住吉神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Kyoto, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. Visitors can experience the tranquility of Japanese culture by strolling through the shrine's serene grounds, adorned with lanterns and tranquil water features.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasu
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu
- Coordinates
- 34.9015557, 135.0656965
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, consider attending the annual Omisoka ceremony on December 31st, which marks the beginning of the new year with a procession to the shrine's torii gate.
Cultural notes
As one of the oldest shrines in Japan, 住吉神社 has strong connections to Shinto mythology. The shrine is said to be a stopping point for the sun goddess Amaterasu during her travels between heaven and earth, and its beautiful gardens are believed to reflect the goddess's own serene beauty.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in the 8th century during the Nara period and has since been rebuilt several times, with the current structure dating back to the Heian period.