Kamigamo-jinja Shrine is located in the northern part of Kyoto City.It is a historic shrine said to have existed on this site since the latter half of the 7th century.This shrine is registered as a World Heritage Site. Additionally, buildings designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties are scattered throughout the grounds.The shrine precincts are surrounded by natural trees, with a small stream called the Myojin-gawa River flowing through them.
The Myojin-gawa River flows from the shrine grounds to Shake-machi, located east of the shrine.Shake refers to clans that have passed down the role of shrine priests for generations. The area where the homes of these Shake families gathered near the shrine they served is called Shake-machi.
Kamigamo-jinja Shrine also has its own Shake-machi. The townscape stretches along the flow of the Myojin-gawa River. The view of the distant mountain range and the townscape with the Myojin-gawa River flowing through it is a landscape that retains the traditional charm of Kyoto.
About a 10-minute walk east from Shake-machi lies Ota-jinja Shrine.
This shrine also serves as a subsidiary shrine within the precincts of Kamigamo-jinja Shrine. Its founding year is unknown, but it existed here by the early 10th century.
It is a small shrine without any flashiness, but it is undoubtedly a historic shrine.
Furthermore, along the approach path, the Ota-no-sawa area features approximately 25,000 Japanese irises growing wild across a site of about 2,000 square meters, known as the Ota-no-sawa Japanese Iris Colony. This Ota-no-sawa seems to have been a famous spot since the Heian Period (794 – 1185).
When you visit Kamigamo-jinja Shrine, stroll through the streets of Shake-machi, and then see Ota-jinja Shrine. This is one tour.
There’s one more place I’d like you to stop by.
It’s the traditional Japanese sweets shop Jinba-do located near the torii gate. Founded in 1872, it’s an extremely popular, long-established shop. The specialty is the grilled mochi Aoi Mochi. You can buy just one piece. However, be aware that they often sell out by mid-morning.
This time, I headed from the subway’s Kitaoji Station toward the Kamo-gawa River, walked along the Kamo-gawa River from Kitaoji-bashi Bridge, crossed Misono-bashi Bridge, and went to Kamigamo-jinja Shrine.This part of the Kamo-gawa River has almost no tourists, unlike the Shijo Ohashi or Sanjo Ohashi bridges.
With Mt. Hiei visible in the distance, you can stroll through nature and enjoy the quiet Kamo-gawa River and the quiet nature of Kyoto.If you have time, I recommend strolling along the Kamo-gawa River to Kamigamo-jinja Shrine. It takes about 40 minutes on foot from Kitaoji Station to Kamigamo-jinja Shrine.
Kamigamo-jinja Shrine
https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/en/
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