It feels really მშვიდ and quiet here, unlike some of Kyoto’s more popular shrines that get super crowded. As soon as you walk in, your mind starts to calm down.
It’s especially well known for prayers for love and relationships, so a lot of people come here for that. The atmosphere feels old and traditional, without much of a commercial vibe, so it’s very pleasant to walk around.
After your visit, it’s also a nice bonus to stop by one of the two famous shops at the entrance for ajari mochi or grilled mochi. Walking around while eating gives the area that classic old Kyoto feel. It’s the kind of place where you can take your time and really soak it in.
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Imamiya Shrine (Kyoto)
A shrine known for blessings for health, longevity, and finding a good match.
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This shrine is said to have originated in 994, when the plague deity worshipped here was enshrined at Funaokayama and the "Murasakino Goryo-e" ritual was held to calm the epidemic spreading through the Heian capital. Later, when an epidemic broke out again in 1001, another goryo-e ritual was held. After that, the plague deity was transferred back to this shrine, three main sanctuary buildings and a shrine for the plague deity were newly established, and it was named "Imamiya-sha." The main deities enshrined in the main sanctuary are Okuninushi no Mikoto, Kotoshironushi no Mikoto, and Kushiinadahime no Mikoto. Even today, it is loved as a shrine deity that wards off epidemics, and many visitors come to pray for good health and protection from misfortune.
It is also known as a deity for praying for good matches because of its connection to Keishoin, who rose from being the daughter of a greengrocer to become a concubine of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun, and the mother of Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the fifth shogun.
On the second Sunday of April every year, the traditional Yasurai Festival is held to send the plague deity, believed to have passed into the flower spirits as the blossoms fall, into the plague shrine and calm it, while praying for protection from epidemics. A procession including red-haired and black-haired demons dances through the streets to festival music. At the center of the procession is a large flower umbrella decorated with cherry blossoms, camellias, and other flowers, and it is said that if you stand under this flower umbrella, you will stay free from illness for one year.
Highlights
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Founded to calm epidemic outbreaks.
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Known for blessings to ward off epidemics.
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Also known for blessings for good matches.
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Famous for the Yasurai Festival held in April.
Photos
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Standing in a lush green setting
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A relief of Keishoin on the shrine grounds
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The Yasurai Festival procession parading around a large flower umbrella
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Are goshuin stamps available?
A
Yes.
Q
Is parking available?
A
Yes.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
A
No.
Reviews
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Some reviews are AI-translated.
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It’s super pleasant to walk around here. The whole atmosphere is quiet and has a bit of that old Kyoto charm.
The grounds aren’t very big, but they’re clean and really photogenic. The red torii gates and traditional architecture feel especially atmospheric.
There’s also a famous grilled dango shop nearby, and strolling around while snacking is seriously the best. If you want to avoid the shrines packed with tourists, Imamiya Shrine feels really relaxing. It’s the kind of place where you can take a slow walk, snap a few photos, and leave feeling refreshed.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 今宮神社
- Postal Code
- 603-8243
- Address
- 21 Imamiya-cho, Murasakino, Kita-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
- Phone
- 075-491-0082
- Closed on
- Open daily
- Hours
- Open for worship at all times
- Admission
- Free
- Access
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1) From JR and other lines' Kyoto Station, Kitaoji Station on the subway, or Demachiyanagi Station on the Keihan Line, take a bus to "Funaokayama," then walk 7 minutes
2) From Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Line, take a bus to "Imamiya Jinja-mae," then walk a short distance - Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
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