Saigū Shrine

くまCEO
Oct 3
1 min read

Saigū Shrine is a shrine located in Saga-Arashiyama. It is a place where you can reflect on the history of the "Saigū," which existed for approximately 660 years from the Asuka period to the Northern and Southern Courts period.

◇Attractions

・About Saigū: A Saigū was an unmarried princess who served at Ise Grand Shrine on behalf of the emperor. The Saigū system was established during the reign of Emperor Tenmu during the Asuka period and continued for approximately 660 years until the reign of Emperor Godaigo during the Southern and Northern Courts period.

・Origin of Saigū Shrine: Before traveling to Ise, Saigū would perform purification rituals (purification of body and mind) at Nomiya near the capital. Saigū Shrine is the site of one of these Nomiya.

・Origin of Ise Grand Shrine: The site of Saigū Shrine is said to have been the site of the villa of Yamatohime-no-mikoto, the daughter of Emperor Suinin and the first Saigū. Yamatohime-no-Mikoto traveled to various places and eventually founded Ise Grand Shrine to enshrine Amaterasu Omikami in Ise.

◇Access

15-minute bus ride from our hotel.

The GrandWest Arashiyama

↓3-minute walk

Bus stop: Hankyu Arashiyama Station

↓10-minute Kyoto Bus [Routes 66/72/76: Kyoto Station, Shijo Kawaramachi, Sanjo Keihan]

Bus stop: Arisugawa

↓2-minute walk

Saigū Shrine

◇Visiting Hours

24 hours

◇Admission Fee