Wish to Become Beautiful Inside and Out! Expressing Wishes on Hand Mirror-shaped Ema at Kawai Shrine

Kawai Shrine (河合神社) is known for its prayers for “beauty and good looks,” where visitors use pencils and crayons to make a face on small ema, which are shaped like hand mirrors. This shrine is worshiped as a god of beauty because Tamayorihime no Mikoto which is enshrined is beautiful like a jewel ball. It’s also a great access, so how about visiting while Kyoto trip?

Kamomi-oya Shrine (賀茂御祖神社) is located downstream of the Kamogawa River and has been popularly called Shimogamo Shrine (下鴨神社) or Shimogamo-san. Both the east and west main shrines have been designated as national treasures, and it was also registered as a world cultural heritage site in 1994. In addition, the precinct called Tadasu-no-Mori (糺の森) is surrounded by so much nature that you will forget you are still in the city. It’s said to be the only natural forest in Kyoto City that retains the appearance of a primeval forest. This time, we’re going to introduce Kawai Shrine, located in precious sacred forests.

Kawai Shrine has been worshiped as a deity for women since old times. The mother of Emperor Jimmu, Tamayorihime no Mikoto is enshrined and has been known as a god of beauty. Therefore, ema is shaped like hand mirrors. A woman’s face is drawn on the mirror, and you can apply the makeup using pencils and crayons. After applying the makeup with all your heart, write your wish on the back of the votive tablet and dedicate it to the votive tablet. You can pray for beauty not only in looks but also in personality. To worship this shrine which protects women is sure to be a great memory of the Kyoto trip. How about visiting with your friends?