The Sacred Horse of Kamigamo Shrine
A Sunday Encounter with the Gods’ Messenger
Within the serene grounds of Kamigamo Shrine (formally Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine), visitors will find the Shinme-sha, a small stable housing a sacred white horse. In Shinto belief, horses are considered messengers of the gods, carrying human prayers to the divine.
At Kamigamo Shrine, this tradition is still alive today. On Sundays, the sacred horse appears for visitors to see — a gentle presence that reminds us of the shrine’s deep connection with the kami. During major festivals such as the Aoi Matsuri, white horses play an important role in the rituals, symbolizing purity and divine guidance. Visitors often stop by to bow, take photos, and contribute to the horse’s care, continuing a custom that dates back over a thousand years.
