Kyoto's strongest power spot "Kamigamo Shrine"

This time we will introduce Kamigamo Shrine, Kyoto's most powerful power spot.

The ancient city of Kyoto is visited by people from all over the world. There are 17 World Heritage Sites in Kyoto, and among them, Kamigamo Shrine is recommended. It is said to be a treasure trove of national treasures and cultural properties, and is famous for the Aoi Festival, which is known as one of Kyoto's three major festivals in spring.

The official name is Kamowake Ikazuchi Shrine. Originally, it was one shrine along with Shimogamo Shrine, but due to the division of the two shrines, it came to be called Kamigamo Shrine.

History of Kamigamo Shrine

Goshosha

First, let us briefly talk about the history of Kamigamo Shrine.

There are various theories about the foundation of Kamigamo Shrine, and according to the legend, long ago in the age of the gods, Kamowake Ikazuchi no Mikoto descended to Kōyama, the object of worship of Kamigamo Shrine. It is said that the shrine was founded when the god was enshrined in the current location. It is said that in 678 (the 7th year of Emperor Tenmu's reign), the main shrine building, which is the basis of the current shrine building, was built.

Also, according to the Yamashiro no Kuni Fudoki, when Tamayorihime, the mother of Kamowakeikazuchi no Mikoto, was performing a ritual to purify herself, she picked up a red-lacquered arrow that flowed down from upstream and placed it on the floor. Then she became pregnant, Kamowakeikazuchi no Mikoto, the enshrined deity, was born. It is said that the descendants of Princess Tamayorihime's older brother, Tamayorihiko, later became the lord of Kamo Prefecture and enshrined Kamowakeikazuchi no Mikoto.

Originally, Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine existed as one shrine, but around 750 (Tenpyo Shoho 2nd year), Shimogamo Shrine was established when the Imperial Court ordered the shrine to be split up.

In 807 (Daido 2), it was awarded Shoichii, the highest rank of the Shinto rank in the shrine, and was given a position next to that of Ise Jingu, and in 806 (Daido 1), the Aoi Festival was held. As the oldest shrine in Kyoto, it has attracted many worshipers to this day.

Origin of "purifying sand"!

After passing through the first torii gate, you will be greeted by a lush green lawn. A cherry tree is also planted on the right side, so the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in spring.

Hosodono

"Hosodono" is right in front of you after passing through the second torii gate. It was used as a place for the emperor and the retired emperor to arrange their costumes when visiting the shrine. Normally you cannot enter there, but you are allowed to enter only during Shinto weddings.

On the day we visited, there was also a couple who had come for a pre-view of the wedding. Couples who can hold their wedding ceremony in such a beautiful place are lucky.

In front of this hosodono is a mound of sand called Tatezuna. The sand represents Kōyama, where Kamowakeikazuchi no Mikoto, the enshrined deity of Kamigamo Shrine, descended. Pine needles are placed at the top as a mark because it is the place where the gods descend.

This Tatezuna is also the origin of the "Morishio" that is often seen at restaurants and the "Purifying sand" that is sprinkled at the Demon gate. Tatezuna is said to have the power to ward off evil spirits and is also popular as a power spot. If you want to reset your luck, take a picture of Tatezuna and wear it.

Purified sand was also sold for 500 yen per bag. If you put it in the entrance or garden, you can ward off evil in your home.

A clear stream flows through the precincts, so your heart will be healed. Many of the old shrines were built near clear streams and were places for worshipers to purify themselves.

Murasaki Shikibu also visited Kataoka Shrine, a matchmaking shrine

"Kataoka Shrine" is on the right after passing the Hosodo. The enshrined deity is Tamayorihime, the mother of Kamowakeikazuchi no Mikoto. Many women visit here for the benefits of marriage, childbirth, and family peace.

The Life designs staff are also praying earnestly.

Kataoka Shrinehas been known as the god of marriage since the Heian period, and it is said that Murasaki Shikibu, the author of The Tale of Genji, visited the shrine many times.

Murasaki Shikibu in the precincts

Aoi-shaped votive tablet for good matchmaking

In fact, in Shin Kokin Wakashu, there is a monument in which Murasaki Shikibu prayed for the fulfillment of her love at Kataoka Shrine. Murasaki Shikibu composed the following waka:

"Hototogisu Koe Matsu hodonoha Kataoka no Mori no Shizuku ni Tachiya Nuremashi"

The meaning is to stand under a tree in Kataoka shrine and get wet in the morning dew while she wait impatiently for Hototogisu (the voice of her future spouse). *It means that Kataoka Shrine is also wonderful along with Hototogisu. Because of this connection, Murasaki Shikibu is depicted on the votive tablets of Kataoka Shrine.

Did Murasaki Shikibu, who created The Tale of Genji, also suffer from love as a woman?

“Tamahashi” is a bridge over the Omonoi River that flows in front of the Romon Gate.

Romon gate designated as an important cultural property of Japan

The two-storied gate, which stands behind the main hall and Gonden, exudes elegance even in its stately appearance. When you pass through this gate, you will see two shrine buildings, designated as national treasures, standing symmetrically on the east side, the "Honden" and on the west side, the "Gonden".

The number one power spot in the precincts

Among Kamigamo Shrine, "Iwakami" is known as a powerful power spot. At first glance, you might pass by this place, but you can see that it is a sacred area from the fact that the surrounding area is surrounded by a barrier with shimenawa.

It is said to be the origin of the faith of Kamigamo Shrine, and the information board also says that it is the place where the most "spirit" is concentrated in the precincts. Along with Kamiyama, it is a powerful power spot that is the origin of the Kamo faith.

After worshiping, go to "Aoiya Yakimochi Sohonpo"

After visiting the shrine, how about ice cream monaka at Aoiya Yakimochi Sohonpo, a long-established Japanese confectionery shop that is a purveyor to Kamo Shrine? A summer-only product that is perfect for hot days, with cold ice cream and specially selected bean paste sandwiched between monaka.

The ice cream monaka, which is made after receiving your order, is made lighter than usual, so you can enjoy the crunchiness of the skin at its best.

Kamigamo Shrine is a power spot with benefits such as good matches, matchmaking, love fulfillment, exorcism, warding off evil, and health. Please check it out when you visit Kyoto.