Photo Spot · Kamigamo
Kamigamo Shake-machi 上賀茂 社家町
The old priests' quarter east of Kamigamo Shrine, where earthen-walled houses sit behind tiny stone bridges over the clear Myojin river.
PriceFree
Getting thereKamigamo-jinja-mae bus stop (Kyoto City Bus), 5 min; Kitayama Station (Karasuma Line), 20 min
Time needed20-40 min
Best timeMorning, autumn
AddressKamigamo Yamamotocho, Kita Ward, Kyoto
About
For centuries the hereditary priests (shake) of Kamigamo Shrine lived along the Myojin river, which flows out of the shrine grounds. The lane beside the stream is lined with earthen walls, gates and small stone bridges, one to each house, and is a nationally protected townscape. Shoot along the water for layered frames of bridges, walls and overhanging trees; autumn colour and soft morning light suit it well.
Highlights
- Stone bridges over a clear stream, one per house
- Earthen walls and old gateways
- Protected historic townscape
- Five minute walk from Kamigamo Shrine
Tips
- These are private homes: shoot from the lane, not through gates.
- Combine with Kamigamo Shrine for a half-day in north Kyoto.
- Morning light is soft along the stream.
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09
Plan it in Tabitomo
Save Kamigamo Shake-machi to your trip, see reviews and photos from travelers, and get directions.
Open in the appNearby
- Kamigamo ShrineShrine · 280 m away
- Kyoto Concert HallLive Music & Karaoke · 1.0 km away
- Omiya Kotsu ParkPark · 1.2 km away
- Kyoto Botanical GardenGarden · 1.4 km away
- Hide ZushiSushi & Seafood · 1.7 km away
- Daitoku-ji and SubtemplesTemple · 1.9 km away
- Aburi Mochi KazariyaCafé & Sweets · 1.9 km away
- Imamiya ShrineShrine · 1.9 km away