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The Most Beautiful Shinto Shrines in Kyoto

Walking Through a Tunnel of Torii Gates
Walking Through a Tunnel of Torii Gates | © indigoMood /Flickr

Shinto is Japan’s oldest religion. Shinto means “the way of the gods” and the shrines provide a place of worship as well as homes to the spirits. Kyoto is home to over 400 Shinto shrines, so it can be a daunting task to choose the best shrine to visit on any trip. Here are some beautiful pictures of the best shrines in Kyoto to help make your choice that little bit easier.
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Heian Jingu Shrine in Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is one of the most beautiful and impressive attractions in all of Kyoto. The city’s most important shrine is also its most popular and attracts visitors by the bus load.

68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 612-0882, Japan

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
A Magical Tunnel of Shrine Gates
Walking Through a Tunnel of Torii Gates

Heian Jingu Shrine

Heian Jingu Shrine is one of the most visually impressive shrines in all of Japan with colourful buildings and beautiful gardens. It is a relatively new shrine having been built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto as capital of Japan.

Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8341, Japan

Heian Jingu Shrine
Main Gate at Heian Jingu Shrine
One of the Gardens at Heian Jingu Shrine

Yasaka Jinja Shrine

Yasaka Jinja Shrine is a colourful, bustling downtown shrine in the heart of the city, which overlooks the geisha and entertainment district of Gion. It is one of Kyoto’s most important shrines and has a long connection with the Kyoto Geisha community. The shrine is home to the famous Gion Matsuri which takes place every year over the entire month of July.

625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0073, Japan

Yasaka Jinja Shrine in Gion
Vermillion Shrine Gate at Yasaka Jinja
Paper Lanterns at Yasaka Jinja Shrine

Shimogamo Jinja Shrine

Shimogamo Jinja Shrine is one of the oldest and most beautiful shrines in Kyoto. Located at the junction of the Takano and Kamo Rivers, the shrine is surrounded by an ancient forest with trees that are up to 600 years old making it an amazing place to take a stroll.

Shimogamo Shrine Gate
Stage at Shimogamo Shrine on a Beautiful Day
Purifyingn Pool at Shimogamo Jinja Shrine

Kifune Jinja Shrine

Kifune Jinja Shrine is located up on a hill that offers a fantastic escape from the heat of summer in the city. Stone steps lined with red lanterns create an attractive and atmospheric setting that is just magical in any season.

Japan, 〒601-1112 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Kuramakibunecho, 180

Resting at Kifune Jinja Shrine

Kamigamo Jinja Shrine

Kamigamo Jinja Shrine is another high ranking shrine in Kyoto. It is historically significant as the Tokugawa Shoguns were very devoted to this shrine.

339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 603-8047, Japan

The Romon Gate at Kamigamo Jinja Shrine
Kamigamo Shrine Precincts
Shinto Priest and Priestess at Kamigamo Jinja Shrine

About the author

John Asano is a blogger, traveler and freelance writer living in Gifu, Japan. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, he has lived in Japan now for over 12 years. John loves nothing better than picking up his camera and exploring all the amazing attractions that Japan has to offer.

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