The Crimson Gate of Shimogamo Shrine

Standing gracefully at the entrance of the sacred Tadasu-no-Mori forest, the vermilion torii gate of Shimogamo Shrine is more than just an architectural landmark — it marks the transition from the everyday world into a sacred, purified space. This gate has greeted worshippers for centuries, as Shimogamo Shrine is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Kyoto, dating back more than 2,000 years. Together with Kamigamo Shrine, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.”

Passing under the torii is not just a physical act but a spiritual gesture. Visitors traditionally bow before stepping through, acknowledging the boundary between the human and divine realms. In spring, the path beyond the gate is lined with fresh greenery, while in autumn it becomes a tunnel of fiery red leaves — a favorite spot for photographers. During the Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto’s three major festivals, a magnificent procession passes through this gate on its way to the shrine, making it a powerful symbol of continuity and tradition.