Shimogamo Shrine

UNESCO World Heritage

下鴨神社（賀茂御祖神社）

Shimogamo Shrine, also called Kamomioya Shrine, is the family shrine of the Kamo clan, who lived here before Kyoto became the capital. It sits where the Kamogawa and Takanogawa rivers meet, inside Tadasu no Mori, an old forest that is a cool, quiet place to walk in summer. Inside you will find bright vermilion wooden buildings, curved bridges over small streams and several small shrines. It is part of the World Heritage site. With Kamigamo Shrine, it holds the Aoi Matsuri parade on May 15.

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Visitor information

Opening hours

Gates open 6:30–17:00.

Getting there

From Kyoto Station, take the Subway Karasuma Line to Kitaoji (about 13 min), then City Bus No. 1 or 205 from the red bus stop to Shimogamo Jinja-mae (about 8 min).

By train: JR Nara Line one stop to Tofukuji, change to the Keihan Line to Demachiyanagi (last stop), cross Kawai Bridge and walk about 12 minutes.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

The two main halls (rebuilt in 1863) are National Treasures, and 31 buildings are Important Cultural Properties. The Tadasu no Mori forest is a rare forest left in the city.
The Aoi Matsuri parade in period costume is held on May 15 and is one of Kyoto's three big annual festivals.
For sightseeing questions, contact the shrine directly: 075-781-0010.

Tips for Muslim visitors

The shrine is approached along a long path through the Tadasu no Mori forest, whose lush trees give shade from the heat.
Some people bathe their feet in Mitarashi Pond as a ritual; visitors may simply look around.
Shinto shrines are open to everyone. Bowing, clapping and washing at the purification basin are optional; you can simply look around.
Shrines are usually busiest at New Year and during festivals. Early morning is often the calmest time to visit.
Charms, fortune slips and votive tablets are religious items. You do not need to buy or use them.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Kyoto and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.