20 Shrines in Kyoto worth your time

Ōharano Shrine, known for its deer-themed items, offers beautiful seasonal foliage and traditional sweets.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to Kasuga Daimyojin, the Fujiwara family's guardian deity.
• First Kasuga shrine established by welcoming deity from Nara's Kasuga Taisha.
• Founded in 784 by the Fujiwara family near the new capital Nagaokakyo.
• Known for deer-themed items like statuary, amulets, and votive tablets.

What to see

• Koisawa Pond with its striking vermilion bridge.
• Wakamiya Shrine dedicated to Ame no Oshikumone no Mikoto.
• Senganzakura, a weeping cherry tree with many large flowers.
• Water basin with water pouring from a bronze deer's mouth.
• Sumo ring used for ritual wrestling during the Mitakarisai Festival.
• Main sanctuary (1822) in kasuga-zukuri style, flanked by cypress trees.

When to go

• Popular for viewing cherry blossoms, irises, water lilies, and maple leaves.
• Senganzakura cherry tree's peak bloom lasts only three days.
• Mitakarisai Festival in September for ritual wrestling and harvest thanks.

Address

京都府京都市西京区大原野南春日町1152 Map

Official site

oharano-jinja.jp

Read more about Ōharano Shrine

A historic guardian shrine in Miyazu featuring rare Edo-period architecture and a massive sacred rock for spiritual exploration.

What it is

• Guardian shrine for the eastern Miyazu district founded to honor local deities.
• The main hall dates back to 1807 and reflects traditional religious architecture.
• Historically known by the names Wakenomiya or Enoshima Jinja.
• Enshrines the deities Toyouke-bimeno-kami and Amenominakanushi-no-kami.

What to see

• The Omotemon gate built in the rare Mukai-karamon architectural style.
• A large sacred rock known as Mizukoshi-iwa located on the shrine grounds.
• Stone fences engraved with the names of wealthy merchants from the Edo period.
• A modern portable shrine newly constructed in 2006 for local festivals.

When to go

• The annual festival held every year from May 13 to May 15.
• Miyazu Matsuri featuring traditional floating drums and local celebrations.

Getting there

• A 10-minute walk from Miyazu Station to reach the shrine grounds.

Read more about Wakinomiya Shrine

A quiet mountain shrine in Kyoto serving as the guardian for Ohara, featuring historical links to ancient temples and Mount Hiei.

What it is

• A guardian shrine for the eight towns of Ohara dedicated to Ukanomitama-no-kami.
• Originally founded as a syncretic temple known as Bishamondo Ebumiji.
• A historic site affected by Oda Nobunaga's military attack on Mount Hiei.
• Located at the foot of Mount Konpira near the road to Ebumi Pass.

What to see

• The main shrine grounds situated in a forested mountain setting.
• Multiple auxiliary shrines including Tenmangu and Kagutsuchi located on the site.
• Historical structures that some theories link to the ancient Itada Shrine.

When to go

• The annual shrine festival is held every year on May 5th.

Getting there

• Walk five hundred meters from the Nomura-wakare bus stop to reach the grounds.
• The Ebumi Jinja-mae bus stop is closer but has very limited daily service.

Read more about Ebumi Shrine

A historic Kyoto shrine and head of 2,300 branches, famous for its National Treasure main hall and the Gion Matsuri.

What it is

• Primary shrine dedicated to the deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto in Kyoto.
• Head of approximately 2,300 related shrines across the country.
• Renamed from Gion Shrine in 1868 during the Meiji era.
• Host site for the famous annual Gion Matsuri festival.

What to see

• Main hall designated as a National Treasure, rebuilt in 1654.
• Unique Gion-zukuri architectural style found in the central buildings.
• West Tower Gate which dates back to its reconstruction in 1497.
• Maruyama Park located immediately adjacent to the eastern side.

When to go

• The shrine grounds remain open to visitors 24 hours a day.
• Visit during July to experience the events of the Gion Matsuri.

Getting there

• Located a short walk from Gion-Shijo Station.

Official site

www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp

Read more about Yasaka Shrine

The head shrine of 12,000 Tenmangu shrines, dedicated to the deity of learning and famous for its plum blossoms.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine founded in 947 by order of the Imperial Court.
• The head of approximately 12,000 Tenmangu shrines across Japan.
• Dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning.
• The current main hall was rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyori in 1607.

What to see

• The main hall and prayer hall are designated National Treasures.
• About 1,500 plum trees of 50 different species bloom on the grounds.
• Numerous statues of cows, which are considered sacred messengers of the deity.
• The Odui earthen fortification, which is a National Historic Site.

When to go

• The Baikasai plum blossom festival is held annually on February 25.

Getting there

• The shrine is located directly at the Kitano Tenmangu-mae bus stop.

Official site

kitanotenmangu.or.jp

Read more about Kitano Tenmangū

A historic Heian-period guardian shrine in Miyazu featuring a 17th-century main hall and a 400-year-old cherry tree.

What it is

• A guardian shrine for the Miyazu region founded during the Heian period.
• Enshrines the deities Onamuchi-no-kami and Oyamakui-no-kami.
• The current main hall dates back to a 1688 reconstruction.
• Recognized as a constituent property of a Japan Heritage site.

What to see

• The main hall which is a designated Kyoto Prefecture Cultural Property.
• A 400-year-old cherry tree known as Ganko-zakura.
• The Sokutei-ato Garden, a city-designated scenic spot.
• Historic grounds that served as the spiritual center for the local region.

When to go

• May 15th for the annual Sanno Festival.
• The second Monday of October to witness the baby sumo ritual.

Getting there

• An 18-minute walk from Miyazu Station.

Official site

www.sannougu.jp

Read more about Sannōgū-Hiyoshi Shrine

A UNESCO World Heritage shrine in Kyoto featuring ancient forest grounds and National Treasure architecture at a scenic river confluence.

What it is

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site also known as Kamo Mioya Shrine.
• Enshrines the deities Tamayorihime-no-mikoto and Kamotaketsunumi-no-mikoto.
• Located at the confluence of two rivers in the Sakyo Ward of Kyoto.
• Considered the historical birthplace of rugby in the Kansai region.

What to see

• Two main halls designated as National Treasures of Japan.
• The Tadasu-no-mori forest located within the shrine grounds.
• Mitarashi Pond which is the namesake and origin of Mitarashi dango.
• A residential apartment complex built on the grounds in 2017.

When to go

• Visit in May to witness the annual Aoi Matsuri festival.

Getting there

• The shrine is located near Demachiyanagi Station.

Official site

www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp

Read more about Shimogamo Shrine

A Nara-period shrine at Mount Konosu featuring a 15th-century main hall designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

What it is

• Ancient shrine at the foot of Mount Konosu dating back to the Nara period.
• Dedicated to the deities Amaterasu Omikami and Takamimusubi no Kami.
• The main hall was constructed in 1448 during the Muromachi period.

What to see

• Main hall designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
• An iron hot water pot dating back to 1425.
• A registered prefectural folk cultural property painting.
• Shrine approach and pine trees selected among Kyoto's top nature sites.

When to go

• Annual festival held from September 30 to October 2.
• Traditional Okage Odori dance performed by a local preservation society.

Getting there

• Located one kilometer east of JR Joyo Station.

Read more about Mito Shrine

A historic shrine in Nantan featuring a 16th-century main hall and a celebrated zelkova tree from Kyoto's top nature sites.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine dedicated to Empress Jingu and three maritime deities.
• The site was established prior to a major earthquake in the year 734.
• The current main hall was reconstructed in 1567.
• The structure is a registered cultural property of Kyoto Prefecture and Nantan City.

What to see

• The main hall which is now integrated with a protective covering structure.
• A large zelkova tree selected as one of Kyoto's top 200 nature sites.
• Sub-shrines dedicated to Inari, Hachiman, and Ohara located on the grounds.
• An external site featuring a significant rock and the ancient zelkova tree.

Getting there

• The shrine is a ten minute drive from JR Yagi Station.

Read more about Sumiyoshi Shrine

A historic Kyoto shrine featuring a main hall from 1742 and multiple sub-shrines dedicated to major Japanese deities.

What it is

• A religious site formerly administered by the nearby Toko-ji Temple
• The main hall stands as a historic structure built in 1742
• Shiratama Daimyojin enshrines the deity Ukanomitama-no-kami
• Multiple sub-shrines honor Amaterasu Omikami, Emperor Ojin, and Sugawara no Michizane

What to see

• The 18th-century main hall architecture
• The Kotai Jingu sub-shrine dedicated to the sun goddess
• The Kasuga Miyasha and Hachiman Gusha sub-shrine buildings
• The Kitano Tenmangu Sha sub-shrine structure

When to go

• The annual festival held every October
• Festival days when portable shrines are carried through the Kumada area

Read more about Iwagami Shrine

Heian Jingu gardens offer four distinct historical Japanese garden styles with diverse plants and water features.

What it is

• Four gardens, each reflecting a different period of Japanese history.
• Features large ponds and meandering streams.

What to see

• South Garden: classic stroll garden with weeping cherries.
• West Garden: tranquil, Zen-inspired with a large pond and rock placement.
• Middle Garden: wabi-sabi aesthetic, pond with island and stepping-stones.
• Middle Garden: rustic hut serving tea and refreshments.
• East Garden: grand design with wooden structures from Kyoto Imperial Palace.
• East Garden: large pond surrounded by plum, cherry, maple, and pine trees.

When to go

• April through July for irises, water lilies, and azaleas in West Garden.

Address

〒606-8341 京都市左京区岡崎西天王町 Map

Official site

www.heianjingu.or.jp

Read more about Heian Jingū

A historic Kyoto shrine known as Moto Ise Geku, dedicated to the deity Toyouke-hime no Mikoto and built in 1656.

What it is

• A prefectural shrine also known as Moto Ise Geku located in Fukuchiyama City.
• The primary enshrined deity is Toyouke-hime no Mikoto.
• It is considered one of the three Moto Ise shrines.
• The current shrine buildings were constructed by Kyogoku Takakuni in 1656.

What to see

• The Kagura-den features a hipped roof made with persimmon bark shingles.
• Four auxiliary shrines including Taga Shrine are located on the grounds.
• Thirty-seven small subordinate shrines surround the main building.
• The shrine site is situated near the Miya River.

Getting there

• The site is a fifteen-minute walk from Oe-kokomae Station.

Read more about Toyōke Daijinja

A historic shrine on Kujo Pond island featuring a rare stone torii gate and connections to the Kujo family.

What it is

• A shrine located on an island in Kujo Pond within Kyoto Gyoen.
• Dedicated to the three Munakata goddesses and the secondary deity Gion Nyogo.
• Originally established in Hyogo by Taira no Kiyomori as a guardian for the Kujo family.
• The current shrine buildings date back to a reconstruction in 1927.

What to see

• A stone torii gate designated as an Important Art Object.
• The unique karahafu style design of the famous stone torii.
• The Takakura Bridge which leads visitors to the shrine entrance.
• One of the three famous torii gates found in Kyoto.

When to go

• The annual festival is held every year on June 15.

Read more about Itsukushima Shrine

Housono Shrine is an ancient site dedicated to three deities, known for its unique annual festival.

What it is

• Ancient shrine, existing since the Nara period.
• Dedicated to three deities: Takemikazuchi, Futsunushi, and Amenokoyane.
• Built where Takehaniyasuhiko-no-mikoto was suppressed.
• Listed as 'Housono Shrine' in the Engishiki Jinmyocho.

What to see

• The shrine crest, known as 'Sagari-fuji'.

When to go

• Igomori Festival held annually for three days.
• Festival includes 'Furoi-no-gi' and 'Ota-no-gi'.
• Festival includes the 'Tsuna-hiki-no-gi'.
• Giant rope is burned at Izumori during the festival.

Getting there

• 20-minute walk from Shin-Housono Station.
• 20-minute walk from JR Housono Station.

Address

日本・京都府相楽郡精華町大字祝園小字柞ノ森（ほほそのもり）18番地 Map

Read more about Housono Shrine

A Kyoto shrine honoring national heroes, offering a glimpse into Japan's modern history.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to 73,011 national martyrs.
• Enshrines heroes like Sakamoto Ryōma and Nakaoka Shintarō.
• Main hall and worship hall rebuilt on April 1, 1939.

What to see

• Shrine crest with cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums.
• Ryōzen Cemetery on the eastern side of the grounds.
• Statue of special attack forces heroes built in 2012.
• Ryōzen Historical Museum opened in 1970.
• Peace Memorial Park Showa no Mori established in 1997.
• Bronze statue of Sakamoto Ryōma.

When to go

• Ryōma Festival is held on November 15th.

Getting there

• Located in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto.

Official site

www.gokoku.or.jp

Read more about Kyoto Ryōzen-Gokoku Shrine

This Shinto shrine, founded in 701, offers unique architecture, ancient statues, and three artistic gardens.

What it is

• Shinto shrine, also known as Matsuo-san.
• Founded in 701 by the Hata clan.
• Dedicated to gods of mountains, water travel, and the moon.
• Visited by sake and miso producers for prosperity.

What to see

• Honden (Main Sanctuary) in matsuo-zukuri style.
• One of Kyoto's oldest wooden buildings, built 1394–1428.
• Turtle statuary throughout the grounds, including Nadekame-san.
• Three artistic gardens by Shigemori Mirei: Kyokusui, Joko, Horai.
• Shinzokan Statuary Hall with 21 sacred statues.
• Rare, ancient wooden statues of Shinto deities.

When to go

• Spring, for bright yellow yamabuki flowers.

Address

京都府京都市西京区嵐山宮町 Map

Official site

www.matsunoo.or.jp

Read more about Matsunoo Taisha

Tanakurahiko Shrine is a historic shrine with a beautiful main hall, easily accessible from two stations.

What it is

• A historic shrine in Kyotanabe City, Kyoto Prefecture.
• Ranked as a grand shrine in the Engishiki Jinmyocho.
• Called Tenmangu during the Edo period.
• Promoted to Jugoinojo on January 27, 859.

What to see

• The main hall, a Kyoto Prefecture Registered Tangible Cultural Property.
• The main hall was built during the Momoyama period.
• The Zuiki Mikoshi, a Kyotanabe City Intangible Cultural Property.

When to go

• Health and Sports Day in October for the Zuiki Mikoshi parade.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from Kyotanabe Station.
• 15-minute walk from Shin-Tanabe Station.

Address

京都府京田辺市田辺棚倉49 Map

Read more about Tanakurahiko Shrine

Mishima Shrine in Kyoto grants safe childbirth, with unique eel messengers and seasonal festivals.

What it is

• Established by Emperor Go-Shirakawa.
• Dedicated to Oyamatsumi-no-kami and Konohanasakuya-hime-no-mikoto.
• Believed to grant children and safe childbirth.
• Protects the birth and growth of all living things.

What to see

• The messenger of the gods is the eel.
• Shrine has three divine virtues: earth, fire, and water.

When to go

• Hatsuu-sai festival on the first Day of the Dog in January.
• Eels released during spring Hojo-e ceremonies.
• Eels released during autumn Hojo-e ceremonies.

Getting there

• Nearest bus stop is Umamachi.
• 5-minute walk from Umamachi bus stop.

Address

京都府京都市東山区渋谷街道東大路通東入上馬町三丁目 Map

Read more about Mishima Shrine

Taku Shrine is a historic shrine in Kyotango City, known for its ancient deity and unique ritual.

What it is

• A shrine dedicated to Toyouganome-no-mikoto, also Toyouke-no-Ōkami.
• Formerly known as Tenju Daimyojin until the Meiji era.
• Established in its current location during the Kakitsu era (1441-1444).
• It was the general shrine for Tanba-go.

What to see

• The main hall is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property.
• The main hall was rebuilt in 1814 after a fire.
• The main hall survived the 1927 Kita Tango earthquake.

When to go

• The Shibamukuri ritual is an Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Getting there

• 1,262 meters northeast of Mineyama Station.

Address

京都府京丹後市峰山町丹波 Map

Read more about Taku Shrine

Takenobu Inari Shrine: a historic Kyoto shrine with a sacred 850-year-old hackberry tree.

What it is

• Founded in February 859 by Fujiwara no Yoshisuke.
• Dedicated to Ukanomitama-no-Okami, Sadahiko-no-Okami, and Omiyame-no-Okami.
• Served as a guardian shrine for Kangakuin and Enmyoin facilities.
• Became a village shrine in 1877.

What to see

• Large hackberry tree, a Kyoto City Natural Monument.
• The hackberry tree is over 850 years old.
• Sub-shrines include Miyahime-sha, Tokichi Myojin, and Hakusei-sha.

Getting there

• From Omiya Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line.
• From Shijo-Omiya Station on the Keifuku Arashiyama Main Line.
• From Nijo Station on the Sanin Main Line.

Address

京都府京都市中京区三条通大宮西入る Map

Read more about Takenobu Inari Shrine