“Is this really the place?” a visitor once asked. Yes it is. You have arrived at Kuwata-jinja Shrine. It is a place steeped in history. It is also known as the Kuwata Shrine. This shrine stands in Kameoka City Kyoto.
Kuwata-jinja Shrine was listed in the government’s official compilation of shrines. This was called the “Engi-shiki Jinmyo-cho”. It was formerly ranked as a village shrine. The mountainside behind the shrine stretches to the Hozukyo Gorge entrance. It is covered in a forest. Evergreen beeches and oaks fill this forest. The Hozu-gawa River flows below. This makes for marvelously soothing scenery.
Kuwata-jinja Shrine is accessed a short walk from Umahori Station. The walk is approximately 15 minutes.
The shrine’s grounds offer a peaceful escape. Ancient trees provide shade. Listen closely to the gentle murmur of the Hozu-gawa River. It creates a calming atmosphere. In the past local people have shown this shrine thick respect. This is because it is thought that the power of the Qin dynasty is said to have spread early here.
Local lore says this area was once a lake. The gods of Kuwata-jinja Shrine and Kundo-jinja worked together. They cut through the mountains of Hozu. They drained the lake to create the Kameoka Basin. The main gods worshipped here are Ichikishima Hime no Mikoto and Oyamatsumi no Kami. The old name of Kuwata-jinja Shrine was Ukita Myojin or Kakeda Myojin.
Until the sixth year of Meiji, it had the same name as the Kawamukai. In June of the tenth year of Meiji, it became Kuwata-jinja Shrine.
Today Kuwata-jinja Shrine is known for its natural beauty. People come to experience its calm and history. Whether you seek spiritual connection or a peaceful moment, Kuwata-jinja Shrine offers a unique experience. Take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty. Reflect on the rich history that surrounds you. Let the soothing scenery calm your mind. Kuwata-jinja Shrine is a treasure. It gives us a glimpse into Kyoto’s past.