The sound of rain and sunlight through the trees. Shrines in Kyoto to heal your soul.
At the start of summer in Kyoto, you can see sunlight through the trees illuminating the stone steps after some rain. There is a unique serenity to it all. If you want to get away from the noise for a while and heal your soul, we recommend visiting a few shrines. The shrines in Kyoto are known for their history and nature. Listen to the rain sounds as you feel the weight lift off of your shoulders.
Umenomiya Taisha Shrine: A flower blooms in the heart in the embrace of the scent of plum flowers

Umenomiya Taisha Shrine changes with the seasons. It’s known to be good luck for safe and healthy childbirth. In summer, the hydrangeas and Japanese irises bloom. On rainy days, the scene is even more magical. The shrine is located in a quiet neighborhood away from the busy city, so you can get away from the crowds. It is said that a god of sake also resides here, so you can see a unique array of Japanese sake barrels. Once you pass through the gate, you’ll feel a sense of sanctity in the flowers and greenery. Maybe you’ll feel a small flower bloom in your heart here.
Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM) |
Address | 30 Umezu Fukenokawa-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture |
Access | Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo: From Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, ride the Hankyu Kyoto Line to Katsura Station. Transfer to the Hankyu Arashiyama Line and get off at Matsuo Taisha Station. HOTEL TAVINOS Kyoto: From Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, take the Hankyu Kyoto LIne to Katsura Station. Transfer to the Hankyu Arashiyama Line and get off at Matsuo Taisha Station. |
URL | http://www.umenomiya.or.jp/ |
Kamigamo Shrine: Wish upon a flowing river

Kamigamo Shrine is a World Heritage Site. It is an esteemed place of historical significance in Kyoto. A small, sacred river called Narano Ogawa runs through the shrine. There is a sort of quietude here that feels like your soul is being cleansed. On rainy days, the dew drops sparkle and the trees rustle in the wind. In summer, new greenery can be seen, and you’ll discover something new every time you visit. The sacred sand mountain called Tatezuna and the beautiful main structure will entrance you. Come by, take a deep breath, and feel your soul be cleansed.
Hours | 5:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
Address | 339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture |
Access | Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo: From the Kawaramachi Sanjo bus stop, take the Kyoto City Bus to the Kamigamo Shrine bus stop. HOTEL TAVINOS Kyoto: From the Kawaramachi Gojo bus stop, take the Kyoto City Bus to the Kamigamo Jinjamae bus stop |
URL | https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/en/ |
Yoshida Shrine: In the quiet, forget about time

Yoshida Shrine is a hidden gem located near Kyoto University. It was built in the year 859 and has long since been known to ward off evil spirits. Its grounds are surrounded by a deep forest. You can hear the birds chirping and the leaves rustling. It’s the perfect spot for cleansing. Walk along the path and see the sunlight through the leaves and the stone steps after the rain. It’s a magical atmosphere that makes you forget about the noise of your everyday life. The bright red structure creates a stark contrast with the greenery around it. It makes a great picture and looks different on every visit. The shrine is known for its seasonal festivals and events but there is something you can only find here on the quieter days. This is the spot for people who want to get away from the crowds and enjoy Kyoto’s shrine vibes to the fullest.
Hours | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Address | 30 Yoshidakaguraoka-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture |
Access | Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo: From the Kawaramachi Sanjo bus stop, take the Kyoto City Bus to the Kita Shirakawa bus stop. HOTEL TAVINOS Kyoto: From the Kawaramachi Gojo bus stop, take the Kyoto City Bus to the Kita Shirakawa bus stop |
URL | https://www.yoshidajinja.com/yuisyo.htm |
Base of this trip
Hotel Tavinos Kyoto
3-min walk from Shimizu-Gojo station on the Keihan line/7-min walk from Gojo Station on the Karasuma line/10-min walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto line
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
5-min walk from Kyotoshiyakushomae station on the Tozai line