Nishimura Family Garden

The Nishimura Family Garden is a beautifully preserved shrine priest’s garden located in the historic Shake-machi (Shinto Priests’ District) south of Kamigamo Shrine in northern Kyoto. Designated as a Scenic Site by Kyoto City, it is one of the finest surviving examples of a traditional garden once belonging to a hereditary Shinto priest’s residence.

Flowing water from the nearby Myojin River runs through the garden, where visitors can discover purification stones, sacred rock arrangements representing Mount Koyama, and elegant streams once used for ceremonial gatherings. The peaceful atmosphere offers a rare glimpse into the daily life of Kamigamo Shrine’s priestly families.

History

The garden originally belonged to the Nishigori family, hereditary priests of Kamigamo Shrine. It is traditionally believed to have been created around 1181 by the shrine priest Fujiki Shigeyasu.

During the late Meiji period, textile merchant Nishimura Seisaburo purchased the property as a villa. Rather than redesigning the grounds, he carefully preserved the historic garden while constructing the present residence.

The garden was designated a Kyoto City Scenic Site in 1986, and the surrounding priests’ district became an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 1988, recognizing its exceptional historical value.

Highlights

Northern Garden

See the symbolic stone arrangement representing the sacred mountain of Kamigamo Shrine.

Myojin River

Enjoy clear flowing water that has been incorporated into the garden for centuries.

Purification Site

Discover the stone basin where shrine priests performed ritual purification.

Historic Residence

View the elegant Meiji-era house overlooking the preserved garden.

Seasonal Beauty

Experience plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, irises, and vibrant autumn colors throughout the year.

Visit Tips

Take time to explore both the garden and the surrounding Shake-machi, one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric historic districts. Audio guides help explain the unique traditions of shrine priest residences.

The garden is best visited together with Kamigamo Shrine, allowing visitors to appreciate the close relationship between Shinto ritual, traditional architecture, and landscape design.