Shimogamo-jinja Shrine

Zee Hin Lim a week ago

Tranquil and serene shrine. It would be so much better if you visit during season other than winter. The river fortune telling is very local and a need to try it out

GSTonyTseng 2 months ago

It sounds like your visit to the Shimogamo Shrine was quite an interesting exploration, driven by the desire to draw water fortunes. Even though you didn't witness that, the revelation of the shrine being a UNESCO World Heritage Site added a valuable dimension to your experience. Investing in a ticket to explore the detailed descriptions inside seems like a worthwhile decision. The presence of knowledgeable guides providing insights during your visit added to the joy and honor of being in close proximity to the Shimogamo Shrine. While photography wasn't allowed, your eloquent description through words vividly expresses your feelings towards this sacred place. It's always fascinating to have such meaningful encounters and discover the cultural richness of these historic sites.

Yifei Song 2 months ago

I have been to Yasaka Jinja and Fushimi Inari Taisha but I must say, this is the best out of all of them. It is significantly less busy, has great sceneries with the little stream running through the shrine, and has fancy looking snowflake omamori for sale. You can see how much is put into decorating this place, and how much the locals adore this place, I mean, just look at all those osake in one of the photos!

T Tangkoskul 2 months ago

With 2,000 years of history, Shimogamo is one of the oldest, if not the oldest shire in Japan. It is also the place that held Aoi Matsuri festival. The shire area is expansive and has many interesting features such as - Omikuji (Fortune telling paper) that you have to float in the water to reveal your fortune. (English translation available at purchase point) - Tadasu-no-Mori Forest / an ancient primeval forest surrounding the shire. - Zodiac Shrines where you can pray to the shire according to your birth sign (Chinese Zodiac) - Sacred stone that is said to grow larger every year There are 2 interesting small shire within the area Kawai Shrine that grant beauty and Aioi-no-yashiro Shrine that grant good relationships. Also, close to the West Exit, there is a good gelato call Yuwado Gelato ジェラート専門店 友和堂 Like most shire in Japan, the entrance is free, but you can donate at the offering box.

Lei Z. 3 months ago

We had a lot of fun with the fortune telling paper experience. You need to leave it in the small river facing down for a bit and then Google translate will tell you what it says,lol. The winter charm is pretty and I was lucky to get the fall leaves one as well.