Seimei Shrine

Seimei Shrine, located in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, enshrines as its deity the onmyoji Abe no Seimei, who was active in the Heian period. Said to have been founded in 1007 on the site of Seimei's residence, it draws deep faith for warding off evil and misfortune. Its mystical appearance, with the pentagram (Seimei kikyo seal) as its crest, attracts many worshippers, making it a power spot.

Highlights

• Seimei Well: A well said to have been made to spring forth by Seimei's spiritual power. The direction in which it flows is said to face that year's lucky direction, and it is believed to bless good health.
• Ichijo Modoribashi and Shikigami Statue: The grounds hold a recreated bridge of the Ichijo Modoribashi, where Seimei is said to have hidden his shikigami spirit servants, along with a stone statue of a shikigami.
• Pentagram Amulets: Amulets and charms featuring the pentagram, a symbol of warding off evil, are popular and make welcome mementos of a visit.

Enjoying the Seasons

Chinese bellflowers, associated with Seimei, color the grounds from early summer into autumn. At their peak in particular, the dainty purple flowers combined with the pentagram make for a beautiful sight. Being in the city, it is easy to visit year-round, and the New Year period bustles with worshippers praying to ward off misfortune. The Seimei Festival, centered on the autumnal equinox day in September, features an eve festival and a procession.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 806-1 Seimei-cho, Horikawa-dori Ichijo-agaru, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
• Access: About a 12-minute walk west from Exit 6 of Imadegawa Station on the Subway Karasuma Line, or just outside the Ichijo-modoribashi, Seimei-jinja-mae city bus stop (routes 9, 12, 67)
• Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (open daily; charm office until 16:30)
• Admission: Free
• Phone: 075-441-6460
• Parking: A coin parking lot is located just south of the shrine

Practical Travel Notes

• Charm office hours: The office for amulets and fortune slips closes at 16:30. If you wish to receive the pentagram warding amulet, come with time to spare before the 17:00 closing.
• Bellflower season: The bellflowers associated with Seimei generally bloom from around early summer into autumn. If you want to photograph the purple flowers together with the pentagram, aim for this period.
• Around the area: Set in a district where the Nishijin textile culture lives on, it is also relatively close to the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kitano Tenmangu. Sitting by the Ichijo Modoribashi and facing Horikawa-dori, it is easy to find.
• Access guide: By bus, the Ichijo-modoribashi, Seimei-jinja-mae stop is closest, right outside. By subway, it is about a 12-minute walk west from Imadegawa Station.

A Quick Tip

If you wish to ward off evil and misfortune, be sure to receive a pentagram amulet. As the charm office closes at 16:30, visit with time to spare. Visiting when the bellflowers bloom lets you enjoy more vivid grounds. Located in the Nishijin area, touring it together with a walk around the neighborhood is also recommended.

📚 Sources

This article is based on publicly available information such as the official website of Seimei Shrine, tourism guidance published by the Kyoto City Tourism Association, and on-site history boards and signage. The beliefs in warding off evil and misfortune and the lore surrounding the pentagram, the Seimei kikyo seal, are widely introduced through these public sources. Hours, charm office reception times, and access may change, so please confirm the latest details with the official information from Seimei Shrine before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: The grounds are compact. Allow about 15 to 20 minutes for worship alone, or around 30 minutes to take in highlights such as the Seimei Well, the Ichijo Modoribashi, and the shikigami statue at a relaxed pace.
• What to bring: The charm office closes reception at 16:30, so if you wish to receive a pentagram amulet, come with cash and time to spare.
• For the bellflower season: The bellflowers associated with Seimei bloom from early summer into autumn, so choose this period if you want to enjoy the purple flowers together with the crest.
• Suggested route: Worship at the main hall first, then visit the Seimei Well and the recreated bridge with its shikigami statue, and stop by the charm office last.
• Nearby: Combining a visit with a walk through the Nishijin district, or the relatively close Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kitano Tenmangu, makes for an efficient tour of the Kamigyo area.