KyotoLeisure

Hosono Shrine (祝園神社)

Flow of the course

About 40 min here

About 20 min to the next stop

Next stop: Cross Kangetsukyo Bridge and stroll the Japanese garden. The view from up high feels cool

About this spot

An old shrine enshrined in Hosono, Seika Town, with a history that leaves its name even in the Engishiki (延喜式) code. The Iogomori Festival (居籠祭) held every winter is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, and is known for the unusual practice of passing the time quietly, without making a sound. The precincts are surrounded by groves, a quiet place where the air feels cool even on a summer morning. Noticing that a place of such old faith remains right beside the new streets of the science city brings the layers of this land into view. Keihanna Commemorative Park is about 10 minutes away by car, so you can move in time for the park to open.

Tips

It is within walking distance of Hosono Station on the JR Gakkentoshi Line and Shin-Hosono Station on the Kintetsu Kyoto Line. There is no shop inside the precincts, so prepare drinks and a packed lunch beforehand. Agreeing in advance to visit quietly makes for a calmer walk. The surroundings are residential, so if you come by car, check whether parking is possible in advance to be safe.