Kamigamo Shrine (Kyoto)
The first shrine we introduce is Kamigamo Shrine located in Kita Ward, Kyoto City. Its full name is Kamo-wakeikazuchi Shrine, and it has been deeply revered as a guardian deity of Kyoto since 677.
This shrine’s main deity, Kamo-wakeikazuchi no Okami, is said to have given a divine message that a form would appear if a hollyhock leaf vine and rushing horses were decorated and worshipped when descending to earth. The shrine’s crest features hollyhock, and this plant is abundant within the precincts for that reason.
It is also believed that the origin of the Kamo Horse Races, held every May, traces back to a contest where several horses raced. This event is one of Kyoto’s “Big Three Festivals” and is part of the traditional imperial ceremonies for pacifying the country and praying for agricultural prosperity, with beautifully spirited performances of horses in traditional costumes.
Additionally, in January, visitors can see the sacred Shiro-uma (white horse) Ceremony, which is modeled after the Imperial Court’s “White Horse Festival,” originating from a Chinese legend that seeing a white horse at the start of the year wards off evil spirits. The shrine’s sacred mount, called Kami-yama-go, is a former racehorse, and the shrine grants it to the university’s equestrian club for training.
Special charms called “Victory Amulets” inspired by the Kamo Horse Races and wooden horse-shaped omikuji are popular among visitors. Don’t forget to check them out during your visit!’}}
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