⛩️ Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine (Kamigamo Shrine)

Kamigamo Shrine is the oldest shrine in Kyoto. According to legend, during ancient mythological times, the main deity, Kamo Wakeikazuchi no Kami, descended upon the sacred mountain located to the northwest of the main hall. In the sixth year of the Hakuhō era (AD 678), Emperor Tenmu's reign saw the local noble family, the Kamo clan, build a shrine at the current site, marking the origin of the shrine. It is commonly referred to as "Kamigamo Shrine," while its formal name is "Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine," named after the main deity. Within the shrine grounds, there is a sand mound shaped like the sacred mountain, known as Tachi-suna. The legend of Kamo Wakeikazuchi no Kami speaks of its powerful ability to command thunder and lightning, making it a deity capable of dispelling all disasters. After the capital was moved to Kyoto during the Nara period, it was further revered as a guardian deity of the imperial city and a protector against evil, gaining deep faith from the imperial family. Additionally, it was highly respected by the Tokugawa family, who bore the Mitsuba Aoi family crest, which originates from the double-leaf aoi crest. Since then, Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine's status has been second only to Ise Shrine, enjoying great prestige. To this day, it is widely worshipped by the local populace as a deity for disaster prevention, protection from evil, guardian of electricity, and a god of victory. Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine is surrounded by abundant nature, with over 60 shrines within its expansive grounds, two of which are national treasures, and 41 designated as important cultural properties. Furthermore, in 1994, as part of the "Cultural Properties of Ancient Kyoto," the entire area of the shrine was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main hall and the secondary hall, both national treasures, are constructed in the architectural style known as "sanmen-sha ryūzō." "Ryūzō" is a typical shrine architecture style, making it a rare prototype. On the front, one can see the largest painting in Japanese art history, the lion komainu painting "Kage-komainu," donated by the Kano school. The main hall and the secondary hall are usually forbidden to enter, but with a special request at the reception, visitors can participate in a guided tour and worship led by shrine officials. In this sacred place, which has remained unchanged from ancient times to the present, one can bow their head, calm their mind, and pray for blessings from the deities.

One of the highlights is the conical "Tachisuna" piled up within the shrine, symbolizing the sacred mountain where the deities descend. The main hall and the secondary hall, both designated as national treasures. The annual ritual held every May—the Kamo Matsuri (Aoi Matsuri). The rich natural scenery and sacred atmosphere within the shrine grounds.