Kawai Shrine, located in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, is a regent shrine within the precincts of Shimogamo Shrine. Although it is not known when it was founded, it is said to date back to the time of Emperor Jinmu, or BC.
In this article, we will introduce Kawai Shrine!
| Official Name | Kawai Shrine (Kawai-jinja ) |
| Benefits | Goddess of women, matchmaking, beauty, easy delivery, schoolwork, childcare, longevity |
| Access | City Bus ” Shin Aoi-bashi ” stop, approx. 4 min. walk Keihan ” Demachiyanagi ” station, about 7 minutes on foot |
| Parking lot | Available |
| Hours of visitation | 6:00 ~ 17:00 |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Location | 59 Shimogamo-Izumigawa-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-0807 |
| Tel. | 075-781-0010 |
| Home page | https://www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/bireikigan/ |
Table of Contents
What is Kawai Shrine?
The deity of Kawai Shrine is Tamayorihime no Mikoto, the mother of Emperor Jinmu, named after her because she is as beautiful as a ball, and is believed to be the god of beauty. As a guardian deity for women, the shrine is believed to fulfill the desire to be beautiful, to ensure safe childbirth, to raise children, and to bring good luck in marriage.
Kawai Shrine Keyword
- First regent shrine of Shimogamo Shrine
- God of women’s protection
- Famous for its Kagami-ema (votive tablet with a mirror)
Places to see
Kagami-ema (votive tablet with mirror)
Kawai Shrine offers a variety of gifts associated with prayers for beauty, such as the Kagami-Eba (800 yen), in which you can draw your ideal face using crayons and cosmetics. The “Kagami-Eba” is popular for visitors to make up a face drawn on a hand-mirror-shaped ema as if it were their own, write their wishes on the back, and dedicate it to the shrine.
A shrine associated with Kamo no Chomei
Kawai Shrine is also a shrine associated with Kamo no Chomei, the author of “Hojoki,” and a reproduction of Hojoki is on the shrine grounds.
Recommended time to visit
The autumn foliage at Kawai Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine is usually at its best from early December to mid-December. Although beautiful throughout the year, a visit during this period is highly recommended!
