Images: A Visit to Shimogamo Jinja, Kyoto’s Oldest Shintō Shrine

Imperial princesses dedicated to the shrine were called saiō. Nowadays, a woman with the title of saiō-dai participates in the procession as their representative. (© Edit Plus)

Twigs from katsura trees and heart-shaped leaves of the futaba-aoi decorate the hair of the saiō-dai and the clothing of procession participants. Paid spectator seating is available along the procession route at the Kyoto Imperial Palace and the approach to the shrines. (© Edit Plus)

Shimogamo Shrine lies in a forest facing the Kamogawa delta at the confluence of the Kamo and Takano rivers. The bridge to the right leads to Demachiyanagi, the closest rail station. (© Pixta)

The West and East Sanctuaries, both designated national treasures, sit side by side. (© Edit Plus)

The shrine’s brilliant vermillion Rōmon two-storied gate stands 13 meters tall. (© Edit Plus)

The Kotosha shrines are the protectors of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac. (© Edit Plus)

These amulets on sale at the main shrine office are all made from different-patterned fabrics. (© Edit Plus)

This vermillion arched bridge marks the site of Mitarashi Pond, to the right of the shrine’s main hall. (© Pixta)

This special fortune-telling slip, sold at the Mitarashi shrine office, reveals its message when dipped in water. The paper is watermarked with the shrine’s futaba-aoi crest. What fortune will the water reveal? (© Edit Plus)

This shrine is popular among people seeking romantic relationships. Men and women offer ema votive tablets here in the hope of finding a compatible life partner. (© Edit Plus)

The many items for sale at shrine offices include woven cords with the futaba-aoi motif and popular fortune-telling slips bought by people hoping to find a partner. These slips have such a long history that they are mentioned in the eleventh century Tale of Genji. (© Pixta)

This shrine was the childhood home of Kamo no Chōmei, author of the 1212 Hōjōki (trans. An Account of My Hut), one of Japan’s three great collections of literary jottings. (© Edit Plus)

Women can draw faces on the hand mirror-shaped ema in a room set aside for that purpose. (© Edit Plus)

Tadasu no Mori is home mainly to deciduous species like elms and zelkovas. Due to the effects of climate change, though, more oaks and other evergreens are growing there now. (© Pixta)

In early June, a gathering takes place to view fireflies released in this stream. (© Edit Plus)

Sarumochi and black soybean tea. After drinking the tea, patrons can place the beans on a saucer and enjoy them with a sprinkling of salt. (© Edit Plus)