RoutesRunning trails & routesJapan
Kyoto Imperial Palace – View of riverside buildings along the Kamo River. loop from 今出川
RoutesRunning trails & routesJapan
Kyoto Imperial Palace – View of riverside buildings along the Kamo River. loop from 今出川
Moderate
4.7
(7)
687
runners
Kyoto Imperial Palace – View of riverside buildings along the Kamo River. loop from 今出川
01:16
11.6km
40m
Running
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Waypoints
A
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
1
825 m
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Highlight • Historical Site
2
1.03 km
Hakun Shrine
Highlight • Religious Site
Historical Background
Hakun Shrine was originally the guardian shrine of the prestigious Saionji family. Its roots can be traced back to 1224 (Gen’nin 1), when Saionji Kintsune constructed the Myoon-do Hall as part of the magnificent Kitayama Palace. Over the centuries, the shrine moved several times, including a notable relocation to the Kyogoku-dera in 1769 (Meiwa 6), alongside the Saionji residence. Eventually, both the residence and shrine were moved into the Kyoto Imperial Palace gardens.
After the Meiji Restoration, the Saionji family relocated to Tokyo, and the shrine came to be known as "Hakun Shrine." This period of transition was part of the broader movement to modernize Japan and relocate many families and institutions to the new capital city.
Deity of Worship
The primary deity worshipped at Hakun Shrine is Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto.
Ichikishimahime, also known as Myoon Benzaiten, is one of the Three Goddesses of Munakata, revered as a protector of water, music, and eloquence. She is often linked with the flowing beauty of sound, much like the rivers and seas she governs.
Long ago, in the celestial realms, Ichikishimahime was known for her unparalleled skill in music. Her melodies, played on the heavenly biwa (lute), were said to soothe even the fiercest storms and calm the hearts of both gods and humans. As her music echoed across the heavens, it not only brought harmony but also inspired creativity and artistry.
When she descended to the earthly realm, she blessed the Saionji family, known for their mastery of the biwa, with her divine protection. In her honor, the family built a shrine, now known as Hakun Shrine, where she has been worshipped as a patron of music and arts for centuries. Artists, musicians, and poets have long prayed to her, seeking inspiration and skill in their craft.
Hakun Shrine was originally the guardian shrine of the prestigious Saionji family. Its roots can be traced back to 1224 (Gen’nin 1), when Saionji Kintsune constructed the Myoon-do Hall as part of the magnificent Kitayama Palace. Over the centuries, the shrine moved several times, including a notable relocation to the Kyogoku-dera in 1769 (Meiwa 6), alongside the Saionji residence. Eventually, both the residence and shrine were moved into the Kyoto Imperial Palace gardens.
After the Meiji Restoration, the Saionji family relocated to Tokyo, and the shrine came to be known as "Hakun Shrine." This period of transition was part of the broader movement to modernize Japan and relocate many families and institutions to the new capital city.
Deity of Worship
The primary deity worshipped at Hakun Shrine is Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto.
Ichikishimahime, also known as Myoon Benzaiten, is one of the Three Goddesses of Munakata, revered as a protector of water, music, and eloquence. She is often linked with the flowing beauty of sound, much like the rivers and seas she governs.
Long ago, in the celestial realms, Ichikishimahime was known for her unparalleled skill in music. Her melodies, played on the heavenly biwa (lute), were said to soothe even the fiercest storms and calm the hearts of both gods and humans. As her music echoed across the heavens, it not only brought harmony but also inspired creativity and artistry.
When she descended to the earthly realm, she blessed the Saionji family, known for their mastery of the biwa, with her divine protection. In her honor, the family built a shrine, now known as Hakun Shrine, where she has been worshipped as a patron of music and arts for centuries. Artists, musicians, and poets have long prayed to her, seeking inspiration and skill in their craft.
Tip by
3
1.48 km
Itsukushima Shrine (Kyoto Gyoen)
Highlight • Religious Site
The story of Kyoto’s Itsukushima Shrine begins with the legendary samurai and statesman Taira no Kiyomori, who dedicated this shrine to honor his mother, Lady Gion. Alongside the main deity, Ichikishima-hime, the shrine also venerates Tagitsu-hime and Tagiri-hime, creating a powerful trio of divine sisters. Given that the Saionji family, historically connected to this shrine, were leaders in the world of Japanese music—especially the biwa (lute)—it’s no surprise that Itsukushima Shrine has long been associated with the gods of music and the arts.
The shrine sits beside a serene pond near Shusuitei, a tea pavilion once owned by the prestigious Kujo family. Back in the day, the shrine acted as the Kujo clan's personal protective shrine. The striking stone torii gate in front of the shrine, known for its karahafu-style lintel, is one of the three rarest and most treasured torii gates in Kyoto. This torii is also called the Benten Gate because the deity enshrined here is Benzaiten, the goddess of music, water, and eloquence.
The Sacred Lineage of the Sugawara Family
The shrine also holds deep connections with the revered scholar and politician Sugawara no Michizane, often worshipped as the god of learning. It is believed that Michizane and his family resided here. The shrine honors not just Michizane himself, but also his father Koreyoshi and grandfather Kiyokimi. This place is recognized as the very spot where Michizane was born, and it is the first of the 25 sacred spots of Sugawara no Michizane—a pilgrimage route dedicated to his life and legacy.
Michizane’s ancestors served multiple emperors in high positions, and the family home was known as Sugawara-in, a name mentioned in ancient records. During the Heian period, this vast estate was revered, and Michizane was born here, solidifying its importance. Over time, the site became the Kanjiko-ji Temple, dedicated to Michizane, and though it was later relocated, the shrine remains a testament to his legacy as a scholar and a statesman.
(sugawarain.jp/about/history/)
The shrine sits beside a serene pond near Shusuitei, a tea pavilion once owned by the prestigious Kujo family. Back in the day, the shrine acted as the Kujo clan's personal protective shrine. The striking stone torii gate in front of the shrine, known for its karahafu-style lintel, is one of the three rarest and most treasured torii gates in Kyoto. This torii is also called the Benten Gate because the deity enshrined here is Benzaiten, the goddess of music, water, and eloquence.
The Sacred Lineage of the Sugawara Family
The shrine also holds deep connections with the revered scholar and politician Sugawara no Michizane, often worshipped as the god of learning. It is believed that Michizane and his family resided here. The shrine honors not just Michizane himself, but also his father Koreyoshi and grandfather Kiyokimi. This place is recognized as the very spot where Michizane was born, and it is the first of the 25 sacred spots of Sugawara no Michizane—a pilgrimage route dedicated to his life and legacy.
Michizane’s ancestors served multiple emperors in high positions, and the family home was known as Sugawara-in, a name mentioned in ancient records. During the Heian period, this vast estate was revered, and Michizane was born here, solidifying its importance. Over time, the site became the Kanjiko-ji Temple, dedicated to Michizane, and though it was later relocated, the shrine remains a testament to his legacy as a scholar and a statesman.
(sugawarain.jp/about/history/)
Tip by
4
1.49 km
Kujo Pond and Shusuitei Pavilion
Highlight • Lake
The Kujo Pond and Shusuitei Pavilion are remnants of the grand garden that once belonged to the Kujo family, one of Japan’s prestigious five regent houses (Gosekke). The Shusuitei, built about 200 years ago during the late Edo period, served as a tea house for the family’s leisure and is considered a playful and creative example of Edo-era architecture.
Even today, this charming tea house continues to host tea ceremonies and other events. For those interested in experiencing its beauty, it is open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (excluding the New Year holidays). From Shusuitei, you can admire the tranquil Kujo Pond, which was carefully designed in 1778 to complement the view of the Higashiyama Mountains in the background, creating a harmonious blend of nature and architecture.
Although the scenery has changed somewhat over the centuries, with trees having grown tall and reshaped the landscape, visitors can still enjoy the calm and serene atmosphere that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of central Kyoto.
(env.go.jp/garden/kyotogyoen/2_guide/map2_kujyou.html)
Even today, this charming tea house continues to host tea ceremonies and other events. For those interested in experiencing its beauty, it is open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (excluding the New Year holidays). From Shusuitei, you can admire the tranquil Kujo Pond, which was carefully designed in 1778 to complement the view of the Higashiyama Mountains in the background, creating a harmonious blend of nature and architecture.
Although the scenery has changed somewhat over the centuries, with trees having grown tall and reshaped the landscape, visitors can still enjoy the calm and serene atmosphere that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of central Kyoto.
(env.go.jp/garden/kyotogyoen/2_guide/map2_kujyou.html)
Tip by
5
5.40 km
Riverside Pathway in Kyoto
Highlight • Trail
6
5.91 km
View of riverside buildings along the Kamo River.
Highlight • Viewpoint
Ideal running route along the river, especially in the mornings; you can see many water birds and joggers.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
7
6.87 km
Pathways Along the Kamo River
Highlight • River
8
8.17 km
Turtle Stepping Stones, Kamo River
Highlight • Bridge
Stepping stones over the Kamogawa River, many in the form of a turtle. If the river does not lead to too much water you can jump over the river.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
B
11.6 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
9.60 km
1.85 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
5.30 km
3.25 km
1.45 km
1.05 km
416 m
< 100 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 2 July
30°C
20°C
-- %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: -- km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free