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Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

松尾大社

One of Kyoto's oldest shrines (701 AD), revered as the protector deity of sake brewing. Every sake brewery in Japan enshrines this deity. Features a stunning modern garden designed by renowned landscape architect Shigemori Mirei and an impressive turtle/carp pond symbolizing longevity.

Visit: 30-45 minutes
Entrance: Shrine grounds free. Shigemori Mirei Garden: 500 yen
Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (shrine grounds accessible from 5:00 AM)

Highlights & Must-See Features

  • Patron deity of all sake brewing in Japan
  • Shigemori Mirei modern garden (must-see for garden lovers)
  • Yamabuki (golden kerria) flowers in April along stream
  • Sacred turtle/carp waterfall pond
  • One of Kyoto's oldest shrines (701 AD)
  • Less touristy despite its importance

📍 How to Get There

Nearest Station

Matsuo-Taisha Station (Hankyu Arashiyama Line) - 3 min walk

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. 1 From Kyoto-Kawaramachi: Hankyu Line to Katsura, transfer to Arashiyama Line to Matsuo-Taisha (20 min total)
  2. 2 From Arashiyama: Hankyu Arashiyama Line 2 stops (5 min)
  3. 3 From Kyoto Station: Bus 28 to Matsuo-Taisha-mae (30 min)
  4. 4 Very easy access from Hankyu station - shrine entrance directly adjacent

Location & Maps

🗺️ Interactive map - zoom and pan to explore

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Latitude: 35.001389
Longitude: 135.685556

💡 Tip: "View Location" shows the temple on the map. "Get Directions" navigates from your current position.

Best Time to Visit

April for the famous Yamabuki (kerria) flowers creating golden walls along the stream. Also beautiful during sake festival (April). The garden is stunning in all seasons with its modern geometric design.

Contact & Info

Address

3 Arashiyama Miyamachi, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto 616-0024

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