The Most Beautiful Shinto Shrines in Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Taisha is Kyoto’s most important shrine and is dedicated to the Shinto god of rice. Founded in 711, it is one of the most impressive and memorable sites in all of Japan, known for its thousands of vermilion torii shrine gates. The surreal world of shrines and torii shrine gates wind their way up Mount Inari from the base of the mountain and main shrine buildings. The Romon Gate at the shrine’s entrance was donated in 1589 by the samurai warlord, Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

Heian Jingu Shrine, built for the city’s 1100th anniversary, has some of the best traditional gardens in Kyoto. Located at the back of the main shrine building, the vast gardens contrast beautifully with the colourful shrine buildings. The garden was created in a style reminiscent of the Heian Period (794-1185) and feature a large pond with a Chinese inspired bridge. The vermilion architecture of the shrine is vibrant in all four seasons, with the weeping cherry blossoms in spring, and water lilies and irises in summer being seasonal highlights of the gardens.

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.

On the banks of the Takano and Tamo Rivers, the bright orange buildings of the Shimogamo-jinja Shrine stand in stark contrast to its natural backdrop. More than 2,000 years old, Shimogamo-jinja is Kyoto’s oldest shrine and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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.

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 which is what this beautiful shrine is known for. It is dedicated to the god of water. According to legend, a goddess arrived in Kibune on a yellow boat, and the shrine marks the place where she finally landed.

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

Planning a visit to Kyoto? Combine this beautiful city with others like Osaka, Hiroshima and Tokyo, as well as the country’s amazing natural landscapes, on one of our multi-day tours in Japan. Expect shrines, temples and castles aplenty.