Hidden Kyoto #1 | The Places No One Tells You About!

@PiQtour Japan

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Discover Kyoto's lesser-known gems, from the ancient Shimogamo Shrine and its spiritual forest to the peaceful Kamogawa Delta, and a taste of the city's best mochi.

4 places · 3 experiences

Experience · 1 place
Draw your ideal face on a Kagami Ema
At Kawai Shrine, you can draw your ideal face on a Kagami Ema, which are wooden plaques shaped like mirrors, and offer them to the deity for blessings related to beauty and health. It's not just about outer beauty; the act of decorating the Ema is also symbolic of inner reflection and self-beauty. I made mine look happy and a bit '90s with blue eyeshadow, even if I forgot the hair! It's a fun and reflective activity.
1
Kawai Shrine
Shinto shrine · Kyoto
4.3 (3,333)Closed · opens tomorrow 9 AM
Creator's voice
A sub-shrine within the Shimogamo Shrine complex, famous for its association with beauty. It's a unique spot where visitors, especially women, come to pray for blessings related to beauty and health.
Kawai Shrine, 59 Shimogamo Izumikawacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0807, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Cleanse yourself in the Mitarashi River
Before entering the main shrine, many people come to cleanse themselves in the Mitarashi River, which flows through the Tadasu no Mori (Forest of Truth). The water felt so cool and refreshing, especially on a hot September day. It's believed to be a place of spiritual cleansing, where no lies can be hidden.
2
Shimogamo Shrine
Shinto shrine · Kyoto
4.5 (14,997)Open · until 5 PM
Creator's voice
One of Kyoto's oldest and most underrated Shinto shrines, dating back to the 6th century. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the northern part of Kyoto, taking about 25 minutes to reach from Kyoto Station. The bright vermilion buildings and thatched roofs are beautiful examples of traditional Shinto architecture. It's free to enter and offers a peaceful escape from the crowds.
Shimogamo Shrine, ５９ Shimogamo Izumikawacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0807, Japan
Tadasu no Mori (Forest of Truth) — This ancient forest covers 12 hectares (about 30 acres), with some trees over 600 years old. The name 'Tadasu' means to correct or reveal the truth, making it a spiritual place for reflection and purification. It's believed no lies can be hidden here, offering a serene environment to take a deep breath.
Rugby Ema — Among the many smaller shrines, there's one dedicated to rugby, where you can make a prayer for rugby luck and protection. They even have Ema shaped like rugby balls, which is a really unique and fun detail.
Mitarashi River — This spring water river's name inspired one of Kyoto's most famous desserts, Mitarashi Dango. The bubbles in the pond are said to be reminiscent of the round shape of the Dango. It's also where you can get water fortunes when it's open, dipping them in the water to reveal your fate.
Renri no Sakaki (fused trees) — These two trees have naturally fused together into one, serving as a powerful metaphor for love and long-lasting relationships. They are the centerpiece of the Aioi-sha sub-shrine, where people come to pray for blessings in love and marriage.
Experience · 1 place
Pray for lasting relationships at Renri no Sakaki
Visit the Aioi-sha sub-shrine, dedicated to long-lasting relationships and marriages. Here, you'll find the Renri no Sakaki, two trees that have fused together into one, symbolizing enduring love. To pray for blessings, buy a special Ema, tie it with red and white strings, then walk around the trees twice. On the third time, dedicate your wish for lasting relationships. It's a beautiful metaphor for love.
2
Shimogamo Shrine
Shinto shrine · Kyoto
4.5 (14,997)Open · until 5 PM
Creator's voice
One of Kyoto's oldest and most underrated Shinto shrines, dating back to the 6th century. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the northern part of Kyoto, taking about 25 minutes to reach from Kyoto Station. The bright vermilion buildings and thatched roofs are beautiful examples of traditional Shinto architecture. It's free to enter and offers a peaceful escape from the crowds.
Shimogamo Shrine, ５９ Shimogamo Izumikawacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0807, Japan
Tadasu no Mori (Forest of Truth) — This ancient forest covers 12 hectares (about 30 acres), with some trees over 600 years old. The name 'Tadasu' means to correct or reveal the truth, making it a spiritual place for reflection and purification. It's believed no lies can be hidden here, offering a serene environment to take a deep breath.
Rugby Ema — Among the many smaller shrines, there's one dedicated to rugby, where you can make a prayer for rugby luck and protection. They even have Ema shaped like rugby balls, which is a really unique and fun detail.
Mitarashi River — This spring water river's name inspired one of Kyoto's most famous desserts, Mitarashi Dango. The bubbles in the pond are said to be reminiscent of the round shape of the Dango. It's also where you can get water fortunes when it's open, dipping them in the water to reveal your fate.
Renri no Sakaki (fused trees) — These two trees have naturally fused together into one, serving as a powerful metaphor for love and long-lasting relationships. They are the centerpiece of the Aioi-sha sub-shrine, where people come to pray for blessings in love and marriage.
3
Kamogawa Delta
Tourist attraction · Kyoto
4.6 (12)Closed
Creator's voice
A super peaceful place where locals love to visit, hang out, and relax. It's a popular picnic spot and a great place to enjoy nature within the city. The Delta has a long history as a gathering place, even used as a strategic meeting point during the Edo period. It truly represents Kyoto's essence of finding peace and serenity in nature.
Kamogawa Delta, Shimogamo Miyakawacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0801, Japan
- Stepping stones (turtles and birds) — One of the highlights of the Kamogawa Delta are the famous stepping stones that cross the river. These stones are sometimes shaped like turtles or birds, adding a playful element to the scenery. They're a hit with kids and adults alike, but be sure to hop over them with caution!
4
Demachi Futaba
Japanese confectionery shop
4.3Closed · opens Friday 8:30 AM
Creator's voice
A famous mochi shop that has been around since 1899. Their fresh, handmade mochi is a must-try for any Kyoto food lover. It's a really popular spot, so expect a line, but it moves quickly.
Demachi Futaba, 236 Seiryucho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0822, Japan
- Mame Mochi · ¥200-300 (estimated) — Demachi Futaba's most famous mochi. It's a soft mochi with salty beans on the outside and a sweet red bean paste inside. The combination of sweet and salty, with the soft mochi and the slight firmness of the beans, is really good. I initially thought the beans were chocolate chips!
- Dried Bean Daifuku (seasonal) · ¥200-300 (estimated) — A seasonal daifuku with a softer, lighter-colored bean inside, distinct from the sweet red bean paste of the Mame Mochi. It tastes more purely of beans within the mochi. While I prefer the Mame Mochi, this one is still good and grows on you the more you eat it.

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