Trip Moments Recommendations
Iwatsuhime Shrine in Ako
A historic shrine listed in documents from the Heian period. The main deity is Iwatsuhime Okami, from whom the shrine's name is derived. The shrine is famous for being visited by the Combined Fleet Commander, who led his fleet to worship from the sea, as the ocean spreads out right in front of it, making sea-based visits quite popular. There is a glittering slope right in front of you, so be sure to read the notices on the official website before visiting, as there are parking considerations.
Name: Iwatsuhime Shrine
Location: 1 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture
Access: About 15 minutes by bus from JR Banshu-Ako Station
Other: There are no restrooms on the shrine grounds
Visit Date: May 2024
Rokusonno Shrine in Kyoto
Rokusonno Shrine is associated with the Seiwa Genji clan. The main deity is Minamoto no Tsunemoto, the founder of the Seiwa Genji clan, and the shrine was established during the Heian period. It is considered one of the 'Genji Sanjinja' (Three Genji Shrines) along with Tada Shrine in Hyogo Prefecture and Tsuboi Hachimangu Shrine in Osaka Prefecture. Although it declined during the medieval period, it was revived in the Edo period, and the current shrine buildings have been designated as tangible cultural properties by Kyoto City.
Location: Rokusonno Shrine (Rokusonno Jinja)
Address: Minami-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Mibukawa-dori, Hachijo corner
Access:
About 20 minutes on foot west from the Hachijo exit of JR Kyoto Station
3 minutes on foot from the city bus No. 16 line 'Rokusonno Shrine-mae' stop
Visit Date: May 2024
Suga Shrine (Traffic Shrine) in Kyoto
The same main hall houses both Suga Shrine and Traffic Shrine. It is the only shrine in Japan that has a shrine dedicated to traffic safety. Suga Shrine is known for blessings related to matchmaking and recovery from illness, while Traffic Shrine is believed to provide safety in traffic and travel. It is also recommended to pray for safety during your Kyoto trip.
Takehaya Susano'o no Mikoto
Kushinadahime no Mikami
Hachimachi Hiko no Kami and his wife
Hachimachi Hime no Kami
Kunado no Kami
[Name] Suga Shrine (Traffic Shrine)
[Location] 1 Sainokami-Endonbi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
[Visiting Hours] 09:00 to 17:00
[Access] About a 5-minute walk from the city bus 'Kumano Shrine' stop
Visit Date: May 2024
Jizo Statue in the Shopping District of Kyoto
Known by the common name of Yatadera, this temple belongs to the Nishiyama Jodo Sect. It houses a bell known as the 'Sending Bell,' which is said to guide the spirits of the deceased to the netherworld without getting lost. It seems that visitors come to worship here throughout the year, and indeed, a visitor was ringing the bell when I was there; the resonating sound could be felt physically. The temple's principal image, a standing Jizo Bodhisattva statue, is known as the 'Jizo who takes on the suffering of others.' It is believed to save the spirits in hell and is revered for this reason.
Facility Name: Yatadera (Yatadera Jizo)
Address: Teramachi Sanjo Agaru Tenseiji Maecho
Visit Date: May 2024
Imamiya Ebisu Shrine in Osaka
Known for Ebessan, the deity of business prosperity, the shrine is famous for attracting a large number of worshippers during the New Year's Toka Ebisu festival. I visited during the cherry blossom season, and although there were no flowers in the precincts, it was a refreshingly serene shrine. It was about a 15-minute walk from Tsutenkaku Tower. Highly recommended for sightseeing in Osaka.
Name: Imamiya Ebisu Shrine
Address: 1-6-10 Ebisu Nishi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Access:
5 minutes walk east from Exit 3 of Daikokucho Station on the Subway Midosuji Line
5 minutes walk west from Exit 5 of Ebisucho Station on the Subway Sakaisuji Line
Immediately after getting off at Imamiya Ebisu Station on the Nankai Koya Line
5 minutes walk west from Ebisucho Station on the Hankai Line
Visit Date: April 2024
Aoi Aso Shrine, a National Treasure
Locally known as 'Aoi-san,' this shrine is characterized by its thatched roof. Reading the evaluation points of the designated national treasure, it was highly praised for its originality and high level of completion, reflecting the design of the Momoyama period. It also influenced other shrines with its unique sculptural techniques and distinctive worship hall style. Indeed, it was an architectural marvel. All the auxiliary shrines are related to the history of Hitoyoshi, so please make sure to visit. It is an essential spot for sightseeing in Hitoyoshi.
【Name】Aoi Aso Shrine
【Location】118 Kamiaoimachi, Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture
【Access】
About 5 minutes on foot from JR Hitoyoshi Station
About 10 minutes by car from Hitoyoshi IC
【Parking】Available (free)
Visit Date: November 2023
Vivid Inari Shrine with Torii Gates
Kinoshita Inari Shrine is located within the precincts of the famous Sone Tenmangu Shrine, known for its sacred pine trees. It is said to enshrine the deity Ukanomitama, revered as the god of food and prosperity in business. The shrine is beautifully enhanced by newly dedicated red torii gates. Camellias were also blooming beside it. If you visit Sone Tenmangu, please make sure to also pay a visit here.
〈Sub-shrine〉Kinoshita Inari Shrine
【Name】Sone Tenmangu (Sone Tenmangu)
【Location】2299-1 Sone-cho, Takasago City, Hyogo Prefecture
【Access】
About 5 minutes on foot from Sanyo Electric Railway Sone Station
About 20 minutes on foot from JR Sone Station
Visit Date: March 2024
I will visit the Izumo Taisha Shrine in Shimane.
Izumo Taisha Shrine 🏯
〒699-0701
195 Kitsukihigashi, Taishacho, Izumo, Shimane
Visiting Hours ⏰
Omamori 📿, Omikuji 🔮, Goshuin 📜
6:00 AM to 7:00 PM (as of May 11, 2023)
Free parking available from 6:00 AM.
This is a wonderful god who is said to bring blessings to all relationships as the god of matchmaking.
After passing through the second torii gate, you will meet the main deity, Okuninushi-no-Mikoto.
The worship method here is unique, with two bows, four claps, and one bow.
The large rope at the Kagura-den hall is impressive and beautiful!
Going there early in the morning when there are fewer people, and being able to worship slowly while basking in the morning sun was a very mystical experience.
After passing through the approach, there is a copper torii gate.
A local man told me that if you touch and turn this copper torii gate, your "money luck will improve," but according to the official Q&A, this is a fabrication and not a belief that has been around since ancient times at Izumo Taisha Shrine.
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