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Kibitsuhiko Shrine

The first shrine in Bizen Province that carries the legend of Momotaro.

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The main deity is Okibitsuhiko no Mikoto, who is said to be the model for the old tale "Momotaro" and is also worshipped as a god of both literary and military prowess who has protected the land of Kibi since ancient times.

Kibi-no-Nakayama has long been deeply believed as a sacred mountain. It is said that lives have prayed for peace, tranquility, and a good harvest in the land of Kibi at the massive rock formation that is said to be the inner shrine of Kibitsuhiko Shrine, and there is a dragon shrine dedicated to the eight great dragon king gods on the top of the mountain within the grounds of Kibi-no-Nakayama, and the rock formation that marks the sacred area remains.

Kibitsuhiko Shrine is located at the eastern foot of the mountain. It is also called the "Shrine of the Morning Sun " because the shrine is built so that the summer solstice sun rises through the front torii gate, and its light shines into the shrine's main building. After passing through the front torii gate, crane and turtle islands in the sacred pond, which glorify the water god and the god of maritime safety. After passing through the holy pond, there are giant stone lanterns on either side, said to be the tallest in the East, 11.5 m high with eight tatami mats of shade stones. The main shrine was begun by Mitsumasa Ikeda, lord of the Okayama domain, completed during the reign of Tsunamasa, and is designated as an important cultural property by Okayama Prefecture.

Within the shrine's precincts is the Urakata Shrine, which enshrines Nobuteru Ikeda (Terumu-no-Mikoto) and Terumasa Ikeda (Mars Terumu-no-Mikoto), the founders of the feudal lord of Okayama. In addition, the Ura Shrine enshrines Ura-no-Mikoto, who brought iron manufacturing and various other cultures to Kibi Province and left many achievements along with Okibitsuhiko no Mikoto.

Many of the gifts are in the shape of peaches, such as a peach charm to ward off misfortune and a peach omikuji (a fortune made by a peach), both associated with "Momotaro.

Highlights

  • This shrine is dedicated to Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto, who is said to have been the model for Momotaro.
  • There is also a shrine dedicated to Ura, who is said to be the model for the demon.
  • There are also peach-shaped charms and fortune telling omikuji.

Photos

  • Inner sanctuary

    Inner sanctuary

  • Shinto shrine

    Shinto shrine

  • Road approaching a shrine

    Road approaching a shrine

  • Peach protection against misfortune

    Peach protection against misfortune

  • Peach protection against misfortune

    Peach protection against misfortune

Reviews

1
  • 忽然之間

    以桃太郎原型祭祀的神社,離車站很近不會很難找。

Details

Name in Japanese
吉備津彦神社
Postal Code
701-1211
Address
1043 Ichinomiya, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama
Telephone
086-284-0031
Closed
Open every day
Hours
6:00am-6:00pm
*Hours may change during New Year's and other special events. Please refer to the official website.
Admission
Free
Access
3 mins walk from JR Bizen Ichinomiya Station
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)