Seimei Shrine | A Kyoto Power Spot Honoring the Onmyoji Abe no Seimei

Seimei Shrine (Seimei Jinja) is a shrine dedicated to the famous Heian period onmyoji, Abe no Seimei (921-1005), located in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City. The shrine was built on the site of Seimei's former residence and is believed to offer protection against evil and misfortune. After Seimei's death, the shrine was established in 1007 by imperial decree of Emperor Ichijo. Initially, the shrine had a vast precinct, but it gradually shrank due to wars and urban development by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, leading to the deterioration of the shrine buildings. However, from the late Edo period onwards, Seimei's descendants restored the shrine and its grounds, and the main buildings were rebuilt in 1925. Highlights: 🌉 Ichijo Modori Bridge: An ancient bridge dating back to the Heian period. The name 'Modori' (return) comes from families praying for the safe return of soldiers. There is also a legend that the deceased were revived when funeral processions crossed this bridge. A new bridge was built in 1995, and parts of the old bridge's railing are preserved at Seimei Shrine. ✴️ Pentagram (Seimei Kikyō): A talisman mark used in Onmyodo, seen throughout Seimei Shrine. The kikyo flower, associated with Abe no Seimei, also blooms in the shrine grounds. Location: 806 Horikawa-dori Ichijo-agaru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Access: Approximately a 12-minute walk from Imadegawa Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway, or right in front of the 'Ichijo Modoribashi/Seimei Shrine' bus stop.