Nashinoki Shrine is located next to the east end of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The shrine is famous for its “Somei” well, the only remaining well of the 3 famous wells in Kyoto. The mellow taste of the Somei spring water is said to be perfect for matcha, and the water has been loved by Japanese tea masters for hundreds of years. In September, the shrine is beautifully decorated with pink and white bush clovers, which makes the local people call it the “bush clover shrine”.
Main Sanctuary: Enshrines Sanetsumu and Sanetomi Sanjo, the father and son who were active in the Meiji Restoration.The Tree of Love: The shape of the leaves of this sacred tree is curiously heart-shaped. Therefore, it is believed that your love will succeed if you gently touch this tree while making a wish.The “Somei” Well: The only remaining well of the 3 famous wells in Kyoto. Visitors are welcome to taste the spring water for 100 yen.The Hideki Yukawa Monument: A poetry monument of Hideki Yukawa, the first Japanese Nobel Prize winner who loved the shrine’s bush clover.The Monument of Eternity: The stone monument that engraves the words of Sanetsumu Sanjo, the main enshrined deity, which prays for the eternal prosperity of the nation.
Sanetsumu Sanjo: Worshipped as the deity of academics. Worked for three consecutive emperors, and was praised his loyalty by Emperor Meiji.
Sanetomi Sanjo: Worshipped as the deity of academics. The son of Sanetsumu Sanjo who played an active role during the Meiji Restoration.
Access
Address: 680 Somedono-Cho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
List of Nearby Shrines
12 minute walk
Shirakumo ShrineShirakumo Shrine enshrines Ichikishimahime no Mikoto, the goddess of music. Once every 12 days, the shrine holds the festival of snakes because snakes are considered to be the divine servant of the goddess.
（12 minute walk）
13 minute walk
Goou Jinja ShrineBoars are enshrined in this shrine because it is believed that 300 boars healed the main enshrined deity’s injured feet when he was chased by his enemy. Statues and carvings of boars can be seen elsewhere in the precinct.
（13 minute walk）
14 minute walk
Itsukushima ShrineItsukushima Shrine locates in the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The stone torii (gateway) of the shrine is famous for being one of the 3 unique toriis in Kyoto. Itsukushima Shrine is also known for giving people economic fortune.
