Kyoto

Kamigamo Shrine in Kyoto

World Heritage Site in a park-like setting

Cathy Cawood Feb 18, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>A large torii stands at the entrance to Kamigamo Shrine</p>

<p>Curved path leading to the main hall</p>

<p>Beautiful contrast of red and green</p>

<p>Striped curtains billow in the breeze</p>

<p>Decorative brass plates protect joints in the wood from attacking insects.</p>

<p>One of the smaller shrine buildings</p>

<p>Massive stone steps leading to a small altar</p>

<p>Wooden lanterns stand among tall trees</p>

<p>A priest in blue and white robes hurries to his duties.</p>

<p>The parking space for car blessing... but the blessing is very expensive.</p>

Kamigamo Shrine was established in 678 and is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. Large park-like grounds with several distinctive and beautiful buildings make this World Heritage Site well worth visiting. Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine are linked, and together it is believed they protect Kyoto from evil. These photos were taken in May, shortly before Aoi Festival. There is a long grass corridor in the shrine grounds where horse races take place during the festival.

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Find out more about Kamigamo Shrine.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...