Imamiya Shrine
Discover Tranquility at Imamiya Shrine
Imamiya Shrine: A Sanctuary of Health and Tradition
Discover Kyoto's Imamiya Shrine: a serene sanctuary of health, history, and delicious aburi mochi, steeped in ancient traditions and local charm.
Imamiya Shrine, nestled in northwestern Kyoto, is a serene Shinto shrine with over a thousand years of history. Originally established to ward off epidemics, it's now a place for prayers for good health and longevity. The shrine is known for its Yasurai Festival, magical Ahokashi-san stone, and the delicious aburi mochi served at the adjacent teahouses.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Imamiya Shrine
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
21 Murasakino Imamiyacho, Kyoto, Murasakino Imamiyacho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8243, JP
Monday
9 am-5 pm
Tuesday
9 am-5 pm
Wednesday
9 am-5 pm
Thursday
9 am-5 pm
Friday
9 am-5 pm
Saturday
9 am-5 pm
Sunday
9 am-5 pm
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Kyoto Station, take City Bus Route 205 to the Funaokayama bus stop, followed by a 7-minute walk north. Alternatively, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Kitaōji Station, then transfer to City Bus Route 1, 北8, 12, M1, 204, 205, or 206 to the Funaokayama bus stop, also a 7-minute walk. Another option is City Bus Route 46 to the Imamiya Jinja-mae bus stop, which is a 1-minute walk to the shrine. A single bus or subway fare costs ¥230 for adults. A Kyoto one-day bus pass costs ¥600, and a combination subway and bus pass is ¥1100.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Kyoto. From Kyoto Station, a taxi ride to Imamiya Shrine takes approximately 6 minutes and costs between ¥1,900 and ¥2,300. The initial fare is ¥620 for the first 1.5km, with additional charges based on distance and time. Taxi ranks are located outside most train stations.
Walking
From Daitoku-ji Temple, walk north for approximately 10 minutes to reach Imamiya Shrine. From Kinkaku-ji Temple, take city buses 12, M1, 204, 205, or 206 and get off at Funaokayama bus stop, followed by a 7-minute walk to North.
Local tips
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Visit during the Yasurai Festival in April for a vibrant cultural experience.
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Try the aburi mochi at Ichiwa or Kazariya teahouses outside the east gate.
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Test your luck with the Ahokashi-san stone and make a wish.
Discover more about Imamiya Shrine
Imamiya Shrine, located in Kyoto's Kita Ward, offers a tranquil escape from the city's bustle. Founded in 994 during the Heian period, the shrine was initially established to appease deities and ward off epidemics that plagued the capital. In 1001, it was moved to its current location. Today, Imamiya Shrine is revered as a place to pray for good health, longevity, and recovery from illness.
The shrine's main entrance features a striking two-story vermilion gate, guarded by stone lion-dogs. The grounds house the main hall and several sub-shrines, including one dedicated to Oda Nobunaga. One of the shrine's unique features is the Ahokashi-san stone, believed to grant wishes and healing. Visitors tap the stone, lift it, make a wish, and lift it again to see if it feels lighter, indicating their wish will come true.
Imamiya Shrine is also famous for its festivals, including the Yasurai Festival in April and the Imamiya Festival in May. The Yasurai Festival, one of Kyoto's three most eccentric festivals, features colorful parades, music, and dances to appease the gods and prevent illness.
Just outside the shrine's east gate are two traditional teahouses, Ichiwa and Kazariya, specializing in aburi mochi. These roasted rice cakes, served with sweet miso sauce, have been a local delicacy for centuries, with Ichiwa dating back to 1002. Visiting Imamiya Shrine offers a blend of history, spirituality, and culinary delights.
A brief summary to Imamiya Shrine
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