Table of Contents
What is Seimei Shrine?
Seimei Shrine is dedicated to Abe Seimei, an astronomer and yin-yang master active in the Heian period (794-1185). It was founded in 1007, and was built on the site of Seimei’s mansion. Since the Heian period (794-1185), the shrine has been known as a sacred place to ward off bad luck and for divination.
Basic Information
| Name | Seimei Shrine |
| Benefit | Exorcism, healing of illness, safety in the home, purification of cars |
| Hours of operation | 9:00~17:00 (Open all year round, the awarding office is open until 16:30) |
| Admission fee | Free of charge |
| Parking lot | Convenient coin-operated parking lot next to the south |
| Location | 806 Seimei-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto 602-8222, Japan |
| TEL: 075-441-6460 | 075-441-6460 |
| Official website | https://www.seimeijinja.jp/access/ |
Features and Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the history of Lord Seimei Abe and the Yin-Yang path.
- You can see ” Seimei’s water ” which is said to cure intractable diseases.
- Rare star-shaped divine crest representing all things in the universe
Main Shrine: The gorgeous vermilion-lacquered main shrine is dedicated to Lord Seimei. The door of the main hall is decorated with a star chart of Seimei Abe, showing the influence of Yin-Yang Tao.
Seimei Well: The ” water of Seimei ” that bubbles up in the precincts of the temple is said to cure intractable diseases. Many people come from far and wide to draw this miraculous water.
The divine crest: The divine crest on the main shrine building and amulets has an unusual shape resembling a star. This is believed to be a symbol of the Yin-Yang path established by Abe no Seimei.
Event Information
Main Event “Seimei Festival
The Seimei Matsuri at Seimei Shrine is the most important event on the autumnal equinox, featuring yutate kagura (Shinto music and dance), a welcoming lantern procession, and a portable shrine procession. Starting with the Yoimiya Festival, the highlight of the festival is the parade of portable shrines performed by a boys’ drum and fife corps, beautifully dressed Harukaze children, and Yaotome maidens at the Shinkosai Festival.
| Events | Seimeisai Festival |
| Location | Seimei Shrine |
| Contents | Yoimiya Festival (the night before the autumnal equinox) Yoimiya Festival is held from 7:00 p.m. on the eve of the regular festival, and “Yutate Kagura” is dedicated in the rich tradition. Annual Festival (on the autumnal equinox) This is the most important ceremony of the year at Seimei Shrine, and is held from 10:00 a.m. The ceremony is attended by many members of the Ujiko (shrine parishioner) association and kosha, and includes tea and flower offerings. Shinko Matsuri (Autumnal Equinox) This ceremony is held in the afternoon of the regular festival and includes the parade of the portable shrine. Saga Graveside Festival (September 26) On the anniversary of Lord Seimei’s death, a ceremony is held at the Saga gravesite. |
| Official site | Seimei Festival |
Other Events
- January New Year’s Day Festival
- February Setsubun Hoshi Matsuri (Setsubun Star Festival)
- June Fire Prevention Prayer Festival
- July Kikyo-no-Hana
- November: Bonfire Ceremony
How to get there
City Bus
- From JR Kyoto Station, take bus No. 9 to Ichijo-gibashi/Harumyo-jinja-mae and walk shortly.
- From Hankyu Karasuma Station or Subway Shijo Station, take bus No. 12 to Ichijo-nobori-bashi/Harumyo-jinja-mae and walk shortly.
- From Keihan Sanjo Station, take Bus No. 12 (or No. 59 ), get off at Horikawa-Imadegawa, and walk about 2 minutes.
Subway
- From Imadegawa Station, approx. 12 min. walk
By Car/Taxi
- Approximately 20 minutes from Kyoto Station
Summary
The mysterious Seimei Shrine, dedicated to Abe no Seimei, is the perfect place to experience Japanese culture of the Heian period. You can pray for protection from bad luck and healing from illness, receive unique amulets and charms, and explore the hidden charms of Kyoto. We invite you to visit and immerse yourself in this sacred place of the Yin-Yang path.
