Shimogamo-jinja Shrine
Shimogamo-jinja Shrine, also known as Kamomioya-jinja Shrine, is the family shrine of the Kamo clan, who inhabited this area before the transfer of the capital.
Shimogamo-jinja Shrine sits nestled between the fork of the Kamogawa and Takanogawa rivers and is approached along a shady path through an old and scenic forest. With the rivers on either side, and with several small streams flowing through the grounds, Shimogamo is refreshingly cool in summer, and many people stroll there day and night to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the rich atmosphere of mystical purity.
The grounds of Shimogamo contain beautiful vermillion-colored wooden buildings, curving bridges over the little streams, and several smaller shrines. Shimogamo-jinja Shrine is the sister shrine of Kamigamo-jinja, which lies a few kilometers north, and together the two Shrines sponsor the annual Aoi Matsuri, a parade of people in period costume that is one of Kyoto's three big annual festivals and a must-see if you are in the city on May 15th.
* Address: 59 Izumigawa-cho Shimogamo Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
* Tel/FAX 075-781-0010/075-781-4722
* Access: 8-minute walk from Keihan Railway Demachiyanagi Station/Eizan Railway Demachiyanagi Station or City Bus from Kitaoji Subway Station/JR Kyoto Station/Hankyu Kawaramachi Station to City Bus Stop Shimogamo-jinja
* Hours: 6:00-17:00
