Where the deities stay during the festival
The Imamiya Shrine Otabisho Gondensha (今宮神社御旅所権殿社, Imamiya Jinja Otabisho Gondensha) is a shrine building of 1795 facing south in the north-east part of the Imamiya Shrine Otabisho in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 2018/03/27. When the deities leave the main shrine in portable shrines at the start of the Imamiya Festival and reach the Otabisho, they are transferred into this sanctuary.
According to Kyoto City, the Otabisho moved to this spot in Nishijin, the northern edge of Edo-period Kyoto, when the festival was revived in the Genroku era. Its buildings were lost in the great fire of 1788, and the Imamiya Shrine Otabisho Gondensha was rebuilt in 1795 along with the Noh stage. The Agency for Cultural Affairs also stresses its location at the northernmost point of old Kyoto and its role in the festival.
Neat detail on a three-bay sanctuary
It is a three-bay shrine with a hip-and-gable roof in metal sheet and a one-bay canopy at the front, with a veranda across the front and sides. The building area is 8.9 square metres.
The bracketing is of the three-part type, with kaerumata struts between the posts, and the Agency praises the detail as well composed. In front stands the Shinyo Hoanden of 1945, so the Gondensha sits behind it, a little withdrawn.
The Otabisho lies about 1 kilometre south-east of the main grounds, and the deities stay there only during the festival. The Imamiya Shrine Otabisho Gondensha is the house built for that stay.
What to look for, and visiting
The Imamiya Shrine Otabisho Gondensha stands behind the Shinyo Hoanden and is not open inside. The canopy struts and brackets are easiest to see from beside the Hoanden.
The Otabisho receives the deities during the Imamiya Festival, when the mikoshi are installed and worshippers come to pay their respects. We found no official notice on access at other times, so outside the festival check with Imamiya Shrine (075-491-0082) before going. Directions are on the Imamiya Shrine page.
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Q&A
- When was the Imamiya Shrine Otabisho Gondensha built?
- In 1795, after the great fire of 1788.
- What is the role of the Imamiya Shrine Otabisho Gondensha?
- During the Imamiya Festival, the deities brought to the Otabisho in portable shrines are transferred into it.
- Where is the Imamiya Shrine Otabisho Gondensha?
- At the Imamiya Shrine Otabisho in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, in the north-east part of the site behind the Shinyo Hoanden.
- What type of building is the Imamiya Shrine Otabisho Gondensha?
- A three-bay hip-and-gable shrine with a one-bay canopy, three-part brackets and kaerumata.
- Can I visit the Imamiya Shrine Otabisho Gondensha?
- Yes during the Imamiya Festival. For other times, check with Imamiya Shrine.
Basic Information
| Name | Imamiya Shrine Otabisho Gondensha (今宮神社御旅所権殿社) |
|---|---|
| Location | 136 Wakamiya-yokocho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure); registration number 26-558 |
| Year Designated | Registered 2018/03/27 (Heisei 30) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Timber, single storey, three-bay hip-and-gable shrine with metal-sheet roof and one-bay canopy; building area 8.9 square metres |
| Owner | Imamiya Shrine (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | Open to worshippers during the Imamiya Festival; check with Imamiya Shrine for access at other times; interior not open |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties (Agency for Cultural Affairs) — Imamiya Shrine Otabisho Gondensha
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00012210
- Agency for Cultural Affairs — Registered Tangible Cultural Properties (Structures), report of 2017/11/17 (Japanese)
- https://www.bunka.go.jp/seisaku/bunkazai/shokai/yukei_kenzobutsu/pdf/r1392281_21.pdf
- Kyoto City — Imamiya Shrine Otabisho (Japanese)
- https://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/tokei/cmsfiles/contents/0000305/305675/a24otabisho.pdf
Last verified: 2026.10.01
