Iwashimizu Hachimangu

One of Kyoto’s Best Hidden Gems

As long time readers, you may have noticed by now that I typically try to steer clear of introducing attractions in Kyoto. For one, the city tends to be overcrowded with visitors to the point where it has become akin to a cultural amusement park. Furthermore, unlike other more rural areas of Japan, there’s already a plethora of articles detailing the many charms and allures of Kyoto. As such, there is really no need for another piece of content on the likes of Kiyomizu-dera or Arashiyama’s bamboo forest. After all, this is first and foremost, a blog about about getting off the beaten path!

Nevertheless, despite the massive amount of publicity Kyoto has garnered over the years, numerous hidden gems remain that have avoided the limelight. For reasons I am unable to comprehend, one of these gems is the highly esteemed Iwashimizu Hachimangu. Located only about 30 minutes south of Kyoto’s famous Gion district, this shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and archery. Over the years, the shrine has played an important role in the history of both the Imperial family and the illustrious Genji clan (also known as the Minamoto clan) who went on to found the Kamakura shogunate in 1185.