Shimogamo Shrine , a World Heritage Site and Forest in Kyoto!
Hi I’m Nobu, I like traveling overseas and in Japan, visited 25 countries!
I’m a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of English for 8 years.
For the people who are interested in and planning trip to Japan ,
I show you hidden local information which you have never seen and heard of through books and ordinary site!
You will find unexpected fun through my articles!
Shimogamo shrine
Shimogamo Shrine is located in the northeast of Kyoto and is said to have existed since B.C.
It is a shrine dedicated to the Kamo clan.
Together with Kamigamo Shrine, it enshrines the clan deity of Kamo.
Both shrines are collectively called Kamo Shrine.
Both shrines are famous for the Aoi Matsuri (hollyhock festival) held at both shrines.
Surrounded by a primeval forest called Tadasunomori, it has a mysterious atmosphere.
The shrine was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
History
Both Kamo Shrine were already powerful during the Nara period (710-794).
After the capital was moved to Kyoto in the Heian period (794-1185), it became deeply involved in the formation of the city of Kyoto.
It became a shrine for the protection of the imperial castle.
Aoi festival
Kamo Shrine is famous for the Aoi Matsuri (hollyhock festival), a festival held annually on May 15 at both shrines.
This festival is held on May 15 every year.
This is an aristocratic festival that the aristocrats visit to see.
Gion Festival, which is a festival for the common people, while it was held as an event of the Kamo clan and the Imperial Court.
It is one of the three major festivals in Kyoto as a tourist resource of Kyoto City.
Aoi festival, Jindai festival, godai fire festival.
The origin of the festival dates back to 567.
Because of severe wind and rain in the country, the harvest of the five grains failed to get.
Then a revered deity of Kamo at that time, was asked to tell the fortune of the gods.
When he was told that the gods of Kamo had cursed the land, Wakahiko received a royal command to hold a festival on a lucky day in April.
The horses were hung with bells and the people wore boar heads, and a running contest was held.
In 819, the ceremony became a national event, performed in accordance with the most important annual rituals of the Imperial Court’s political system.
Procession
More than 500 people dressed in Heian-period costumes quietly walk about 8 km through Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine to the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
There is no sound, and the atmosphere is exactly the same as in the Heian period 9th century.
Why don’t you come to Kyoto next May 15 to see the Aoi festival and experience Japanese culture?
I’m Nobu, one heart enjoy together!!!