Kamo Shrine
Encyclopedia
is a general term for an important Shinto
sanctuary complex on both banks of the Kamo River
in northeast Kyoto
. It is centered on two shrines. The two shrines, an upper and a lower, lie in a corner of the old capital which was known as the due to traditional geomancy
beliefs that the north-east corner brought misfortune. Because the Kamo River
runs from the north-east direction into the city, the two shrines along the river were intended to prevent demons from entering the city.
The Kamo Shrine encompasses what are now independent but traditionally associated jinja or shrines: the in Kyoto's Kita Ward, and the in Sakyo Ward. They are amongst the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto
" which have been designated by UNESCO
as a World Heritage Site
.
The jinja name identifies the clustered kami
or deities who are venerated at the Kamo Shrine; and the name refers to the ambit of shrine's encircling woods. The shrine name also references the area's early inhabitants, the Kamo clan
, many of whom continue to live near the shrine their ancestors traditionally served. The Kamo are credited with establishing this Shinto sacred place.
The formal names of corollary jinja memorialize vital roots in a history which pre-dates the founding of Japan's ancient capital. Although now incorporated within boundaries of the city, the Tadasu no Mori
location was a site planning factor. It is theorized that this forest was the primeval forest home of the sacerdotal Kamo clan, who were the exclusive caretakers of the shrine from prehistoric times. The boundaries of today's smaller forest encompasses approximately 12.4 hectares, which are preserved as a national historical site (を国の史跡). The woods of this sacred grove
are designated by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site along with other Shinto shrines in its environs.
The shrine's annual festival, Kamo no Matsuri
, also called Aoi Matsuri
, is the oldest of Kyoto's three major festivals. The others are Jidai Matsuri
and Gion Matsuri
.
, also called Upper Shrine. In part, it is called the "upper" shrine because it is situated on the east bank of the up-stream from its non-identical twin.
The more commonly used name for Kamo-mioya jinja is the Shimogamo jinja or Shimogamo Shrine
, also called the Lower Shrine. In part, it is called the "lower" shrine because it is situated at the confluence of the and the Kamo River down-stream from its twin.
The Kamo Shrine is so named because its rituals and festivals are designed to assist in the veneration of the Kamo family of kami and other associated deities; and Kamo kami (kami-no-Kamo) is referenced in other Shinto contexts. In the "Congratulatory Words of the Chieftain of Izumo," the "sacred grove of Kamo" is mentioned along with other wooded Shinto sanctuaries at Ō-miwa, Unade and Asuka
:
At the Kamigamo Shrine, Kamo Wake-ikazuchi, the kami
of thunder, is the focus of attention and reverence.
Shimogamo Shrine is dedicated to the veneration of Kamo Wake-ikazuchi's mother, Kamo Tamayori-hime. Shimogamo is also dedicated to Kamo Taketsune, who is the father of Kamo Taayori-hime.
All feature prominently in the annual Aoi Festival, which occurs in May. Featured in this event are a procession between the two shrines, horse races, and demonstrations of mounted archery
(yabusame
).
Kamigamo Shrine's two large conical sand mounds memorialize the holy trees that once served to welcome spirits.
Shimogama Shrine has since become one of the key shrines in the area, being associated with prayers to ensure the success of the annual rice harvest. The Shrine is located within Tadasu no Mori
(糺の森), 'the forest of truth,' a primeval forest that is reputed to have never been burned down. The forest has, in fact, suffered some damage over the centuries when all of Kyoto was burned during successive revolts and wars; but the forest growth has rebounded again and again. Tadasu no mori is left to grow in its natural state. It is neither planted nor pruned.
Although Kamigamo and Shimogamo shrines are considered to be paired or twinned, they are not located next to each other. Approximately 2 km. distance separates these two Shinto shrine complexes, which can be explained in part because shrines on the outskirts of Heian-kyō were developed to prevent the infiltration of demons. The Kamogawa river descnds from an ill-omened direction; and the shrines along the flow were positioned in order to prevent demons from using the river to enter the city. Although Kamo-jinja is not directly on the banks of the Kamo River, the site locations were positioned as part of a plan for mitigating the consequences of periodic flooding.
The shrine became the object of Imperial patronage during the early Heian period
. In 965, Emperor Murakami
ordered that Imperial messengers were sent to report important events to Japan's guardian kami, including those venerate at the Kamo Shrine. These heihaku were initially presented to 16 shrines.
The lower shrine is that of a kami mother; and the upper shrine is that of her kami offspring. The head priests of both have the same title, Kamo-no-Agata-no Nushi. In agata-no-nushi titles, the appended noun is typically a place name; but in a Taihō ritsuryō
consolidation, the Kamo mirror the Yamato clan's amalgamating conventions in merging the area, its name, its sacred centers and its kami within a single nominative identifier.
It is famous for its haiden
(worship hall), rebuilt in 1628-1629 (Kan'ei 6). A number of priests' residences are situated on its grounds, and one, the Nishimura House, is open to the public.
Shimogamo Shrine is believed to be 100 years older than Kamigamo Shrine, dating back to the 6th century.
A shrine structure was erected in 678 during the reign of the Emperor Tenmu, and this became the principal building during the reign or of the Emperor Kanmu when he transferred the capital from Heijō-kyō
, and Nagaoka-kyō
to Heian-kyo
.
Shinto
or Shintoism, also kami-no-michi, is the indigenous spirituality of Japan and the Japanese people. It is a set of practices, to be carried out diligently, to establish a connection between present day Japan and its ancient past. Shinto practices were first recorded and codified in the written...
sanctuary complex on both banks of the Kamo River
Kamo River
The is located in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. The riverbanks are popular walking spots for residents and tourists. In summer, restaurants open balconies looking out to the river. There are pathways running alongside the river on which one can walk along the river, and some stepping stones that cross...
in northeast Kyoto
Kyoto
is a city in the central part of the island of Honshū, Japan. It has a population close to 1.5 million. Formerly the imperial capital of Japan, it is now the capital of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as a major part of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan area.-History:...
. It is centered on two shrines. The two shrines, an upper and a lower, lie in a corner of the old capital which was known as the due to traditional geomancy
Feng shui
Feng shui ' is a Chinese system of geomancy believed to use the laws of both Heaven and Earth to help one improve life by receiving positive qi. The original designation for the discipline is Kan Yu ....
beliefs that the north-east corner brought misfortune. Because the Kamo River
Kamo River
The is located in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. The riverbanks are popular walking spots for residents and tourists. In summer, restaurants open balconies looking out to the river. There are pathways running alongside the river on which one can walk along the river, and some stepping stones that cross...
runs from the north-east direction into the city, the two shrines along the river were intended to prevent demons from entering the city.
The Kamo Shrine encompasses what are now independent but traditionally associated jinja or shrines: the in Kyoto's Kita Ward, and the in Sakyo Ward. They are amongst the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto
Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto
The UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto encompasses 17 locations in Japan. The locations are in three cities: Kyoto and Uji in Kyoto Prefecture; and Ōtsu in Shiga Prefecture. Of the monuments, 13 are Buddhist temples; 3 are Shinto shrines; and one is a castle...
" which have been designated by UNESCO
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
as a World Heritage Site
World Heritage Site
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the UNESCO as of special cultural or physical significance...
.
The jinja name identifies the clustered kami
Kami
is the Japanese word for the spirits, natural forces, or essence in the Shinto faith. Although the word is sometimes translated as "god" or "deity", some Shinto scholars argue that such a translation can cause a misunderstanding of the term...
or deities who are venerated at the Kamo Shrine; and the name refers to the ambit of shrine's encircling woods. The shrine name also references the area's early inhabitants, the Kamo clan
Kamo clan
The are a Japanese sacerdotal kin group which traces its roots from a Yayoi period shrine in the vicinity of northeastern Kyoto. The clan rose to prominence during the Asuka and Heian periods when the Kamo are identified with the 7th-century founding of the Kamo Shrine.-Kamo Shrine:The Kamo...
, many of whom continue to live near the shrine their ancestors traditionally served. The Kamo are credited with establishing this Shinto sacred place.
The formal names of corollary jinja memorialize vital roots in a history which pre-dates the founding of Japan's ancient capital. Although now incorporated within boundaries of the city, the Tadasu no Mori
Tadasu no Mori
, which literally means "Forest of Correction," is a sacred grove associated with an important Shinto sanctuary complex known in Japanese as the Kamo-jinja, situated near the banks of the Kamo River just north of where the Takano River joins the Kamo River in northeast Kyoto city, Japan...
location was a site planning factor. It is theorized that this forest was the primeval forest home of the sacerdotal Kamo clan, who were the exclusive caretakers of the shrine from prehistoric times. The boundaries of today's smaller forest encompasses approximately 12.4 hectares, which are preserved as a national historical site (を国の史跡). The woods of this sacred grove
Sacred grove
A sacred grove is a grove of trees of special religious importance to a particular culture. Sacred groves were most prominent in the Ancient Near East and prehistoric Europe, but feature in various cultures throughout the world...
are designated by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site along with other Shinto shrines in its environs.
The shrine's annual festival, Kamo no Matsuri
Aoi Matsuri
The , or "Hollyhock Festival," is one of the three main annual festivals held in Kyoto, Japan, the other two being the Festival of the Ages and the Gion Festival. It is a festival of the two Kamo shrines in the north of the city, Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine...
, also called Aoi Matsuri
Aoi Matsuri
The , or "Hollyhock Festival," is one of the three main annual festivals held in Kyoto, Japan, the other two being the Festival of the Ages and the Gion Festival. It is a festival of the two Kamo shrines in the north of the city, Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine...
, is the oldest of Kyoto's three major festivals. The others are Jidai Matsuri
Jidai Matsuri
The is a traditional Japanese festival held on October 22 annually in Kyoto, Japan. It is one of Kyoto's renowned three great festivals, with the other two being the Aoi Matsuri, held annually on May 15, and the Gion Matsuri, which is held annually from 17 to July 24...
and Gion Matsuri
Gion Matsuri
The takes place annually in Kyoto and is one of the most famous festivals in Japan. It spans the entire month of July and is crowned by a parade, the on July 17. It takes its name from Kyoto's Gion district....
.
Shinto belief
The popular name for Kamo-wakeikazuchi jinja is the Kamigamo jinja or Kamigamo ShrineKamigamo Shrine
is an important Shinto sanctuary on the banks of the Kamo River in north Kyoto, first founded in 678. Its formal name is the .It is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan and is one of the seventeen Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto which have been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site...
, also called Upper Shrine. In part, it is called the "upper" shrine because it is situated on the east bank of the up-stream from its non-identical twin.
The more commonly used name for Kamo-mioya jinja is the Shimogamo jinja or Shimogamo Shrine
Shimogamo Shrine
Shimogamo Shrine, called Shimogamo-jinja in Japanese, is the common name of an important Shinto sanctuary in the Shimogamo district of Kyoto city's Sakyō ward. Its formal name is Kamo-mioya-jinja...
, also called the Lower Shrine. In part, it is called the "lower" shrine because it is situated at the confluence of the and the Kamo River down-stream from its twin.
The Kamo Shrine is so named because its rituals and festivals are designed to assist in the veneration of the Kamo family of kami and other associated deities; and Kamo kami (kami-no-Kamo) is referenced in other Shinto contexts. In the "Congratulatory Words of the Chieftain of Izumo," the "sacred grove of Kamo" is mentioned along with other wooded Shinto sanctuaries at Ō-miwa, Unade and Asuka
Asuka
Asuka is a Japanese personal, family and place name derived from Ashuku nyorai, the Japanese name for Akshobhya, one of the Five Wisdom Buddhas.-Places:...
:
-
- Then, Ō-namochi-no-mikoto said:
- "The Sovereign Grandhild will dwell peacefully in the land of YamatoYamatoYamato was originally the area around today's Sakurai City in Nara Prefecture of Japan. Later the term was used as the name of the province and also as an ancient name of Japan...
." - Thus saying, he attached his peaceful spirit
- To a mirror of large dimensions,
- Eulogizing it by the name
- Yamato-no-Ō-mono-nushi-Kushi-mika-tama-no-mikoto,
- And had it dwell in the sacred grove of Ō-miwa.
- He caused the spirit of his son
- Aji-suki-taka-hiko-ne-no-mikoto
- To dwell in the sacred grove of Kamo in Kaduraki;
- Caused the spirit of Koto-shiro-nushi-no-mikoto
- To dwell in Unade;
- And caused the spirit of Kayanarumi-no-mikoto
- To dwell in the sacred grove of Asuka.
At the Kamigamo Shrine, Kamo Wake-ikazuchi, the kami
Kami
is the Japanese word for the spirits, natural forces, or essence in the Shinto faith. Although the word is sometimes translated as "god" or "deity", some Shinto scholars argue that such a translation can cause a misunderstanding of the term...
of thunder, is the focus of attention and reverence.
Shimogamo Shrine is dedicated to the veneration of Kamo Wake-ikazuchi's mother, Kamo Tamayori-hime. Shimogamo is also dedicated to Kamo Taketsune, who is the father of Kamo Taayori-hime.
All feature prominently in the annual Aoi Festival, which occurs in May. Featured in this event are a procession between the two shrines, horse races, and demonstrations of mounted archery
Yabusame
is a type of mounted archery in traditional Japanese archery. An archer on a running horse shoots three special "turnip-headed" arrows successively at three wooden targets....
(yabusame
Yabusame
is a type of mounted archery in traditional Japanese archery. An archer on a running horse shoots three special "turnip-headed" arrows successively at three wooden targets....
).
Kamigamo Shrine's two large conical sand mounds memorialize the holy trees that once served to welcome spirits.
Shimogama Shrine has since become one of the key shrines in the area, being associated with prayers to ensure the success of the annual rice harvest. The Shrine is located within Tadasu no Mori
Tadasu no Mori
, which literally means "Forest of Correction," is a sacred grove associated with an important Shinto sanctuary complex known in Japanese as the Kamo-jinja, situated near the banks of the Kamo River just north of where the Takano River joins the Kamo River in northeast Kyoto city, Japan...
(糺の森), 'the forest of truth,' a primeval forest that is reputed to have never been burned down. The forest has, in fact, suffered some damage over the centuries when all of Kyoto was burned during successive revolts and wars; but the forest growth has rebounded again and again. Tadasu no mori is left to grow in its natural state. It is neither planted nor pruned.
Although Kamigamo and Shimogamo shrines are considered to be paired or twinned, they are not located next to each other. Approximately 2 km. distance separates these two Shinto shrine complexes, which can be explained in part because shrines on the outskirts of Heian-kyō were developed to prevent the infiltration of demons. The Kamogawa river descnds from an ill-omened direction; and the shrines along the flow were positioned in order to prevent demons from using the river to enter the city. Although Kamo-jinja is not directly on the banks of the Kamo River, the site locations were positioned as part of a plan for mitigating the consequences of periodic flooding.
History
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
. In 965, Emperor Murakami
Emperor Murakami
was the 62nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Murakami's reign spanned the years from 946 to his death in 967.-Traditional narrative:...
ordered that Imperial messengers were sent to report important events to Japan's guardian kami, including those venerate at the Kamo Shrine. These heihaku were initially presented to 16 shrines.
The lower shrine is that of a kami mother; and the upper shrine is that of her kami offspring. The head priests of both have the same title, Kamo-no-Agata-no Nushi. In agata-no-nushi titles, the appended noun is typically a place name; but in a Taihō ritsuryō
Taiho Code
The was an administrative reorganization enacted in 701 in Japan, at the end of the Asuka period. It was historically one of the . It was compiled at the direction of Prince Osakabe, Fujiwara no Fuhito and Awata no Mahito...
consolidation, the Kamo mirror the Yamato clan's amalgamating conventions in merging the area, its name, its sacred centers and its kami within a single nominative identifier.
Kamigamo Shrine
From 1871 through 1946, the Kamigamo Shrine was officially designated one of the , meaning that it stood in the first rank of government supported shrines.It is famous for its haiden
Haiden (Shinto)
In Shinto shrine architecture, the is the hall of worship or oratory. It is generally placed in front of the shrine's main sanctuary and often built on a larger scale than the latter. The haiden is often connected to the honden by a heiden, or hall of offerings...
(worship hall), rebuilt in 1628-1629 (Kan'ei 6). A number of priests' residences are situated on its grounds, and one, the Nishimura House, is open to the public.
Shimogamo Shrine
The Shimogamo Shrine was officially designated Kanpei-taisha in 1871.Shimogamo Shrine is believed to be 100 years older than Kamigamo Shrine, dating back to the 6th century.
A shrine structure was erected in 678 during the reign of the Emperor Tenmu, and this became the principal building during the reign or of the Emperor Kanmu when he transferred the capital from Heijō-kyō
Heijo-kyo
Heijō-kyō , was the capital city of Japan during most of the Nara period, from 710–40 and again from 745–84. The Palace site is a listed UNESCO World Heritage together with other places in the city of Nara Heijō-kyō (平城京, also Heizei-kyō, sometimes Nara no miyako), was the capital city of Japan...
, and Nagaoka-kyō
Nagaoka-kyo
was the capital of Japan from 784 to 794. Its location was reported as Otokuni District, Yamashiro Province, and Nagaokakyō, Kyoto, which took its name from the capital...
to Heian-kyo
Heian-kyo
Heian-kyō , was one of several former names for the city now known as Kyoto. It was the capital of Japan for over one thousand years, from 794 to 1868 with an interruption in 1180....
.
Imperial progresses to the shrines
- January 16, 795 (EnryakuEnryakuwas a after Ten'ō and before Daidō. This period spanned the years from August 782 through May 806. The reigning emperor was .-Change of era:* November 12, 782 : The new era name was created to mark an event or series of events...
13, 21st day of the 12th month): Emperor KammuEmperor Kammuwas the 50th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kammu reigned from 781 to 806.-Traditional narrative:Kammu's personal name was . He was the eldest son of Prince Shirakabe , and was born prior to Shirakabe's ascension to the throne...
made an Imperial progress to both Kamo shrines. - October 25, 1334 (Kemmu 1, 27th day of the 9th month): Emperor Go-DaigoEmperor Go-DaigoEmperor Go-Daigo was the 96th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession....
made an Imperial progress to Kamo-jinja. - April 29, 1863 (BunkyūBunkyuwas a after Man'en and before Genji. This period spanned the years from February 1861 through February 1864. The reigning emperor was .-Change of era:...
3, on the 11th day of the 3rd month ): Emperor KomeiEmperor Komeiwas the 121st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kōmei's reign spanned the years from 1846 through 1867.-Genealogy:Before Kōmei's accession to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was ;, his title was ....
made an Imperial progress to the Kamo Shrines. He was accompanied by the shogun, all the principal officials and many feudal lords. This was the first Imperial progress since Emperor Go-MizunooEmperor Go-Mizunoowas the 108th Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Mizunoo's reign spanned the years from 1611 through 1629.This 17th century sovereign was named after the 9th century Emperor Seiwa and , translates literally as "later;" and thus, he could be called the "Later...
visited Nijo CastleNijo Castleis a flatland castle located in Kyoto, Japan. The castle consists of two concentric rings of fortifications, the Ninomaru Palace, the ruins of the Honmaru Palace, various support buildings and several gardens...
more than 230 years before; and no Emperor had visited Kamo since Emperor Go-DaigoEmperor Go-DaigoEmperor Go-Daigo was the 96th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession....
honored both shrines in KemmuKemmuwas a Japanese era name of the Northern Court during the Era of Northern and Southern Courts after Shōkei and before Ryakuō. Although Kemmu is understood by the Southern Court as having begun at the same time, the era was construed to have begun after Genkō and before Engen.This period spanned the...
1 (1334).
See also
- List of Shinto shrines
- Twenty-Two Shrines
- Modern system of ranked Shinto ShrinesModern system of ranked Shinto ShrinesThe The The (sometimes called simply , was an organizational aspect of the establishment of Japanese State Shinto. This system classified Shinto shrines as either official government shrines or "other" shrines...