Kamo Shrines

The Kamo Shrines, Kamigamo Jinja (上賀茂神社) and Shimogamo Jinja (下鴨神社) are a pair of Shinto shrines in Kyoto, Japan. They are among the oldest shrines in the country. Both shrines are dedicated to Kamo Wake-ikazuchi, the kami of thunder, and both feature prominently in the Aoi Festival, which occurs in May and involves a procession between the two shrines, horse races, and archery.

Kamigamo Shrine (Upper Kamo Shrine) is the more recently founded of the pair, dating most likely from the 7th century. It is famous for its Haiden (worship hall), rebuilt in 1628. A number of priests' residences are situated on its grounds, and one, the Nishimura House, is open to the public. Kamigamo Shrine is also known as "Kamowakeikazuchi Shrine." Its two large conical sand mounds memorialize the holy trees that once served to welcome spirits.

Shimogamo Shrine (Lower Kamo Shrine), is believed to be 100 years older, dating back to the 6th century. The shrine was later rebuilt to protect the capital city of Heian-kyo (as Kyoto was then called) when it was founded in 794. It has since become one of the key shrines in the area, being associated with prayers to ensure the success of the annual rice harvest.

Shimogamo Shrine is located within Tadasu no Mori (糺の森), 'the forest of truth,' a primeval forest that is supposed to have never been burned or chopped down. The forest has in fact suffered some damage over the centuries, as Kyoto was burned during successive revolts and wars, but its growth has rebounded and is widely considered to be mainly natural, not pruned or planted by human beings. Shimogamo Shrine is also known as "Kamomioya Shrine" (賀茂御祖神社).