
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79/100
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recommended
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| hotels
& ryokan |
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Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto
Voted No.1 hostel in Asia by Hostelworld customers. 9 mins walk from JR Kyoto station Bed from 2,500 yen.
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Gion Hatanaka
A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja.
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Guest Inn Chita
A small traditional inn run by a very kind staff. From 3500yen per guest. 10 min from Kyoto Station. Renewed in 2006.
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| tours
and packages |
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Kyoto Tours
Various tours and travel packages for Kyoto and surroundings.
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