Matsunoo-taisha Shrine: Kyoto's Sake Sanctuary
Discover Kyoto's ancient Matsunoo-taisha Shrine, a serene sanctuary famed for its sake-brewing traditions and exquisite Shigemori gardens.
Matsunoo-taisha Shrine, nestled at the foot of Mount Matsuo in western Kyoto, is a venerable Shinto shrine with a rich history dating back to 701 AD. Revered as a guardian of sake brewing and miso making, it attracts brewers who seek blessings for their craft from the sacred Kame-no-I spring. The shrine also features serene gardens designed by Mirei Shigemori and offers a tranquil escape near Arashiyama.
A brief summary to Matsunoo-taisha (Matsuo-taisha) Shrine
- Arashiyama Miyamachi, ３, Kyoto, Arashiyama Miyamachi, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0024, JP
- +8175-871-5016
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
- Thursday 9 am-4 pm
- Friday 9 am-4 pm
- Saturday 9 am-4 pm
- Sunday 9 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the Yamabuki Festival in April to see the shrine adorned with thousands of yellow kerria flowers.
- Sample the sacred water from the Kame-no-I (Tortoise Well), believed to promote health and longevity.
- Explore the Shofu-en Gardens, designed by Mirei Shigemori, to appreciate the blend of modern and traditional Japanese garden design.
- Look for the many tortoise statues throughout the shrine grounds, symbolizing good fortune, long life, and good health.
- Take the #71 or #28 bus from Kyoto Station to the Matsunootaisha-mae bus stop for convenient access to the shrine.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Kyoto Station, take City Bus #71 or #28 to Matsunootaisha-mae bus stop. The ride takes approximately 31 minutes. Alternatively, take the Hankyu Arashiyama Line to Matsuo-taisha Station, a short walk from the shrine. Hankyu Railway from Matsuo-Taisha to Katsura Station costs ¥160-¥220. From Katsura, transfer to Kyoto station for another ¥170-¥220. Total cost is about ¥330-¥440.
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Walking
From Arashiyama, Matsunoo-taisha Shrine is a pleasant walk of approximately 20 minutes. Follow the main road south, enjoying the scenery along the way. Note that the path to Suzumushidera Temple from Matsunoo Taisha is narrow and may be difficult to follow.
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Taxi
A taxi from Kyoto Station to Matsunoo-taisha Shrine takes about 10 minutes and costs approximately ¥3,300-¥4,000. Taxis are readily available at Kyoto Station.
Discover more about Matsunoo-taisha (Matsuo-taisha) Shrine
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