Established in 994 AD, Imamiya Shrine was originally built to protect Kyoto from epidemics. Over the centuries, it has become a revered site where visitors pray for good health and longevity. The shrine is nestled in a serene forested area northwest of Daitoku-ji Temple, offering a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle. A unique feature of Imamiya Shrine is the presence of two traditional teahouses, Ichiwa and Kazariya, located just outside the east gate. These establishments have been serving aburimochi, a roasted rice cake delicacy, for centuries, with Ichiwa dating back to 1000 AD and Kazariya to 1656. The shrine also hosts the annual Yasurai Festival every second Sunday of April, one of Kyoto's three major festivals, believed to ward off illness and usher in good health.