Seimei Shrine stands on the former site of Abe no Seimei, an astrologer and a genius onmyoji (ying-yang master) of the Heian period. Due to his unsurpassed mystical powers, the site is still believed to be a place to ward off bad luck. The pentagram that Abe no Seimei used to dispel evil is placed elsewhere in the precinct, and celebrities from all over Japan visit this shrine to buy the shrine’s pentagram lucky charm to stay healthy and happy.
The Second Torii Gateway and the Four Gods Gate: The Four Gods (the guardians of the four cardinal directions) Gateway is located right inside the second torii gateway. It is said that while Abe no Seimei was alive, the Four Gods Gateway would open by itself when there were visitors (the gate now opens electrically). Main Sanctuary: The main sanctuary is decorated by a lot of pentagrams, as Abe no Seimei used them to ward off evil.The Protection Peach: Peaches are believed to dispel evil in East Asia from old times. It is said that visitors can ward off their bad luck by gently touching this bronze peach.The Seimei Well: It is said that this well was made by the mystical powers of Abe no Seimei. The water pours out to the lucky direction every year, and it is believed that the water possesses magical healing powers.The Former Ichijo Modori Bridge and the Shikigami Statue: It is said that Abe no Seimei kept his shikigami (servant spirit) under the Former Ichijo Bridge and made it tell people’s fortune when people crossed the bridge.
Abe no Seimei Goryojin: An astrologer and a genius onmyoji (ying-yang master) of the Heian period who is regarded as the founder of Japanese onmyodo (the way of ying-yang). Served as many as 6 emperors because of his unsurpassed mystical powers and outstanding skills in fortune telling.
Access
Address: 806 Seimei-Cho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
List of Nearby Shrines
5 minute walk
Shiramine Jingu ShrineThis shrine has been worshipped by ball game players all over Japan, as it enshrines the guardian deity of balls, Seidaimyojin. Various Japan national teams have dedicated their balls to this shrine to maximize their performance in games.
