Kamigamo Shrine

, is a significant Shinto shrine located on the banks of the Kamo River in northern Kyoto. It was established in the year 678Kyoto Prefectural Government Tourism Division: Kamigamo ; Iwao, Seiichi et al. (2002). Dictionnaire historique du Japon, p. 1712. and is formally called the Richard, Ponsonby-Fane. (1964)  Visiting Famous Shrines in Japan, pp. 119-175.Kamigamo Shrine is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan and is considered a significant historical site. It is one of the seventeen landmarks in ancient Kyoto that has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In Japanese, the term "Kamo-jinja" refers to both Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine, which are traditionally linked Kamo shrines in Kyoto.Terry, Philip. (1914). Terry's Japanese empire, p. 479. These shrines have the important role of protecting Kyoto from negative influences.Miyazaki, Makoto. "Lens on Japan: Defending Heiankyo from Demons,"  Daily Yomiuri. December 20, 2005.

The shrine name is given to identify the Kamo family of deities that are worshipped at Kamigamo Shrine. The name also refers to the surrounding woods, which are remnants of the original forest of Tadasu no Mori. Moreover, the shrine's name is a tribute to the Kamo clan, who were the early inhabitants of the area where the shrine is located. Many members of the Kamo clan still live near the shrine and continue to serve the deities that their ancestors had traditionally worshipped.Nelson, John K. (2000). Enduring Identities: The Guise of Shinto in Contemporary Japan, pp. 92-99.

Kamogamo Shrine is dedicated to the veneration of Kamo Wake-ikazuchi, the kami of thunder.

 History 
During the early Heian period, Kamogamo Shrine gained the support and patronage of the Imperial family..Breen, John et al. (2000). Shinto in History: Ways of the Kami, pp. 74–75.

Historical records from the reign of Emperor Heizei (806-809) show that Kamogamo Shrine was one of the few establishments that received a divine seal from the Emperor for use on important documents. The seal was enshrined in its own mikoshi, which was called the Oshite jinja. This practice of granting a special seal and its associated customs of preservation and use were established during the reign of Emperor Kōnin (770-781) in 778, according to historical records.).Ponsonby-Fane, Richard. (1963). The Vicissitudes of Shinto, p. 206.

In 965, Emperor Murakami issued an order that Imperial messengers were to be dispatched to inform Japan's guardian kami, including Kamo Wake-ikazuchi, of significant events..Ponsonby-Fane. Studies in Shinto and Shrines, pp. 116–117.

Kamigamo Shrine, along with Shimogamo Shrine, was selected as one of the two primary Shinto shrines (ichinomiya) for the former Yamashiro province.."Nationwide List of Ichinomiya", p. 1. ; retrieved 2011-08-010From 1871 to 1946, Kamigamo Shrine was recognized as one of the , which means it was a government-supported shrine that held a significant position as one of the highest-ranked shrines in Japan.Ponsonby-Fane, Richard. (1959). The Imperial House of Japan, p. 124.
 Imperial visits 

 794 (Enryaku 13): Emperor Kanmu came as part of a grand progress.Ponsonby-Fane, Richard. (1964). Visiting Famous Shrines of Japan, pp. 47, 131.
 942 (Tengyō 5, 29th day of the 4th month): Emperor Suzaku visited to offer thanks for restoration of peace.
 979 (Tengen 2, 10th day of the 10th month): Emperor En'yū decided that an Imperial visit Hachiman at Iwashimizu Shrine should be paired with a visit to Kamo.Ponsonby-Fane, Visiting, pp. 48, 131.
 1711 (Hōei 8): Emperor Nakamikado took refuge in the Hosodono when the palace had become uninhabitable.Ponsonby-Fane, Visiting, p. 132.

 Structures 
The shrine is famous for its haiden (worship hall) which was rebuilt in 1628-1629

Several residences for priests are located within the grounds of Kamigamo Shrine. One of these residences, the Nishimura House, is accessible to the general public.

 Gallery 

 Related pages 
 List of Shinto shrines
 Modern system of ranked Shinto shrines
 Twenty-Two Shrines

 References 

 Other websites 
 Kamigamo Shrine website 

Category:Chokusaisha
Category:Twenty-Two Shrines
Category:Myōjin Taisha
Category:Kanpei Taisha
Category:Beppyo shrines
Category:7th-century establishments in Japan
Category:World Heritage Sites in Japan
Category:Pages with unreviewed translations
Category:Shinto shrines in Kyoto Prefecture
Category:670s establishments
Category:Shikinaisha in Yamashiro Province