今宮神社
Imamiya Shrine
A historic Shinto shrine in Kyoto, renowned for its Yasurai Festival and traditional aburimochi vendors.
Attractions
MK Guide Recommends
Established in 994 AD, Imamiya Shrine was originally built to protect Kyoto from epidemics. Over the centuries, it has become a revered site where visitors pray for good health and longevity. The shrine is nestled in a serene forested area northwest of Daitoku-ji Temple, offering a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle. A unique feature of Imamiya Shrine is the presence of two traditional teahouses, Ichiwa and Kazariya, located just outside the east gate. These establishments have been serving aburimochi, a roasted rice cake delicacy, for centuries, with Ichiwa dating back to 1000 AD and Kazariya to 1656. The shrine also hosts the annual Yasurai Festival every second Sunday of April, one of Kyoto's three major festivals, believed to ward off illness and usher in good health.
Facilities & Services
Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Traditional aburimochi vendors at the east gate
Hosts the annual Yasurai Festival in April
No on-site parking; public transportation recommended
Kyoto Orthodox Church
A hidden gem in Kyoto’s city center, the Kyoto Orthodox Church offers a quiet space for worship and reflection, preserving the beauty of Eastern Orthodox tradition in Japan.
Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine
A peaceful shrine in suburban Kyoto, Nagaoka Tenmangu is cherished for its seasonal beauty—especially during cherry blossom and azalea blooms—making it a serene retreat from city crowds.
Kamogawa Delta
At the fork of two rivers in northern Kyoto, Kamogawa Delta is a beloved open-air retreat where locals and travelers relax, play, and take in the gentle rhythm of the city’s natural heart.
Jōnangū Shrine
A tranquil Shinto shrine tucked away in southern Kyoto, Jōnangū is renowned for its harmonious gardens and seasonal floral displays, offering a spiritual retreat through the changing rhythms of nature.
Katsura Imperial Villa
A masterpiece of Japanese architecture and landscape design, Katsura Imperial Villa offers a rare glimpse into the refined aesthetics of the Edo period, accessible only through guided tours with advance reservation.