Kurumazki Shrine is one of the more interesting shrines in Kyoto. If you are in the entertainment industry, this is the place to pray for fame and success. An area of the shrine is dedicated to artists, and there are many red fence pickets with their names on them. It is also the shrine of special stones. You write your problem on a stone at the shrine and pray, then you take it away with you. After your prayer is answered you return the stone with a second unused stone. There's also an interesting story about how the shrine got its name.
- 1 min read
Kurumazaki Shrine in Kyoto
Maybe you'll meet somebody famous here!

By Cathy Cawood
Community writer

Many stones with answered prayer requests written on them

Donated barrels of sake on display

A long straight path takes you into the heart of the shrine

Many bamboo scoops lie across the water basin for purifying hands

Fence pickets with the names of entertainment artists on them

Photos and name tags of artists, actors, dancers, singers are stuck all over this shrine

I wonder if Diamond Dogs ever got their big break?

These fans were left by dancers

A metal lantern hangs from the corner of a shrine building

Green and gold lions (or maybe dogs?) stand guard

Small red shrine set back from the main path

Unusually shaped stone

Pretty red gate among the trees

The path leads under a stone torii

This board with information about the shrine made interesting reading
Join the discussion
Yui Yamaguchi
11 years ago
Very nice contrast between green and red and you're such a good photographer!
1 comment in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Tokyo with Kids: KidZania
Tokyo -
2
Winter Adventure in Akita, Japan
Akita - Sponsored -
3
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
4
Kitami Mint Memorial Museum
Hokkaido -
5
5 Alternatives to Kyoto's Hotspots in Akita
Akita -
6
Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road
Chiba -
7
Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture -
8
Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
9
Transit Guide: Osaka Amazing Pass
Transportation -
10
Transit Guide: JR Kansai Area Pass
Transportation
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
September Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
3
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri
Osaka -
6
Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka -
7
Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo -
8
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
9
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
10
Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori
Tokyo