Kitayama to Kamigamo Shrine
Kitayama - Kamigamo Shrine - Daitokuji Temple 北山～上賀茂神社～大徳寺
Overview
Kitayama is an elegant, newish neighborhood in north Kyoto. The Kyoto Botanical Garden is located here, as is the city's Symphony Hall. The tree-lined main street, Kitayama Dori, is worth a stroll.
A short bike ride north of Kitayama Station, on the Kurasuma subway line, is Ota Shrine. This is a tiny, lovely shrine flush against a mountain side. It is best known for its irises. In early May, they bloom a spectacular purple.
From here, a short ride towards the Kamo River is one of the most beautiful streets in Kyoto. Priests and others connected to Kamigamo Shrine live in large compounds separated from the road by large traditional walls and a canal.
The next stop is Kamigamo Shrine. Built in 678 C.E., it is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto and a World Heritage Site. It has a vast green lawn that is used in the annual Yabusame - archery while speeding on the back of a horse - during the Aoi Festival.
Now head back towards Kitayama Station. The penultimate stop is the Kyoto Botanical Gardens. There is a small entrance fee. The land was donated to the city by the Mitsui family in the 1913, and is spacious and beautiful.
The final stop is a 10 - 15 minute ride south to Daitokuji Temple, one of the city's huge zen temple complexes. It was established in 1319 by Shohomyocho (also known as Daitokokushi; hence the name). During the horror that was the Onin War - when most of Kyoto was razed - some of Daikakuji's temples were burned down. These temples were later rebuilt by wealthy merchants from Sakai, Osaka.
Getting to the Starting Point
If you are coming from downtown, it will take 30 minutes. The easiest way is to go north from City Hall on Kawaramachi until you get to Imadegawa. Continue on Kawaramachi for two to three blocks. The street will angle right towards the Kamo River.
At the first bridge, cross the river. Kyoto's Family Court building will be across the street. Continue north. You are now on Shimogamo Hon Dori.
Go due north for another 10 minutes or so until you reach Kitayama Dori.
Ota Shrine
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Near Kamigamo Shrine
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Directions (Map Below)
From Kitayama Station - or the front of the Botanical Garden - cross Kitayama Dori (street). Riding or walking on the north side of the street, head to the west towards the Kamo River. At the first street, turn right and head north.
Ride for about 5 - 10 minutes until the street ends.
Turn left. Large homes will be on your left, the mountain and a few restaurants on your right. Ota Shrine is on your right.
From Ota Shrine, go due south one block. At the first street, turn right. Ride several minutes and you will come to the stately homes and a canal on your left.
The next stop is Kamigamo Shrine. It is down the road from the canal a short bit on your right.
At this point, we are going to head back towards Kitayama Dori. Go down any north-south street until you come to Kitayama Dori. The Botanical Gardens are next to the subway station.
The final stop is Daitokuji Temple. The easiest way to get there is to head towards the Kamo River on Kitayama Dori. Cross the bridge and continue straight until you get to Horikawa Dori. Turn left and head south. At Kitaoji Dori, turn right. Daitokuji is two blocks down and on your right.
If you have time, go a bit farther along Kitayama Dori beyond Horikawa to the old shopping street on Omiya Dori. Omiya, which is three blocks beyond Horikawa, is a great old-time "shotengai" (high street). It has traditional shops and galleries and a public bath. Well worth a look.
Total Riding Time
Two hours riding time.
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| Daitokuji Temple | Iris at Ota Shrine |
More Information
Kamigamo Shrine
339 Motoyama, Kamigamo, Kita-ku, Kyoto
075 781 0011
Entrance Fee: Free
Ota Shrine
340 Motoyama, Kamigamo, Kita-ku, Kyoto
075-781-0907
Entrance Fee: Free
Daitokuji Temple
Daitokuji Daitokuji-cho, Murasakino, Kita-ku, Kyoto
075 491 0019
Entrance Fee: Free (except for sub-temples)
Monzen Public Bath
On Omiya Dori, near Daitokuji Temple; Closed Thursdays
Entrance Fee: 410 yen
Map
Kitayama to Kamigamo Shrine Route
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