Kamigamo Shrine, located in Kita-ku, Kyoto City, has its official name Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine and is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, said to have been founded in 678 (the 7th year of Emperor Tenmu's reign) during the Asuka period.

It is also registered as a World Heritage Site, "Cultural Monuments of Ancient Kyoto," and is known for having numerous national treasures and important cultural properties scattered throughout its rich natural surroundings.

In this article, we will introduce in detail the charms and highlights of the cherry blossoms at Kamigamo Shrine, access information, photogenic spots for social media, and ways to enjoy the surrounding area.

The reason why the cherry blossoms at Kamigamo Shrine attract so many people

Cherry blossoms decorating the approach to Kyoto's oldest shrine

Kamigamo Shrine is a historic shrine that is said to have existed before the capital was moved to Heian-kyo. The deity worshipped is Kamo Wakeikazuchi no Okami, and the shrine has long been treasured by the imperial court and aristocrats.

Within the grounds, there is a path leading from the first torii gate to the second torii gate, and the cherry trees planted along the path bloom beautifully in spring. It's romantic to think that people in the Heian period walked along the same path.

A history of reverence conveyed from the Asuka and Heian periods to the present day

Kamigamo Shrine is a shrine that enshrines the ancestors of the Kamo clan and played a role in protecting the Imperial Palace, and during the Heian period it was protected by the state and aristocrats. The Aoi Festival (Kamo Festival), held every year on May 15th, is famous as one of the three major festivals in Kyoto, along with Shimogamo Shrine.

Not only is it registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto," but there are also two national treasures and 41 important cultural properties scattered within the grounds. Combined with the cherry blossoms in spring, you can fully experience the "spirit of harmony" that has been cultivated over the years, which is a major attraction unique to this shrine.

Points where the cherry blossoms at Kamigamo Shrine are considered beautiful

The 150-year-old Saio Sakura and other unique cherry trees

Kamigamo Shrine is home to a variety of cherry trees, including the Saio-zakura, Gosho-zakura, and Umadashi-no-zakura, which are in full bloom from late March to early April. Among them, the Saio-zakura, said to be 150 years old, is particularly impressive, and its elegant blossoms, which evoke a sense of eternal history, captivate visitors.

Furthermore, the gorgeous pink color of the double-flowered beni weeping cherry blossoms combines with the traditional shrine building within the grounds to create a picturesque spring scene.

In addition, cherry blossoms are dotted along the Nara stream, and the reflection of the flowers on the water's surface enhances their beauty, so you can enjoy the colors of nature while taking a stroll. The collaboration with the cone-shaped "standing sand" in front of the Hosoden is also a must-see.

The contrast between the cherry blossom trees along the approach to the shrine and the shrine architecture

The cherry blossoms blooming along the approach from the first torii gate to the second torii gate create a fantastical atmosphere, as if you were passing through a "cherry blossom tunnel." White gravel is spread out at your feet, and the shrine building, built in the Nagare-zukuri style unique to shrines, can be seen peeking out from behind. The simple and solemn shrine architecture and the colorful spring flowers create a stunning contrast, making this a space where you can truly experience the beauty of Japan.

When is the best time to enjoy the cherry blossoms at Kamigamo Shrine?

Peak flowering from late March to early April

The cherry blossoms at Kamigamo Shrine usually begin to bloom in late March and reach full bloom in early April. Although the timing varies depending on the variety, the period from the end of March to early April is when the most visitors come to see the cherry blossoms, so the shrine gets very crowded on weekends and during festivals.

If you go early in the morning or on a weekday, you'll be able to avoid the crowds and enjoy the cherry blossoms in peace and quiet.

Be careful during the Kamo Kyokusui-en season

At Kamigamo Shrine, the Kamo Kyokusui-en festival is held in April. The cherry blossom season may be over by then, but the grounds can be crowded with visitors and preparations around this time. It's great to enjoy Kyoto's traditional culture by watching the festival, but if you want to take your time taking photos of the cherry blossoms, it's best to check the event schedule and visit early or avoid the event days.

Tips for enjoying the cherry blossoms at Kamigamo Shrine even more!

A photo spot perfect for social media

Cherry blossoms and standing sand

The cone-shaped sand mound "Tatsusuna" in front of the Hosoden is an important ritual object that symbolizes Kamiyama. Photographing it with spring cherry blossoms in the background creates an impressive shot that combines a sacred atmosphere with the softness of the flowers.

The curved water garden at Shokeien

This garden was created in 1960 and is an elegant space where you can recreate the "Kyokusui no Utage" (the banquet of a curved river). During cherry blossom season, the flowers are reflected on the water's surface and sway gracefully in the breeze. If you come when there are few people around, you're sure to get some great photos.

Cherry blossoms along the Nara stream

The cherry blossoms blooming along the banks of the clear stream that runs through the temple grounds create a serene atmosphere, and there are many Instagrammable spots. The reflection of the flowers on the water's surface is also beautiful, and the serene atmosphere is attractive not only on sunny days but also on rainy days.

The approach from the first torii gate to the second torii gate

The tunnel of cherry blossoms blooming on both sides of the approach to the shrine is a sight unique to this shrine. If you visit in the morning, the light is soft and the colors of the cherry blossoms will stand out even more.

Experience "history and nature" decorated with cherry blossoms and shrine buildings

Don't just enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms, but also pay attention to the history and cultural significance of the shrine, such as the main hall, the thin hall, and the standing sand, which are designated as national treasures. If you enjoy the cherry blossoms while feeling the atmosphere of the religious ceremonies that have continued since the Asuka and Heian periods, you can experience a deeper "world of harmony." After worshiping at the shrine, we recommend spending some time relaxing at Shokeien Garden. The combination of the cherry blossoms and the sound of the babbling river will make you experience something out of the ordinary.

Access and Visiting Information for Kamigamo Shrine

How to access by public transport and car

Public transportation: Take city bus No. 4 from Kyoto Station and get off at "Kamigamo Jinja-mae" stop.

15 minutes on foot or by bus from Kitayama Station on the subway

By car: About 30 minutes from JR Kyoto Station. Parking is available for visitors (200 yen for 30 minutes, 1,000 yen per visit during peak season). It is expected to be particularly crowded during cherry blossom season, so it is recommended to use public transportation.

Admission fees, hours and parking information

Admission fee: Free to enter the temple grounds, and Shokeien Garden is also open for free. Depending on the season, a special visit to the main hall costs 500 yen.

Visiting hours:

・Temple grounds: 6:00-22:00 (open from early morning until late at night)
・Shokeien: 9:00-16:00

Parking: 200 yen per 30 minutes, but on busy days such as the Cherry Blossom and Aoi Festivals, it may increase to 1,000 yen per visit.

*Please checkthe official website for details.

There is no admission fee to visit the temple, so it's nice to be able to drop in whenever you feel like it.

Nearby spots and ways to enjoy

Stroll around Shimogamo Shrine and along the Kamo River

If you visit Kamigamo Shrine, you should also visit Shimogamo Shrine (Kamomioya Shrine). Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine are a pair of shrines that continue the faith of the Kamo clan to this day, and both are registered as World Heritage Sites. A stroll along the Kamo River and around the Kitayama area to visit both shrines is a course that allows you to experience the unique atmosphere of Kyoto.

Enjoy the flavors of Kyoto at sweet shops and souvenir shops

There are Japanese sweet shops and teahouses dotted around the temple grounds and the surrounding area, some of which offer seasonal menus such as sakura mochi and matcha sweets. We recommend stopping by for a quick bite between or after your visit to enjoy some Kyoto-style sweets and light meals. Looking for dishes made with local ingredients, local specialties, and miscellaneous goods unique to this ancient capital is the perfect way to create memories of your trip.

summary

Kamigamo Shrine was founded in the Asuka period and is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, with its deity Kamo Wakeikazuchi no Okami. Since the Heian period, it has been revered by the imperial family and aristocrats, and has a long history as a "special place" where important events such as the Aoi Festival are held.

In spring, the cherry blossoms that bloom in the precincts and along the approach to the shrine combine with the solemnity of the shrine architecture to create a graceful landscape befitting an ancient capital. The breath of the ancient capital, which can only be experienced at this limited time of year, will surely invite you into the special world of spring.