Kyoto’s Shinto Shrines: The Ultimate Guide

Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan. It remains the traditional heart of the country to this day. If you’re visiting, the city’s Shinto shrines are simply a must-see. Shinto, a Japanese word that means “the gods’ ways”, is the oldest religion in the country. Also, Shinto shrines are an important place of worship. That is because they are home of the spirits.

Kyoto has more than 400 of these Shinto shrines. This makes choosing the best shrine for your holiday visit quite a challenge. So below we have created a guide to some of the best Shinto shrines in Kyoto. 

Kyoto’s Shinto Shrines

1. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

This shrine is among Kyoto’s most beautiful and impressive attractions. It is the city’s most popular and most important shrine. It attracts many visitors throughout the year. Although it was sadly burned down in 1468, it was then rebuilt in 1499.

2. Heian Jingu Shrine

A visually impressive shrine with beautiful gardens and colourful buildings. Heian Jingu Shrine is considered to be relatively new as it was built in 1895. This was in commemoration of Kyoto’s 1100th anniversary as Japan’s capital city.

3. Yasaka Jinja Shrine

Yasaka Jinja is a colourful shrine in downtown Kyoto. It overlooks the Geisha and Gion. It is among the city’s most important shrines, owing to its long connection with the Geisha community. The shrine hosts the famous Gion Matsuri festival in July every year.

4. Shimogamo Jinja Shrine

Another of Kyoto’s oldest and most beautiful shrines, it is situated at the junction of the Kamo and Takano rivers and is surrounded by an ancient forest whose trees are estimated to be over 600 years old. It is one of the most amazing places that you can take a stroll at during your stay in Kyoto.

5. Kifune Jinja Shrine

The Kifune Jinja Shrine is uniquely located on a hill. It provides a much-needed escape from Kyoto’s summer heat. The shrine has stone steps with red lantern linings, creating an atmospheric and attractive setting that remains magical in all seasons.

6. Kamigamo Jinja Shrine

Another of Kyoto’s high-ranking shrines, the Kamigamo Jinja Shrine is historically significant to Kyoto. Also, the whole of Japan really as it was a place of devotion place for Tokugawa Shoguns.

7. Hirano Jinja Shrine

The Hirano Jinja Shrine’s architecture is unique. Because it’s honden (the sanctuary) is paired with two gable roofs to the left and right. What’s more, the shrine has infill panels between the structures, creating the impression of one building with two gabled roofs, two stair sets, and two doors.

8. Iwashimizu Hachimangu

The Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine is located at the summit of the impressive Mt. Otokoyama. The northern side of the mountain borders a confluence of three rivers namely the Katsuragawa, the Ujigawa, and the Kizugawa. The shrine was built by the third Shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, in 1634. The style is known in Japanese as Hachiman-zukuri. It has a highly ornate finish and looks like two parallel and separate buildings.

In Conclusion: Kyoto’s Shinto Shrines

A visit to Kyoto’s Shinto shrines will uncover much about Japan’s rich culture and history. Also, they are architectural masterpieces, set in beautiful surroundings. And they’re sure to make your visit to Japan a memorable one.

Contributed Post

If you want to see what else there is to see and do in Japan, have a look here.

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