Seimei Shrine for Onmyoji Fans: Ultimate Pilgrimage Guide (Anime, FGO, Drama)

Table of Contents

Quick Facts for Fans

Why Onmyoji Fans Must Visit This Shrine

If you’ve watched the Onmyoji movies, played Fate/Grand Order, or enjoyed the Onmyoji mobile game, Seimei Shrine is your ultimate pilgrimage destination. This is the actual site where the legendary Abe no Seimei lived over 1,000 years ago.

Recent boost in popularity: The shrine gained international fame when Olympic figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu won gold in 2018 performing to music from the Onmyoji movie. His visits to the shrine have made it a double pilgrimage site for both Onmyoji and Hanyu fans.

In This Guide

[Media Connections](#abe-no-seimei-in-popular-culture) – Movies, games, anime appearances
[5 Must-See Spots for Fans](#5-must-see-spots-for-fans) – Photo locations & their significance
[Fan-Favorite Merchandise](#fan-favorite-merchandise) – Pentagram goods & omamori
[Related Pilgrimage Sites](#related-pilgrimage-sites-in-kyoto) – Ichijo Modori Bridge & more
[Photo Guide](#photo-guide-for-fans) – Best angles & Instagram tips
[Access](#access-information) – How to get there

Abe no Seimei in Popular Culture

Movies & TV Dramas

Onmyoji (2001) & Onmyoji II (2003)

Directed by Yojiro Takita
Starred Mansai Nomura as Abe no Seimei
The movies sparked a major Seimei boom in Japan
The shrine saw visitor numbers multiply after release

TV Drama “Onmyoji” (2001, NHK)

11-episode series
Brought Seimei to a broader audience

Recent Adaptations

Netflix’s “Onmyoji” (2024) – New adaptation introducing Seimei to global audiences
Multiple anime adaptations featuring Seimei-inspired characters

Video Games

Fate/Grand Order (FGO)

Abe no Seimei appears as a Caster-class Servant

His Noble Phantasm references the five-pointed star (Seimei Kikyo)

Many FGO players visit to “meet” their favorite Servant in real life

Onmyoji (NetEase, 2016)

Mobile RPG featuring Abe no Seimei as the main character

Over 200 million downloads worldwide

The game has driven significant international tourism to the shrine

Other Appearances

Shin Megami Tensei series

Nioh 2

Various otome games

Manga & Light Novels

Onmyoji by Baku Yumemakura (original novel series, 1986-)

Multiple manga adaptations

Inspired countless works featuring onmyoji characters

5 Must-See Spots for Fans

1. Pentagram Torii Gate (五芒星鳥居)

Why it matters: The five-pointed star (Seimei Kikyo) is Seimei’s signature symbol, used for protection against evil in onmyodo. You’ll recognize it from every Onmyoji adaptation.

Photo tip: Stand directly under the torii and shoot upward to capture the pentagram against the sky.

Game connection: In FGO, Seimei’s attacks often feature this star pattern.

2. Shikigami Stone Statues (式神石像)

Why it matters: Shikigami are spirit servants controlled by onmyoji. According to legend, Seimei hid his shikigami under Ichijo Modori Bridge to avoid frightening his wife.

Photo tip: Best photos are taken from a low angle. The statues are located just past the second torii.

In media: Shikigami appear in virtually every Onmyoji adaptation. In the mobile game, collecting and strengthening shikigami is the core gameplay.

3. Seimei Well (晴明井)

Why it matters: Legend says Seimei created this well using his spiritual powers. The water was believed to cure illness.

Unique feature: The well’s water outlet direction changes every year at Risshun (start of spring) to face that year’s lucky direction (eho).

Photo tip: The star pattern carved into the well makes an excellent close-up shot.

4. Yakuyoke Peach Statue (厄除桃)

Why it matters: In Chinese and Japanese mythology, peaches ward off evil spirits. Rubbing this statue is said to remove misfortune.

Fan ritual: Many visitors rub the peach while thinking of their favorite Onmyoji character for good luck in gacha pulls.

Photo tip: Often has a queue – visit early morning for photos without crowds.

5. Main Hall Portrait (本殿御影)

Why it matters: Inside the worship hall hangs a portrait of Abe no Seimei. His sharp gaze is said to watch over all visitors.

Note: Photography inside the main hall is prohibited. Take time to observe and pay respects.

Fan-Favorite Merchandise

Omamori (Amulets)

Goshuin (Shrine Stamp)

Regular goshuin: ¥500
Limited edition (during Seimei Festival): ¥800
The pentagram design makes it highly collectible

Other Goods

Pentagram straps and keychains

Ema (votive tablets) with star design

Clear files and stationery

Tip: Merchandise sells out during busy periods. Arrive early if you want specific items.

Related Pilgrimage Sites in Kyoto

Ichijo Modori Bridge (一条戻橋)

Distance: 100m south of the shrine

Legend: This bridge is where “the dead return to life.” Seimei supposedly hid his shikigami under this bridge.

In media: Features prominently in Onmyoji movies as a portal between the human and spirit worlds.

Current bridge: The actual bridge is a modern reconstruction, but the location holds the legendary significance.

Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所)

Distance: 15-minute walk

Connection: Seimei served the imperial court as an onmyoji. The palace grounds give you a sense of the Heian-era setting.

Tip: Free admission, no reservation needed.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (北野天満宮)

Distance: 10 minutes by bus

Connection: Dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, another legendary figure from Seimei’s era. They appear together in some Onmyoji adaptations.

Nijo Castle (二条城)

Distance: 15 minutes by bus

Connection: While built later than Seimei’s era, its “nightingale floors” and mystical atmosphere complement an Onmyoji-themed visit.

Photo Guide for Fans

Best Photo Spots (Ranked)

1. Under the Pentagram Torii – The iconic shot
2. With Shikigami Statues – Low angle, dramatic lighting
3. Seimei Well Close-up – Star pattern detail
4. Yakuyoke Peach – Popular Instagram spot
5. Entrance with Shrine Name – Establishing shot

Best Times for Photography

Photography Rules

Allowed: Grounds, torii, statues, well, exterior of main hall
Prohibited: Inside the main hall
Tip: Tripods are allowed but be considerate of other visitors

Seimei Festival (晴明祭)

When: Around the autumn equinox (late September)

What happens:

Mikoshi (portable shrine) procession
Kagura (sacred dance) performances
Limited edition goshuin available

For fans: This is the most atmospheric time to visit. The festival celebrates Seimei’s legacy with traditional rituals.

Sample Itinerary: Onmyoji Fan Day Trip

Half-Day Pilgrimage (4 hours)

| Time | Activity |
|——|———-|
| 10:00 | Arrive at Seimei Shrine |
| 10:00-10:45 | Worship, photos at all 5 spots |
| 10:45-11:00 | Purchase merchandise |
| 11:00-11:15 | Walk to Ichijo Modori Bridge |
| 11:15-11:30 | Photos at the legendary bridge |
| 11:30-12:30 | Walk to Kyoto Imperial Palace |
| 12:30-13:30 | Explore palace grounds |
| 14:00 | Lunch at nearby café |

Full-Day “Heian Kyoto” Course (7 hours)

| Time | Activity |
|——|———-|
| 9:30 | Seimei Shrine (45 min) |
| 10:30 | Bus to Kitano Tenmangu (10 min) |
| 10:50 | Kitano Tenmangu worship (50 min) |
| 12:00 | Lunch in Kamishichiken geisha district |
| 13:30 | Kinkaku-ji Temple (1 hour) |
| 15:00 | Ryoan-ji Temple (45 min) |
| 16:30 | Return via Randen train |

Access Information

From Kyoto Station

By Bus (Recommended)

Take City Bus Route 9 from bus stop B1
Get off at “Ichijo Modoribashi, Seimei Jinja-mae”
Journey time: ~20 minutes
Fare: ¥230

From Karasuma Line Subway

Exit at Imadegawa Station

Walk north for 12 minutes

Address

806 Seimei-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto

Visiting Hours

9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry 5:00 PM)

Open year-round

Tips for International Fans

1. English support: Limited. Download a translation app.
2. Goshuin etiquette: Bow when receiving. It’s a religious item, not just a souvenir.
3. Proper behavior: This is an active shrine. Be respectful even while taking fan photos.
4. Combine visits: Kyoto has many temples and shrines. Make a full day of it.
5. Off-peak visits: Weekday mornings are best for photos without crowds.

Related Guides

[Seimei Shrine Complete Guide](/en/powerspot/seimei-jinja-en/) – Full history, blessings, and practical info
[Kyoto Power Spots](/en/powerspot-benefit/kyoto/) – Other spiritual sites in Kyoto

*Information current as of January 2026. Please verify latest details on the [official website](https://www.seimeijinja.jp/) before visiting.*

*This article is part of our Japan Power Spots series, helping international visitors explore Japan’s sacred places.*

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