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Shimogamo Shrine 下鴨神社

Kamomioya-jinja

Checked October 2026 · next check January 2027 · 1 post since 2012

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Visiting Shimogamo Shrine today

  • Getting there: Walk north from Demachiyanagi Station on the Keihan Line, or take city bus no. 4 from there to Shimogamojinja-mae, about 5 minutes.
  • Hours: 6:30-17:00 daily, including holidays.
  • Admission: Entry to the shrine is free.
  • Best time: Come for the Aoi Matsuri parade on 15 May, or on 3 May for yabusame (horseback archery) on the approach path.
  • Tip: Walk the long approach through Tadasu-no-Mori, a forest with trees up to 600 years old where the Takano and Kamo rivers meet. The shrine's sister, Kamigamo Shrine, is about 3.5 km upstream.
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Aoi Matsuri procession on May 15

Checked against: Shimogamo Shrine (Japan Travel) · Shimogamo-jinja Shrine (Inside Kyoto) · Shimogamo-jinja Shrine (Kyoto City Official Travel Guide). Check opening times and prices before you go.

Shimogamo Shrine on Shibuya246

Photos and stories from our visits, as they were written at the time.

Photos

Shimogamo Shrine

Shimogamo Shrine is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. Located in Kyoto next to the Kamogawa river it is a short walk from the centre of the city. The Shrine is set in a natural mini forest that contains many large trees, beautiful pathways and streams. Shimogamao Shrine is designated as a World Cultural Heritages Site.