Shimogamo Shrine

賀茂御祖神社(下鴨神社)

UNESCO shrine at the end of an ancient forest path

Hours

Roughly 6:30–17:00, varies by season and ceremonies

Tickets

Grounds free

Address

59 Shimogamo Izumigawa-cho, Sakyo-ku

Half the point of this shrine is the Tadasu no Mori forest you walk through to reach it. Gravel paths run long under zelkova and hackberry trees, and the traffic noise drops away even though you are in the middle of the city. When the vermilion tower gate shows through the trees, the main hall is near. It is also the destination of the Aoi Festival procession each May.