Kuwayama-jinja Shrine

In short

Kuwayama-jinja Shrine is a shrine in Kamiyada-cho, Kameoka City, said to have been founded in 709. It is considered to enshrine the deity who carved out the Hozukyo Gorge to create the fertile land of Tamba, and it is the tutelary shrine of this region, which flourished under the protection of successive lords of Kameyama Castle.

• ​Representative autumn foliage of Kameoka​​: Its beauty has been praised since ancient times as the "Autumn Leaves of Yata," and the colorful trees dye the main halls and grounds deep red. The best time to view the autumn leaves is typically around mid-November
• ​Two main halls standing side by side​​: The two main halls of Kuwayama-gu and Hachimangu stand side by side. These two main hall buildings are Registered Cultural Properties of Kyoto Prefecture
• ​Kameoka Festival​​: The annual Kameoka Festival in October is the regular festival of the two shrines, Kuwayama-gu and Hachimangu. Also referred to as the "Gion Matsuri Festival of Kuchi-Tamba," it features 11 yamahoko floats that parade through the town

History and Highlights

​Kuwayama-jinja Shrine​ is a shrine located in Kamiyada-cho, Kameoka City, and is said to have been founded in the second year of Wado (709).

The deities enshrined here are Onamuchi-no-Mikoto and Hondawake-no-Mikoto. Onamuchi-no-Mikoto is also called Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, and Hondawake-no-Mikoto refers to Emperor Ojin. This shrine is considered to enshrine the deity who carved out the Hozukyo Gorge to create the fertile land of Tamba, and Onamuchi-no-Mikoto is also known as the "god of the reclamation of Tamba."

Within the shrine grounds stand two main halls side by side: Kuwayama-gu and Hachimangu. These two main hall buildings are Registered Cultural Properties of Kyoto Prefecture. Protected by successive lords of Kameyama Castle, this shrine has flourished as the tutelary shrine (ujigami) of this region.

The annual Kameoka Festival held in October is the regular festival of these two shrines, Kuwayama-gu and Hachimangu. Also referred to as the "Gion Matsuri Festival of Kuchi-Tamba," it is loved as the largest autumn festival in Kameoka, featuring 11 yamahoko floats that parade through the town. One of the floats, "Kuwayama," has as its sacred object (goshintai) "Kuwayama Daimyojin," who is said to have opened up the Hozu River with a hoe to create Tamba.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Representative Autumn Foliage of Kameoka​​: Kuwayama-jinja Shrine is a representative spot for autumn foliage in Kameoka. Its beauty has been praised since ancient times as the "Autumn Leaves of Yata," and the colorful trees dye the main halls and grounds deep red.
• ​Two Main Halls Standing Side by Side​​: The sight of the two main halls, Kuwayama-gu and Hachimangu, standing side by side is a unique view of this shrine. Take your time to view these shrine pavilions, which are Registered Cultural Properties of Kyoto Prefecture.
• ​Legends of the Deity Who Opened Tamba​​: The story of the god who opened up the Hozu River with a hoe to create the land of Tamba tells of the origins of the town of Kameoka. If you visit while imagining the ravine of the Hozu River, the tale will feel much closer to heart.

Walking Tips

The best time to view the autumn leaves is typically around mid-November. The foliage season is also popular for photography and attracts many visitors, so please be considerate and share the space so as not to disturb other worshipers.

From JR Kameoka Station, take the Kameoka City Community Bus to the "Kuwayama-jinja-mae" bus stop, and the shrine will be right in front of you. By car, it is about 10 minutes from the Kameoka Interchange on the Kyoto Jukan Expressway. During the Kameoka Festival in October, yamahoko floats are erected in the various neighborhoods of old Kameoka Town and parade through the streets. If you visit during the festival season, it is also recommended to enjoy a stroll through the castle town and visit the Kameyama Castle ruins.