Kawai Shrine, Kinki Kansai Travel Guide

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A unique Kyoto shrine dedicated to beauty, featuring mirror-shaped ema and connections to ancient legends and literature.

Kawai Shrine, nestled within Kyoto's Shimogamo Shrine grounds, is a unique sanctuary dedicated to beauty and feminine well-being. Known as the 'Beauty Shrine,' it attracts visitors seeking blessings for inner and outer beauty.

A brief summary to Kawai Shrine

59 Shimogamo Izumikawacho, Kyoto, Shimogamo Izumikawacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0807, JP
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Monday 6:30 am-5 pm
Tuesday 6:30 am-5 pm
Wednesday 6:30 am-5 pm
Thursday 6:30 am-5 pm
Friday 6:30 am-5 pm
Saturday 6:30 am-5 pm
Sunday 6:30 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kawai Shrine.

Purchase a kagami-ema and use your own makeup or the provided coloring materials to create your ideal face while making a wish for beauty.
Try the 'bijinsui' (beauty water) made from quince grown at the shrine, believed to be good for the complexion.
Explore the reconstruction of Kamo no Chomei's hut, offering a glimpse into the life of the famous author.
Combine your visit with a stroll through the serene Tadasu no Mori forest surrounding Shimogamo Shrine.
Look for the mini-shrine dedicated to Yatagarasu, the three-legged crow, a symbol of the Japanese national soccer teams.

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Explore Kawai Shrine on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

Kawai Shrine is located within the grounds of Shimogamo Shrine. From the main entrance of Shimogamo Shrine, walk west. The shrine is a short walk from the main complex.
Public Transport

The closest station to Kawai Shrine is Demachiyanagi Station on the Keihan Line. From the station, it is approximately a 5-10 minute walk to Kawai Shrine, located within Shimogamo Shrine. You can also take Kyoto City Bus routes #1, #3, #4, #17, #37, #102, #201, #203, or #205 to the Demachiyanagi bus stop or the Aoibashi Nishidume bus stop. From there, it is a short walk to the shrine. The flat fare for Kyoto City Bus is ¥230 for adults and ¥120 for children.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Kyoto. From Kyoto Station, a taxi to Kawai Shrine will cost approximately ¥2,500 - ¥3,500 and take around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. The initial taxi fare is ¥600 for the first 2km, with additional charges per kilometer.

Discover more about Kawai Shrine

Kawai Shrine (河合神社) is a captivating sub-shrine within the historic Shimogamo Shrine. Revered as the protector of women, it enshrines Tamayorihime no Mikoto, the mother of Emperor Jimmu, who is celebrated for her radiant beauty. The shrine's main draw is its unique approach to prayer. Visitors can purchase 'kagami-ema' – mirror-shaped wooden plaques – and apply makeup to the drawn face, crafting their ideal visage while wishing for enhanced beauty. These personalized ema are then displayed, creating a colorful tapestry of aspirations. You can also purchase 'bijinsui' beauty water made from quinces grown at the shrine, believed to be good for the complexion. A power stone in front of the main hall is said to bestow beautiful skin if you stroke it and then touch your face.Kawai Shrine also has a connection to Kamo no Chomei, a noted author of the Kamakura Period. A reconstruction of his ten-foot-square hut, where he spent his later years in reclusion, can be found within the shrine grounds. Another mini-shrine is dedicated to Yatagarasu, a three-legged crow and helper to the legendary first emperor of Japan, Jimmu.Located within the serene Tadasu no Mori forest, Kawai Shrine offers a tranquil escape and a unique cultural experience. Whether seeking blessings for beauty or exploring its historical connections, the shrine provides a memorable glimpse into Kyoto's spiritual heart.