What other travelers are saying about Seimei Shrine
Super crowded when I went.
In the photos you generally see it looks like a cute and forgotten little shrine. It's actually quite touristy.
Most of the things you can see on their IG are also not available to the public.
Seimei Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Seimei Abe, an onmyoji and astronomer of the Heian period. It is said that the Onmyoji masters at that time, centered on him, created the Japanese calendar by changing the calendar transmitted from mainland China according to the seasons of Japan. The "Eho"(favourable direction) of Setsubun's Ehomaki, which is pervasive in Japanese eating habits, and the summer's "Doyo" (canicular days) of eating eel are actually derived from the the Theory of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements.
Seimei Shrine is a powerful spiritual site dedicated to Abe no Seimei, the most famous Onmyoji (master of yin–yang divination) in Japanese history.
This is the place where he lived, practiced, and protected the capital using ancient rituals and esoteric knowledge.
The shrine is known for its strong protective energy, and many visitors say they can feel the presence of Seimei’s spiritual power.
The iconic pentagram seal and the sacred barriers (kekkai) around the grounds are designed to purify negative energy and maintain harmony.
Walking through the shrine feels like stepping into a world where mythology, magic, and history blend together.
If you’re interested in spirituality, folklore, or the world of Onmyoji, this is one of the most fascinating places in Japan.
A must-visit spiritual spot with deep mystical heritage.
Small shrine for Seimei, an onmyodo practitioner (yin yang and the five elements ). Illustrations of his legends on the left wall.
There is a gift shop that can be missed, its outside after the first Tori gate but before the second one entering the shrine.
Such peaceful place 😌 it has a calming energy, not as strong as another place that i know, but offers you a piece of inner piece, i wanted to visit his tomb that's in a different part of Kyoto but it got very cloudy and the sun was setting
Seimei Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Kyoto dedicated to Abe no Seimei, a legendary onmyoji (court wizard) from the Heian period. The shrine is famous for its spiritual power, unique pentagram symbols, and attracts visitors seeking protection from evil spirits and bad luck.
Seimei Shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM with free admission. The shrine grounds are accessible year-round, making it an affordable spiritual destination for travelers visiting Kyoto.
From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Imadegawa Station, then transfer to the Keihan Main Line to Demachiyanagi Station. Seimei Shrine is about a 10-minute walk from the station. Alternatively, take city bus #9 or #12 to Ichijoji-sagarimatsu bus stop.
At Seimei Shrine, you can see the famous pentagram (seiman) symbols, visit Abe no Seimei's statue, purchase unique omamori (protective charms), write wishes on ema (wooden plaques), and explore the peaceful shrine grounds filled with spiritual significance and Japanese history.
The best time to visit Seimei Shrine is during spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms or autumn (October-November) for fall colors. Early morning visits offer a quieter, more spiritual experience, while the Seimei Festival in September provides special cultural events and ceremonies.
