Shrines are places that the Japanese have cherished and protected since ancient times. Kyotanba and the Kyotango area, known as Kyoto by the Sea, are home to many legends and folklore related to the gods, and there are many shrines known as power spots where mysterious powers reside. This time we will introduce three shrines that are particularly known as power spots.

Good fortune, business prosperity, and blessings for descendants
Highly prestigious as the “hometown of Ise Grand Shrine”

Motoiseko Shrine

A shrine with a history of 1300 years, located in Miyazu City, known for Amanohashidate. The official name is ``Kono Shrine,'' but when Amaterasu Omikami and Toyouke Okami were transferred from this place to Ise Grand Shrine, it became ``Moto Ise Kago Shrine.'' It is popularly known as ``Jinja''. In other words, it is the predecessor of the current Ise Jingu, and is said to be one of the most important shrines in history.

The shrine building of Kago Shrine is said to be the closest to the main hall of Ise Grand Shrine, and Ise Jingu and Kago Shrine are the only shrines that have a ``five-colored Suetama'' on the railing. The main deity enshrined at the main shrine is Hikoho Akari no Mikoto, who rules over the safety of the family and the prosperity of business. The gods are Toyouke-no-Omikami, who governs abundant harvests, business prosperity, and warding off evil spirits from shipping; Amaterasu, who governs the peace of the country, health, and the prosperity of descendants; and Ame-no-Mikumaru-no-Kami, who governs safe navigation, the prosperity of the fishing industry, child-bearing, and safe childbirth. Kami).

Hikoho Akari no Mikoto is the grandson of Amaterasu Omikami, and his descendants, the Amabe clan, have served as the chief priest for generations. The current chief priest is said to be the 83rd generation. The guardian dog enshrined in front of the shrine gate dates back to the Kamakura period, is an important cultural property, and is known as a guardian dog that protects against evil spirits.

I would like to visit along with Motoise Kago Shrine.
A shrine known only to those in the know that has been known as the center of a power spot since ancient times.

Manai Shrine

About 10 minutes walk from Kago Shrine is Manai Shrine, which is the inner shrine of Kago Shrine. The precincts are quiet and solemn, like an old shrine. No wonder it is also famous as a power spot. The main deity is Toyouke Okami. In the Niwa region, he is said to be the deity of rice farming, and is said to be blessed with rich harvests, prosperous business, good fortune, and protection against evil and misfortune.

The first thing that catches your eye is the sacred water ``Amano Manai Water''. There are many people who come from far away to draw water in order to receive its blessings. When you touch the water, it feels so good that you can't help but want to taste it. When you actually put it in your mouth, it feels mellow and gentle. It's worth it to come this far.

This shrine is one of the oldest sanctuaries in Japan, and behind the main shrine is the Iwakura, the throne of the god that has remained since the Jomon period. Ancient people believed that gods resided in rocks and worshiped them. It is said that Toyouke no Okami resides in the main seat of Iwaza, and that Amaterasu, Isanaki no Okami, and Isanami no Okami, who govern matchmaking, marital harmony, and longevity, reside in Iwaza Nishiza.

By the way, Amanohashidate is said to have been a ladder connecting the heavenly world and the lower world, and the ladder was built by Izanami no Okami, who was enshrined at this Iwaza. It is said that it was meant to be used for going back to school. Matchmaking is the source of divine blessings.

After visiting Manai Shrine, I would like to return to Motoise Kago Shrine and receive an amulet at the shrine office before heading home. There are also ``kotodama guardians'' who guide people to live happy lives without harming themselves or others through the power of words, and their divine virtues are still relevant to us modern people.
*Only one Kotodama Guardian will be awarded to each person.

Motoisekago Shrine/Manai Shrine

430 Ogaki, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture
Visiting hours: 7:30-17:XNUMX (may be extended due to seasons, weekends, holidays, etc.)
(The place where you can receive amulets etc. is from 8:30 to 17:XNUMX.

Helps heal illness, fulfill various wishes, protect against water damage, etc.
A shrine with a spectacular view of the ocean beyond the torii gate

Niizaki Shrine

A shrine located in Araizaki, Wakasa Bay, facing the sea. The temple is dedicated to the Fang Shi (a practitioner who tried to achieve immortality through meditation, fortune-telling, Qi Gong, etc. in ancient China) and Jofuku.

Approximately 2200 years ago, Xu Fu was ordered by Qin Shihuang to search for the elixir of immortality and crossed the ocean, eventually arriving at Araizaki. Unable to return home due to the rough seas, Jofuku decides to settle in this area. He taught the villagers techniques such as medicine, astronomy, fishing, and agriculture, and was greatly admired by the villagers. After his death, it is said that he was enshrined as a guardian deity at this shrine near where he was washed ashore. It is said that during the epidemic, he became the object of worship dedicated to Jofuku. In addition to Jofuku, Kotoshironushi and Uka no Mitama are also enshrined here.

Benefits include recovery from illness, protection from drowning, safety at sea, satisfaction with a large catch, abundance of crops, and fulfillment of various wishes. This shrine, which has been selected as one of Kyoto's top 200 natural attractions, is also a shrine with a spectacular view of the sea beyond the torii gate. It is built on a cliff and is surrounded by strange black stones. The view of the two islands, Kanjima and Kutsujima, floating due east is spectacular.

Niizaki Shrine
8-3 Arai, Ine-cho, Yosa-gun, Kyoto
Visiting hours are free