Admission
Free
Also called Shirakumo
Kamigyo, Kyoto Prefecture
At a Glance
Shirakumo is a Shinto shrine located within Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, the green precinct surrounding the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
The shrine was founded in 1224 by Saionji Kintsune as the guardian shrine of the Saionji family, who served as the head family of traditional biwa (Japanese lute) music for centuries.
The deity enshrined here, Ichikishima-hime (known as Myōon Benzaiten), is revered specifically as a deity of music due to the Saionji family's prestigious status in traditional Japanese court music.
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Free
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Expect a quiet, low-key visit: Shirakumo is a small shrine inside Kyoto Gyoen, so it suits travelers seeking a short, peaceful stop.
Visit during weekday mornings for a quieter experience, as the shrine sits along the main axis of the Imperial Palace park and can receive steady foot traffic from palace visitors.
Pair Shirakumo with a walk in Kyoto Gyoen; being inside the National Garden makes it easy to combine with other nearby palace-area sights.
The shrine is dedicated to Ichikishima-hime (also known as Myōon Benzaiten) and Emperor Go-Horikawa, who is uniquely venerated for blessings in music and the arts rather than political achievements.
The shrine is located directly within Kyoto Gyoen National Garden near the Imperial Palace, accessible via a 9-minute walk from Marutamachi Station on the Kyoto City Subway.
The shrine houses a Wooden Seated Benzaiten Statue, designated as an Important Cultural Property in 2002, which was formerly the principal object of worship at Saionji Myōondo.
This is one of the smallest imperial shrines in Japan, occupying a space no larger than a traditional townhouse with a main hall only three meters wide.
Facilities
Experience
Fascinating facts about this place
Shirakumo is a Shinto shrine located within Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, the green precinct surrounding the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
The shrine was founded in 1224 by Saionji Kintsune as the guardian shrine of the Saionji family, who served as the head family of traditional biwa (Japanese lute) music for centuries.
The deity enshrined here, Ichikishima-hime (known as Myōon Benzaiten), is revered specifically as a deity of music due to the Saionji family's prestigious status in traditional Japanese court music.
The shrine houses a wooden seated Benzaiten statue, the former principal object of worship at Saionji Myōondo, designated as an Important Cultural Property in 2002.
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