Located in the heart of Kyoto, San-no-miya Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and her son Susanoo. The shrine is famous for its vermilion torii gates and its role as the imperial family's ancestral shrine. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which feature several temples and shrines, including the Kamo River-side shrine.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasu
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu, Susanoo
- Coordinates
- 34.9760542, 135.6872983
Visitor tip
To avoid crowds, visit the shrine early in the morning or later in the evening. Take a moment to admire the beautiful vermilion torii gates, which are especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.
Cultural notes
San-no-miya Shrine is associated with the mythology of Susanoo, who was said to have defeated the evil spirit of the earth goddess Tsukiyomi's brother, Amaterasu. The shrine is also famous for its 'yūjin no kami,' or divine spirits believed to reside within the shrine grounds.
Historical note
Built in 711 CE during the Nara period, San-no-miya Shrine was one of the first Shinto shrines to be built in Kyoto.