A Shinto shrine in Kyoto dedicated to the legendary court astrologer and onmyoji Abe no Seimei. The shrine is famous for its pentagram symbols and attracts visitors seeking protection from evil spirits and academic success.
- Denomination
- Onmyoji
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Abe no Seimei
- Kami enshrined
- Abe no Seimei
- Founding
- Heian period · 1007
- Coordinates
- 34.9606046, 137.1642019
Visitor tip
Look for the distinctive pentagram (seiman) symbols throughout the shrine grounds, which are believed to ward off evil.
Cultural notes
Abe no Seimei has become a popular figure in modern Japanese literature, manga, and films as a mystical figure with supernatural powers. The pentagram symbol associated with him represents the five elements of onmyodo philosophy.
Historical note
Founded in 1007, two years after the death of Abe no Seimei, by order of Emperor Ichijo. The shrine was established at the former residence of the famous onmyoji who served the imperial court during the Heian period. Seimei was renowned for his mastery of onmyodo, the esoteric cosmology based on Chinese yin-yang philosophy.