Sudo Shrine

Sudo Shrine, located in Kamitakano, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, was formerly ranked as a village shrine and enshrines the spirit of Prince Sawara (posthumously known as Emperor Sudo). Prince Sawara was a son of Emperor Konin who was stripped of his crown-prince status on suspicion of involvement in the assassination of Fujiwara no Tanetsugu. He died protesting his innocence, and subsequent disasters and illnesses among the imperial family were attributed to his vengeful spirit. This shrine was established to pacify his spirit, reflecting the ancient Kyoto practice of transforming vengeful spirits (goryo) into protective deities.