Kamo Shrines in Kyoto
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Facts & Figures
The term Kamo Shrines is used to describe the two most important and oldest Shinto sanctuaries in Kyoto called Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine located at the riverbanks of Kamogawa. These shrines existed already before Kyoto became the capital of Japan in 794. They were established to prevent demons from entering the city and for the prosperity of the people. Because of their historical significance, they got the status of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1994.
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- Overview of the Kamo Shrines in Kyoto:
- Shimogamo Shrine
- Kamigamo Shrine
- Aoi Matsuri
Shimogamo Shrine
Shimogamo Shrine, also called Kamomioya-jinja, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and belongs to the seventeen Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Shimogamo (lit. Lower Kamo Shrine) is one of the oldest and most important Shinto Shrines in Japan. The shrine dates back to the 6th century.
Address: 59 Shimogamo Izumigawa-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-0807
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Kamigamo Shrine
Kamigamo Shrine, also known as Kamigamo-jinja or Kamowakeikazuchi-jinja, belongs to the seventeen Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Kamigamo-jinja is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in the city with a history of over 1300 years.
Address: 339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8047
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Aoi Matsuri (Festival)
The Aoi Matsuri, known as the Hollyhock Festival or the Kamo Festival, is one of the three major annual festivals alongside the Jidai Matsuri and Gion Matsuri held in Kyoto. It is a festival for the two Kamo shrines, the Shimogamo and the Kamigamo shrine. The highlight of this festival is a large parade on the 15th of May.
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My tips for local activities
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