Kamomioya Shrine
(Shimogamo Shrine)

Another World Heritage site, Kamigamo Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto that has its lineage from the mythological era and enshrines the guardian deity of the Kamo Clan along with Shimogamo Shrine. It worships Kamowakeikazuchi-no-kami as the enshrined deity. The main hall and Gonden (associate shrine) are both national treasures, and many of the 41 other buildings, including the Chumon (inner gate) and the Heiden (hall of offerings) are also designated as important cultural properties.

Located on the south of Shimogamo Shrine, the villa belonged to the influential Mitsui family and was built in 1925. The Mitsui family were wealthy merchants who made their fortune as a kimono fabrics dealer and money changer in the Edo Period (1603-1868) and grew into a conglomerate in the Meiji Era (1868-1912). The grand residential villa is well preserved, and is valued as a masterpiece of modern Japanese architecture and designated as an important cultural property. The entrance building, the first floor of the main house and the garden is open to the public, offering a glimpse of the highly artistic architecture.