Kamigamo Shrine
Kamigamo Shrine
4.5
5:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
5:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
5:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
5:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
5:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
5:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
5:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
5:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Neighbourhood: Northern Kyoto
Hot springs and historic temples characterize the leafy landscapes of Northern Kyoto. Acres of tranquil residential streets are interrupted by some of Kyoto's most gorgeous architectural gems, including the majestic Golden Pavilion of Kinkakuji, the serene artistry of the Ryoanji Temple rock gardens, and the bold red paint across the structures of Enryakuji Temple. Once a religious core of the city, the district now boasts some of its most remote and peaceful hot springs, as well as a few of its best family-run mom-and-pop restaurants. A blend of extremely local at its outskirts, and highly peopled at its tourist centers, Northern Kyoto nonetheless retains a halcyon air in harmony with nature.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
622 reviews
Excellent
315
Very good
253
Average
51
Poor
0
Terrible
3
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OnAir803420
Tokyo, Japan26,354 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
I visited during the special exhibition of Kyoto's non-public cultural properties in spring 2024. The contents of the special exhibition were [visiting the main hall (national treasure) and the provisional hall (national treasure) with the guidance of a priest] and [displaying the sacred treasures (ritual implements) in the Takakura Palace (national important cultural property)]. When I visited the [main hall and provisional hall] with the guidance of a priest, I learned that while in ordinary shrines the guardians are a pair of lion dogs, at this shrine, the [main hall and provisional hall] are both on the left: the lion dog, which is silver, symbolizing the energy of the moon and yin, and on the right: the Chinese lion, which is gold, symbolizing the energy of the sun and yang. I was told that the combination of lion dog and Chinese lion dog has an older tradition (history) than the combination of lion dogs. Taking this opportunity, I hope to become interested in what the guardians in front of the [main hall] are and to gain new knowledge when I visit the shrine in the future, so the special exhibition may be worthwhile.
Written 16 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew R
Kyoto9 contributions
June 2014 • Friends
I agree with most of the reviews. The sounds of the small creek winding through the shrine make for a serene, healing atmosphere. However... the priests are jerks. At least one of them is. This shrine is known to have fireflies flitting about during the rainy season (around June), so a friend and I went to check it out. We didn't see any so we asked a priest who was waiting for some distinguished visitor. He treated us like idiots and was extremely unfriendly. Go to Shimogamo Shrine (下賀茂神社) instead -- it's just as beautiful and easier to get to.
Written 7 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YTCHENG
Hong Kong, China15,393 contributions
Nov 2019
It had been founded in 678 but burnt and rebuilt in later years. The site coverage was large and particularly beautiful during autumn foliage falls. An important Shinto sanctuary on the banks of Kamo River. One of the UNESCO world heritage site and highly recommended.
Written 12 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah88HongKong
Hong Kong, China192 contributions
This shrine is small and away from downtown Kyoto. It has a very quiet and beautiful setting unlike other busy shrines. In front of the shrine is a vast green meadow reserved for horse racing rituals in May. When one walks up to the shrine, one would be greeted by the main gate which is magnificent. More impressive is a beautiful stream running in front of the gate. People there are also friendly which makes the visit perfect. Outside the shrine is a small area conserved for its traditional houses. The small stream continues to run in front of those houses which forms an interesting scenary.
Written 14 December 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melinda G
Osaka, Japan507 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
We walked along the Kamo River from Shimogamo Shrine to Kamigamo Shrine. If you have the time, it’s a nice walk. It was busy because it was the first day of the year.
Written 3 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David M
Adelaide, Australia121 contributions
June 2019 • Friends
Very large shrine. We were slightly disappointed with this one because it consisted of a number of buildings which could not be accessed ie you could not see inside.
Written 11 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gail B
20 contributions
Nov 2018 • Family
Lots of loverly trees and brilliant Autum leaves. Staff are friendly and welcoming. Shrines are beautiful
Written 2 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lucem808
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States897 contributions
Oct 2018 • Solo
Honestly, I was heading here to see the Kasagake Shinji (Horseback Archery) which is in October, and generally starts around 1pm. I arrived a bit late (3:30pm), and all the events had ended by then, so presumably the crowds and traffic, too.
As an aside, map apps are still finicky with Kyoto Buses. My best advice is to use the app's tracker to see which buses are arriving, to make sure you're at the right bus stop, and facing the correct direction. Even asking Japanese natives for assistance, since my device was showing results in Japanese--if they don't usually go there, they dpn't know, which is a problem in any country. So I got on the right bus, in the wrong direction, so my 30-minute ride lasted just over 1.5 hours. I didn't make it in time to see anything but people cleaning up after the events.
Although disappointed, when I arrived at the temple grounds, the landscape and setting was so peaceful, I easily let go of my previous feelings, used the cleansing ritual with water, and began my walk around the area. It is a wide open space after the first torii, with greenery and fields, and the second torii gate ahead.
Kamigamo is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto. It is also considered a sister to Shimagamo. They are both built aside the Kamogawa river. The area is not as immense as some temple grounds, so it is easily navigated--the path takes you up and around, then back down toward the entrance. This area is calmer than some shrines with just too many visitors; there is also not as much flair as a temple like Kinkaku-ji or movie and tv influence like Fushimi Inari, which keeps the large tourist groups from appearing.
On the grounds are twin sand mounds (Tatesuna & Saiden), kami who have taken residence at Kamigamo. This leads up to the Romon gate before entering the main temple halls. Two streams seem to wind around the Romon area, meeting together as you walk back towards the entrance.
I would give it a 4.5 just for the fact it's actually a peaceful and quiet temple. On the other hand, it is peaceful and quiet because there isn't a big draw, except for those who appreciate the history and culture of the visit. So there is less flair and striking monuments to see, as this could be considered one of the originals, before future temples needed to 'one-up' and innovate.
Children seemed drawn to the streams and playing in the natural park environment more than anything else. If you're solo, or a couple, looking for a more authentic pace of older Kyoto, this is a great place to visit.
As an aside, map apps are still finicky with Kyoto Buses. My best advice is to use the app's tracker to see which buses are arriving, to make sure you're at the right bus stop, and facing the correct direction. Even asking Japanese natives for assistance, since my device was showing results in Japanese--if they don't usually go there, they dpn't know, which is a problem in any country. So I got on the right bus, in the wrong direction, so my 30-minute ride lasted just over 1.5 hours. I didn't make it in time to see anything but people cleaning up after the events.
Although disappointed, when I arrived at the temple grounds, the landscape and setting was so peaceful, I easily let go of my previous feelings, used the cleansing ritual with water, and began my walk around the area. It is a wide open space after the first torii, with greenery and fields, and the second torii gate ahead.
Kamigamo is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto. It is also considered a sister to Shimagamo. They are both built aside the Kamogawa river. The area is not as immense as some temple grounds, so it is easily navigated--the path takes you up and around, then back down toward the entrance. This area is calmer than some shrines with just too many visitors; there is also not as much flair as a temple like Kinkaku-ji or movie and tv influence like Fushimi Inari, which keeps the large tourist groups from appearing.
On the grounds are twin sand mounds (Tatesuna & Saiden), kami who have taken residence at Kamigamo. This leads up to the Romon gate before entering the main temple halls. Two streams seem to wind around the Romon area, meeting together as you walk back towards the entrance.
I would give it a 4.5 just for the fact it's actually a peaceful and quiet temple. On the other hand, it is peaceful and quiet because there isn't a big draw, except for those who appreciate the history and culture of the visit. So there is less flair and striking monuments to see, as this could be considered one of the originals, before future temples needed to 'one-up' and innovate.
Children seemed drawn to the streams and playing in the natural park environment more than anything else. If you're solo, or a couple, looking for a more authentic pace of older Kyoto, this is a great place to visit.
Written 4 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hiart
new york city71 contributions
Dec 2016 • Friends
Kamigamo and Shimogamo are the two oldest shrines in Kyoto. They tend not to be touristy, they're slightly off the beaten path and they're modest, but somehow still miraculous. I am totally a fan of Shimogamo which is at the fork of the Kamo River/Demachiyanagi. Go!
Written 1 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kyotocat
Chicago Illinois131 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
Kamigamo is one of the most tranquil and beautiful Shinto shrines in Japan. Before visiting it read "Shinto: The Kami Way" to have a recognition of the buildings and symbols at Kamigamo. Look into all of the spaces. View the remote areas, listen to the water. Kamigamo is a bit remote, in the Northwest corner of Kyoto. It is a place of great peace and spirituality.
Written 23 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My son is getting married there in April, are there any good hotels nearby?
Regards Jules
Written 23 January 2017
Kamigamo Shrine would be an amazing place for a Wedding. When I was visiting in September, a famous Kabuki Actor married a famous actress there. Kamigamo Shrine is a bit far afield and I don't believe there would be many hotels in that neighborhood. The area immediately near the Shrine is more of a neighborhood than an area with hotels. I would choose a more central location for staying and make sure to arrange transportation to the location, since it is a bit of a walk form any train stations. I took a train to the nearest station and then took a bus (I speak Japanese), and while it wasn't hard, it took a little figuring out. Taxi's or rented mini-van's would be easiest for guests.
Written 24 January 2017
Hi Jeff. I'm not sure. I'm no longer living in Kyoto (unfortunately). I imagine that some vendors would still be there if it is raining, but I am not certain. Sorry for the delay in my reply!
Written 28 November 2016
Quanto tempo ci vuole per visitarlo?
How long does it take to visit it？
Written 18 February 2015
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