Kamigamo Shrine (Kamobetsu Thunder Shrine)

Kamigamo Shrine is known as one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, located in the western part of Kyoto. It is officially called, “Kamobetsu Thunder Shrine,” and it has gathered many people's faith as the god of exorcism, guardian of electricity, and decisive victory.
It is a historical shrine that is said to have been built in 678 during the period of Emperor Tenmu.
There are 2 national treasures, and 41 important cultural properties in the precincts. In 1994, it was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site, as one of the “cultural assets of the ancient capital Kyoto”, because all of the precincts remained in the Heian period.
The main shrine and the Gonden, are highly valued as representative structures for the long-standing eaves, and are designated as national treasures.
The “Sakai Festival”, held in May every year, is one of “Kyoto's Three Great Festivals”. A procession of more than 500 people wearing Heian costumes walks from Kyoto Imperial Palace to Kamigamo Shrine.