. The shrine became the object of Imperial patronage during the early
Heian period. Records from the reign of
Emperor Heizei (806–809) mention that
Kamo-mioya jinja was amongst a select number of establishments which had been granted a divine seal for use on documents. The seal would have been enshrined in its own unique
mikoshi (
Oshite jinja). This granting of a special seal and the practices associated with its use and preservation conformed to a pattern established by
Emperor Kōnin (770–781) in 778 (
Hōki 9). In 965,
Emperor Murakami ordered that Imperial messengers were sent to report important events to Japan's guardian
kami, including Kamo Wake-ikazuchi. Kamigamo, along with the Shimogamo Shrine, was designated as one of two chief Shinto shrines (
ichinomiya) for the former
Yamashiro Province. From 1871 through 1946, Kamigamo was officially designated one of the , meaning that it stood in the first rank of government supported shrines.
Imperial visits •
794 (
Enryaku 13):
Emperor Kanmu came as part of a grand progress. •
942 (
Tengyō 5, 29th day of the 4th month):
Emperor Suzaku visited to offer thanks for restoration of peace. •
1711 (
Hōei 8):
Emperor Nakamikado took refuge in the Hosodono when the palace had become uninhabitable. ==Structures==