[Kyoto] Start your first visit of the year at the power spot of Kamigamo Shrine

●Name Kamigamo Shrine ●Access 339 Kamigamo Honzan, Kita-ku, Kyoto 🚗 Paid parking available ●Points The first shrine visit of the year is at Kamigamo Shrine The official name is Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine The entire grounds are a World Heritage Site Wakeikazuchi means "a god with enough power to ward off thunder", and has been worshiped since ancient times as a god of protection against misfortune, disasters, and victory The horse that serves the god from the beginning of the year, "Shinmei", was in good health 😊 The standing sand in the grounds is said to be the origin of the custom of sprinkling sand on the demon gate and back demon gate, which is still practiced today The "purifying sand" placed next to the standing sand can be purchased and used to purify yourself You can take it home. In fact, Kamigamo Shrine receives a lot of sacred sake from sake breweries all over the country. 🍶 Kamiyama Spring Water is a sacred water that flows through the Kamiyama mountain that stands behind the main hall of Kamigamo Shrine. It is a very mellow and soft water. Since ancient times, sake has been prepared at places where people can talk to the gods, and it is said that sake brings people closer to the realm of the gods. The reason why "sacred sake" is always prepared at religious ceremonies is because of these roots. Since religious ceremonies are essential for sake brewing, it is no wonder that Kamigamo Shrine, which uses Kamiyama Spring Water, receives many offerings from sake breweries. I hope that everyone has a good start to the year. 🤗 #tripmemory2022 #Kyoto #Temples and Shrines