Kamomioya Shrine, commonly known as Shimogamo Shrine, is a World Heritage Site located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City. It is located in Tadasu no Mori, between the Kamo River and Takano River, and is considered to be one of the oldest shrines in Yamashiro Province, dating back to before the capital was moved to Heian-kyo.

The main deity is Kamotaketsunumi no Mikoto, the god of Kyoto's development, and his son Tamayorihime no Mikoto. The shrine is lined with 31 important cultural property shrine buildings, including the national treasures of the east and west main halls, and its solemn atmosphere captivates visitors. In particular, the vermilion tower gate is impressive, and it is also a popular spot for taking beautiful photos.

It is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites "Cultural Assets of Ancient Kyoto".

The grounds are surrounded by Tadasu no Mori, where trees between 200 and 600 years old grow. Just walking through the forest will cleanse your soul.

The forest is also dotted with many auxiliary and subordinate shrines, such as Aioi-sha, a famous power spot for matchmaking, and Kawai-jinja, a shrine worshipped as the guardian deity of women, each with its own benefits. Kawai-jinja is particularly popular with women for its unique way of worship, where people apply their own makeup to a votive tablet in the shape of a hand mirror and pray for beauty.

Shimogamo-jinja is also famous as the shrine where the Aoi-matsuri, one of Kyoto's three major festivals, takes place. During the Aoi-matsuri, which is held every year on May 15th, an elegant procession reminiscent of a royal picture scroll, travels from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Kamigamo-jinja Shrine via Shimogamo-jinja Shrine. In addition, in the summer, the Mitarashi Festival is held around the Midsummer Day of the Ox, and the "Ashi-tsuke Shinto Ritual" in which people dip their feet in the Mitarashi Pond and pray for good health is a popular event.

There is a parking lot on the west side of the shrine grounds called the West Parking Lot.

[Trivia]
Shimogamo Shrine is also known as the birthplace of "Mitarashi Dango." It is said to have originated from imitating the bubbles of water that spring up in the Mitarashi Pond on the shrine grounds.