By ando 
Shimogamo jinja, one of Kyoto’s most prominent power spots and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Its official name is Kamo Mioya jinja, and it is one of Kyoto’s oldest jinja, having been enshrined on this site long before the construction of Heian-kyo (ancient Kyoto).
This time, we will bring you not only the history of this jinja, enveloped in the vast Tadasu no Mori forest, but also its mysterious anecdotes and legends, as well as pilgrimage information that anime fans won’t want to miss.
Basic Information
Official Name: Kamo Mioya jinja
Enshrined Kami:
Kamo Taketsunumi no Mikoto: A guardian kami who opened ancient Kyoto.
Tamayorihime no Mikoto: A kami of matchmaking, safe childbirth, and child-rearing.
Highlights: National Treasure Main Hall (honden), Tadasu no Mori, Mitarashi Pond, Aioi-sha Shrine, and more.
Legends and Mysteries: Shimogamo jinja’s “Seven Wonders”
Shimogamo jinja has “Seven Wonders” that have been passed down since ancient times. Let’s introduce a few of the most intriguing episodes among them.
1. The Mystery of Mitarashi Dango’s Origin
Mitarashi Pond, located within the shrine grounds, sees fresh spring water bubble up from its bottom on the Day of the Ox during summer. It is said that the shape of these water bubbles inspired the creation of Mitarashi dango.
Of the five dango skewered together, the topmost one is slightly separated, which is said to represent the bubbles or the five parts of the human body (head and four limbs), and it also carries a meaning of warding off evil.
2. The Matchmaking Miracle of Renri no Sakaki
Beside the Aioi-sha Shrine, located in front of the Romon gate, stands a mysterious sacred tree (goshinboku) where two trees have merged into one midway. There’s a legend that the power of the kami of matchmaking was so strong that it even caused the trees to be intertwined.
Amazingly, it is said that when this tree withers, another similarly merged tree will be found somewhere in Tadasu no Mori, and currently, the fourth generation of this goshinboku continues to embody this mystery.
3. The True Identity of Yatagarasu, the Guiding Kami
There is a tradition that one of the enshrined kami, Kamo Taketsunumi no Mikoto, is the incarnation of Yatagarasu, the legendary three-legged crow said to have guided Emperor Jinmu. Revered as a kami of victory and guidance, it is also famous as the symbol of the Japan Football Association, and one of its roots lies here at Shimogamo jinja.
4. Tadasu no Mori: The Place of Judgment
The word “Tadasu” means “to rectify falsehoods.” There is a theory that the forest was given this name because, in ancient times, it was a place where disputes among people were judged before the kami. Even today, when one steps into this forest, the atmosphere changes, and one might feel a pure, invigorating sensation, perhaps due to its profound history.
Anime Pilgrimage: The Stage Where Tanuki and Students Roam
Shimogamo jinja and its surroundings are also known as important filming locations for popular anime set in Kyoto.
The Eccentric Family
In The Eccentric Family, an anime based on a novel by Tomihiko Morimi, the main family of tanuki, the Shimogamo family, is depicted as living right here in Tadasu no Mori.
Tadasu no Mori: The home ground of the Shimogamo family.
Around Mitarashi Pond: Frequently appears in scenes where the tanuki transform or cause mischief.
Every year, enthusiastic pilgrimages take place, including collaboration events with the work and fan recreations of the “Fake Eizan Railway.”
The Tatami Galaxy / Night is Short, Walk On Girl
Shimogamo jinja is also an important spot in other works by Tomihiko Morimi. In The Tatami Galaxy, in particular, the used book fair at Shimogamo jinja (Shimogamo Noryo Kofon Matsuri) is depicted as a pivotal scene in the story.
K-On!
Shimogamo jinja served as the model for the jinja visited by the After-School Tea Time members for their Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the New Year) in episode 7 of the anime’s first season. Fans continue to trace the path they walked and the spot where they drew their omikuji (fortunes).
Shimogamo jinja is a place where you can feel the breath of ancient times just by stepping inside. Indulging in Mitarashi dango, pondering the mysteries hidden in the forest, and searching for the scenes where anime characters spent their time… the greatest charm of this jinja is that it offers such a multi-layered way to enjoy your visit.
Related Links / References
The Seven Wonders of Shimogamo jinja: Strolling Through Kyoto
Kyoto’s Seven Wonders Part 2: “The Seven Wonders of Shimogamo jinja” | Kyoto Trivia x Trivia in Kyoto
The Roots of Mitarashi Dango: Shimogamo jinja’s Mitarashi-sha Shrine in Kyoto is the Origin! A Journey Tracing the Roots of a Wagashi Born from Rituals | Kohakuto ★ Cute Wagashi that Cherishes the Seasons x Organic x American Life
Aim to Conquer All Spots! Kyoto “The Eccentric Family” Sacred Site Pilgrimage | Kyoto Prefecture | Travel.jp Travel Guide
Tadasu no Mori (Tadasu no Mori) Seven Wonders – Monthly SORA
Kyoto. To Shimogamo jinja and Kamigamo jinja, where legends and anecdotes of the kami remain. The impressive tatesuna, where kami are said to descend. | Let’s Do Everything We Want! A Carefree Life
The Seven Wonders of Shimogamo jinja | BUILD WORKs | Custom Homes, Renovation Contractors, and Architectural Design Offices in Kyoto
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nk_Ti96QKE
“Mitarashi Dango Day” – When Is It? Origin, History of Birth, and Recommended Famous Shops (2026 Edition) [Adult Vocabulary Enhancement School] | Precious.jp
[Latest in 2026] Why Is Shimogamo jinja Said to Be Scary? The True Nature of the Mystery Hidden in Tadasu no Mori and the Seven Wonders
The Mystery of Tadasu no Mori / The Seven Wonders of Shimogamo jinja | All About Kyoto Sightseeing Travel
Essays Listening to the Words of Trees & Researcher of Sacred Trees and Giant Trees “Rieko Sugihara” Official Site | Kyoto Prefecture
Mitarashi Dango is a Sweet and Savory Dumpling Born from a jinja | Food Facts | Sozairyoku Dashi(R)
[2024] Kyoto One-Day Sacred Site Pilgrimage ~ The Tatami Galaxy & Night is Short, Walk On Girl ~ [Tomihiko Morimi] | Soraniwa-soraniwa-
Shimogamo jinja: Tadasu no Mori, the Land of Judgment with a Water Kami – Kohei Blog: Kyoto Guide and Research on Writing
Beware of Being Tricked!? A Journey Through the Sacred Sites of the Anime “The Eccentric Family” | Tour Master Tour Master