How to Visit Shimogamo Shrine in a Rented Kimono: Recommended Tips and Access Guide

Kimono girls in Kyoto are a perfect match for cherry blossom season!

You can enjoy taking cute kimono photos, visiting stylish cafés, and indulging in delicious food!

For all the girls out there hoping to meet someone special—why not come to Kyoto dressed in a kimono?

Kyoto is home to many shrines known for bringing good luck in love and relationships.

If you boost your feminine charm by 120% with a kimono rental before heading to the shrine, your chances of receiving blessings might increase dramatically!

So, let us introduce five matchmaking shrines in Kyoto that every kimono girl should visit.

 

Recommended Matchmaking Shrine for Kimono-Wearing Ladies No.2 – Jishu Shrine

When it comes to matchmaking shrines in Kyoto, we can’t leave out this one. I’m sure many of you have heard of this shrine before, haven’t you?

Located within the grounds of Kiyomizu Temple, “Jishu Shrine” is dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking. The shrine is known for its “Love Stones” or “Koiuranai no Ishi.” These are two stones placed several meters apart from each other. Legend has it that if you can walk safely from one stone to the other with your eyes closed, you’ll find true love. If you need assistance to do so, it means that you’ll need help in your romantic life as well.

Many visitors come to Jishu Shrine in hopes of finding love, making it a popular spot for matchmaking prayers. Wearing a kimono while visiting this shrine adds a touch of traditional charm to your quest for love.

Recommended Matchmaking Shrine for Kimono-Wearing Ladies No.3 – Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine, also known as “Gion Shrine,” is a well-known and historic shrine located in the Gion district of Kyoto. The shrine is famous for its annual Gion Matsuri festival, one of Japan’s largest and most celebrated festivals.

While Yasaka Shrine is known for many things, it is also a popular spot for matchmaking prayers. The divine spirit enshrined here is believed to bring about good luck and prosperous relationships. Visiting Yasaka Shrine while wearing a kimono not only adds to the experience but also allows you to explore the beautiful Gion district in traditional attire.

Recommended Matchmaking Shrine for Kimono-Wearing Ladies No.4 – Shimogamo Shrine

Shimogamo Shrine, also known as “Shimogamo-jinja,” is one of the oldest and most prestigious shrines in Kyoto. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site designated as “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.”

Shimogamo Shrine is nestled in a lush forest, offering a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The shrine is dedicated to deities related to matchmaking, and it has been a place of prayer for couples seeking harmonious relationships for centuries.

Wearing a kimono while visiting Shimogamo Shrine allows you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the shrine’s surroundings and connect with its spiritual atmosphere.

Recommended Matchmaking Shrine for Kimono-Wearing Ladies No.5 – Kamigamo Shrine

Kamigamo Shrine, or “Kamigamo-jinja,” is another ancient and esteemed shrine in Kyoto. It is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site collectively known as “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.”

The shrine is dedicated to various deities, including those related to love, marriage, and matchmaking. It has a long history of granting blessings to couples seeking happiness and fulfilling relationships.

Visiting Kamigamo Shrine while dressed in a kimono provides a unique opportunity to experience the traditional culture of Kyoto while praying for a successful and harmonious love life.

Kimono Rental in Arashiyama for a Relaxing Matchmaking Experience

If you’re looking for a tranquil and scenic location in Kyoto to wear a kimono and enhance your matchmaking prayers, Arashiyama is an excellent choice. Arashiyama is known for its picturesque bamboo groves, beautiful temples, and the famous Togetsukyo Bridge.

When visiting Arashiyama, consider renting a kimono from the “Rikawafuku Kimono Arashiyama Store.” They offer a variety of kimono rental plans, allowing you to choose the perfect kimono to suit your matchmaking journey.

Exploring Arashiyama’s stunning natural beauty and historical sites while dressed in a kimono is an unforgettable experience. The peaceful atmosphere of this area is conducive to reflection and prayer for a successful relationship.

Should You Rent a Kimono in Demachiyanagi to Visit Shimogamo Shrine?

If you’re planning to visit Shimogamo Shrine, you might be wondering whether it’s better to rent a kimono near Demachiyanagi Station. Demachiyanagi is a convenient area with easy access to Shimogamo Shrine, making it a popular choice for kimono rentals.

Wearing a kimono from Demachiyanagi to visit Shimogamo Shrine adds a cultural dimension to your journey. It allows you to seamlessly integrate into the traditional atmosphere of Kyoto while seeking blessings for your love life at the historic shrine.

Kimono Rental in Arashiyama, Followed by Matchmaking Prayers at Kyoto’s Oldest Shrine

If you’re planning a visit to Kyoto, combining kimono rental in Arashiyama with a trip to Shimogamo Shrine offers a memorable experience.

地主神社, also known as Jishu Shrine, is located just north of the main hall of Kiyomizu Temple and is often referred to as Kyoto’s ultimate matchmaking power spot.

Kiyomizu Temple is conveniently accessible for kimono rentals from the “Rikawafuku Kimono Gion Store” by taking a 5-minute bus ride to the temple. The Gion area is a great place to rent a kimono.

Its establishment dates back to the divine age, a time even before the foundation of Japan itself, making it steeped in ancient history. The famous “Love Fortune-telling Stone” is said to be a relic from the Jomon period.

At this shrine, the deity enshrined is Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, known for the tale of the White Hare of Inaba. This kind-hearted deity helped a troubled rabbit, earning a reputation as a god of matchmaking.

Within the precincts of Jishu Shrine, a pair of stones, known as “Love Fortune-telling Stones,” have been a spot for “love divination.” Visitors would blindfold themselves and attempt to reach one stone from another, seeking answers about their romantic fate.

Just imagine the sight of people in kimono attire trying love divination – it’s heartwarming. Pay your respects to this gentle deity and, hopefully, secure a wonderful connection.

Recommended Matchmaking Shrine for Kimono-Wearing Ladies No.3 – Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine is also located just a 3-minute walk from “Rikawafuku Kimono Gion Store,” making it a popular tourist spot in Kyoto!

When it comes to Kyoto, everyone knows about “Yasaka Shrine,” a famous tourist spot. It’s especially renowned for the Gion Matsuri festival, held in July.

Wearing a yukata during the Gion Matsuri festival is a delightful experience! The vibrant red main hall and photos in your kimono attire are sure to be Instagram-worthy. Yasaka Shrine also enshrines Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, the deity of matchmaking.

What’s more, at Yasaka Shrine, you can pray not only for matchmaking but also for beauty. Within the shrine grounds is the “Bimozen Shrine,” where three beautiful goddesses—Tagirihime-no-Mikoto, Tagitsuhime-no-Mikoto, and Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto—are enshrined.

These deities are revered for their beauty, performing arts, and prosperity, making them popular among maiko and geiko (geisha) who visit the shrine. Near the Bimozen Shrine, you’ll find a spring known as “Beauty Water.” It is said that splashing this water on your face will make you even more beautiful!!

You’re already beautiful in your kimono attire, but why not take it to the next level?

Recommended Matchmaking Shrine for Kimono-Wearing Ladies No.4 – Shimogamo Shrine (Shimogamo-jinja)

Shimogamo Shrine, formally known as Kamomioya-jinja, is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s a bit farther from the area with many kimono rental shops, and getting there by train can be a bit challenging, so taking a taxi is recommended!

Within Shimogamo Shrine is the “Aioi-sha” (Mutual Love Shrine), known for its powerful matchmaking blessings. This deity can help with both romantic connections and other bonds, such as job hunting or exams!

Moreover, at this shrine, you’ll find lovely talismans made of chirimen fabric. The “Hime-mamori” talismans come in various colors and patterns, and each one is unique. They make the perfect souvenir for kimono-wearing ladies.

Before entering Shimogamo Shrine, near the entrance, you’ll find “Kawai Shrine,” where you can pray for beauty. The ema (wooden prayer plaques) at Kawai Shrine are shaped like hand mirrors.

On the front side of the ema (wooden prayer plaques), you’ll find the face of a bare-faced woman, and you can actually apply makeup to it. By putting your heartfelt effort into making her beautiful, you might become even more beautiful yourself! The backside is left blank for writing your wishes.

Amulets and ema (prayer plaques) like these make this shrine highly recommended for kimono-wearing ladies who rent kimonos!

Recommended Matchmaking Shrine for Kimono-Wearing Ladies No.5 – Kamigamo Shrine (Kamigamo-jinja)

Since we introduced Shimogamo Shrine, we can’t leave out Kamigamo Shrine!

Known as the “Aoi Festival,” Kamigamo Shrine is formally named “Kamo-wakeikazuchi-jinja” and enshrines the deity “Kamo-wakeikazuchi-no-Kami,” associated with thunder. It’s a shrine with a wide precinct, featuring notable spots like the “Sazanami” in front of the Hoso-den hall, the “Takakura-den” where you can worship the main hall, the power spot “Iwagami,” the sacred “Nara-no-ogawa” stream, and the elegant “Shokeien” garden.

Among these, “Kataoka Shrine,” where it’s said even the author Murasaki Shikibu visited, is considered a matchmaking spot. The ema at this shrine are heart-shaped ♡ and feature an illustration of Murasaki Shikibu along with a waka (Japanese poem). It’s believed that offering your prayers on these heart-shaped ema can bring you blessings for matchmaking!!

For kimono-wearing ladies, these heart-shaped ema are perfect! Be sure to take one in hand and snap some photos!

Kimono Rental for a Relaxing Day of Matchmaking as a Kimono-Wearing Lady!

What do you think of the recommended matchmaking shrines for kimono-wearing ladies? Are you tempted to visit them?

However, Kyoto is vast! As a kimono-wearing lady who’s taken the time to rent a kimono, you’ll surely want to take lots of photos, savor delicious food, and explore charming finds!

So, instead of rushing through these shrines like a whirlwind tour, I’ll recommend a plan that suits kimono-wearing ladies who want to take it easy. Let’s start with a course that includes a visit to “Jishu Shrine” (地主神社)!

・Reserve “Rikawafuku Kimono Arashiyama Store” at 10:00 AM. It takes about 1 hour on average for kimono rental, so you’ll be a kimono beauty by 11:00 AM.
・Only a 3-minute walk from “Arashiyama Kimono Rental Rikawafuku Kimono” to the must-visit spot in Arashiyama, “Togetsukyo Bridge”!
・After taking plenty of photos, how about an early lunch? Around Tenryu-ji Temple, about 10 minutes from “Togetsukyo Bridge,” you’ll find plenty of stylish lunch spots.
・Once you’ve finished lunch, take your time strolling and head to your destination, “Jishu Shrine,” for matchmaking blessings.
・After making your wishes at “Jishu Shrine,” take a leisurely walk through the “Bamboo Grove” for some photo opportunities.
・After walking through the “Bamboo Grove” and returning to the vicinity of Tenryu-ji Temple, it’s time for a relaxing cafe break.

How does that sound? A leisurely plan focused on “Jishu Shrine.”

Of course, there are many other attractions in Arashiyama, so feel free to make detours and explore at your own pace.

 

Next, let’s extend our journey a little further to visit ‘Jishu Shrine’ and ‘Yasaka Shrine’.

– Depart at 10:30 from ‘Lika Kimono Rental Gion Store,’ which is just a 5-minute walk from Keihan Gion Shijo Station. We recommend making a reservation for 9:30.

– Once you’re out on Higashioji-dori Street on foot, take a bus to Kiyomizu Temple!

– After enjoying lunch in the Kiyomizu area, it’s time for a love fortune-telling session at ‘Jishu Shrine’!

– From ‘Jishu Shrine,’ take a leisurely walk to ‘Yasaka Shrine.’ There are plenty of charming shops along the way! It’s only about a 20-minute walk if you stroll at your own pace.

– Once you’ve properly paid your respects at ‘Yasaka Shrine,’ you can head to Hankyu Kawaramachi Station by walking straight down Shijo Street. Shijo Street is packed with shops brimming with Kyoto’s charm. Enjoy some tea or buy souvenirs to make the most of your time.

– You can easily walk back from ‘Yasaka Shrine’!

Should You Rent a Kimono at Demachiyanagi Station to Visit Shimogamo Shrine?

In this article, we introduced ‘Shimogamo Shrine,’ which is particularly popular among the shrines we mentioned.

Should you rent a kimono at Demachiyanagi Station, the nearest station?

The answer is “No.”

The best option for renting a kimono is in the Gion area, where you have a wide selection of choices and can easily reach it with just one train.

Renting Kimono from Arashiyama for a Matchmaking Prayer at Kyoto’s Oldest Shrines

Now, for the kimono-wearing ladies who are ready for some matchmaking, let’s explore Kyoto’s oldest shrines, ‘Shimogamo Shrine’ and ‘Kamigamo Shrine.’

– Since you’ll be going a bit further, it’s recommended to make a reservation at ‘Lika Kimono Rental Arashiyama Store‘ for 9:00 AM! Depart from Hankyu Arashiyama Station at 10:00 AM.

– Transfer from Hankyu ‘Arashiyama Station’ to ‘Katsura Station,’ and then to ‘Kawaramachi Station.’ Take a city bus from there to ‘Shimogamo Shrine Mae’ bus stop. This journey takes approximately 1 hour.

– After visiting ‘Shimogamo Shrine,’ enjoy lunch! Then, take a city bus from ‘Shimogamo Shrine Mae’ without any transfers to ‘Kamigamo Shrine Mae.’

– Once you’ve paid your respects at ‘Kamigamo Shrine,’ head to ‘Kokura Kita Oji Station’ by city bus and walk to ‘Kitaoji Station’ on the subway line. Take the subway and get off at ‘Shijo Station.’ Enjoy some café time during this journey!

– Finally, transfer at ‘Katsura Station’ from Hankyu Railway to ‘Arashiyama Station’ and arrive there!

These are our top 5 matchmaking shrines in Kyoto that we recommend for kimono rentals!

All of these shrines have unique charm. Be sure to explore them while wearing a kimono.

 

For those planning to rent a kimono for a girls’ trip and more, also take a look at this: Recommended Kimono Strolling Information for Kyoto Girls’ Trips

Author of this article

Kyoto Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku operates four kimono rental shops in Kyoto city, including locations in Arashiyama, Gion, Kiyomizu Temple, and in front of Kyoto Station. In 2023, they served over 230,000 customers in the Kyoto area!
They offer affordable plans, with a kimono dressing plan starting from 3,500 yen, and a hair setting plan from 5,500 yen.
Close to popular tourist spots such as Togetsukyo Bridge, Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Koshindo, and Yasaka Shrine!
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Gion Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Arashiyama Store
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