January in Kyoto : New Year Events and Shrines to Visit
2026 is the Year of the Horse, a symbol of vitality, protection, and forward momentum in Japanese tradition. In Kyoto, several historic shrines such as Kamigamo Shrine, Shimogamo Shrine, Fujinomori Shrine and Kifune Shrine are deeply connected to horses. Both through ancient ritual practices and long-standing beliefs that horses serve as sacred messengers to the gods. Throughout the year, these shrines host horse-related ceremonies and festivals, and offer lucky horse charms (uma-mamori) said to bring good fortune, safe journeys, and success in the year ahead.