What is Shimogamo-jinja Shrine

Shimogamo-jinja Shrine (Kamo-mioya-jinja or Shimogamo-jinja), is one of the UNESCO world heritage.

Kyoto is built based on the location of Kamo river. And the shrine locates lower (south) of the river (Shimo means lower).

history

The history says the Shimogamo shrine is the first shrine in Kyoto as same as Kamigamo shrine (Kami means upper).
And these shrines are for ancient clan of Gamo’s patron gods.
There is a festival called Aoi Festival started around 539-571 A.D. During the Heian period, Aoi festival was the significant symbol of the festivals in Kyoto.
In many famous novels appears description of the festival from the ancient time. The actual Aoi festival date is 15th of May every year.
Start from Gosho (Imperial Palace), goes to Kamigamo shrine passing through Shimogamo shrine.

Shimogamo shrine

“Renri no Sakaki”, next to the gate “Roumon” of Aioi, there are two trees tied to the one in the middle. This is a harmony symbol of a married couple,