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Yahiko Shrine

One of the oldest shrines in Echigo known for its blessings of marriage.

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Echigo Ichinomiya has a history of over 2,400 years.
It is said to have originated that Amenokagoyamanomikoto, who was a great-grandson of Amaterasuomikami, was buried in Mt. Yahiko after him cultivated the country of Koshi and people built a shrine there to worship him.
Today it is called "Yahiko," but in ancient times it was written "Iyahiko Shrine" and called "Iyahiko”.
The shrine is so historic that a poem such as "Iyahiko, Onore Kami Sabi, Seiun no Tanahiku hi sura Kosame Sobofuru (*)" was written in "Manyoshu", and it attracts faith from all over the country.

(*Note: Mt. Yahiko is always divine, and even on days when white clouds flutter in the blue sky, it drizzles.)

The precincts are lined with ancient trees over 400 years old, and the air is filled with a spiritual atmosphere.
The current hall of worship was rebuilt in 1916 by Chuta Ito, who designed Meiji Jingu.
The worship method here is "Two bows, FOUR claps, and a bow". Please be careful as it is different from other shrines’ methods.

At the top of Mt. Yahiko, there is the mausoleum where Mt. Amanoka and his princess are enshrined, and this spot is popular for marriage. Mt. Yahiko’s height is 634 meters, and you can take a ropeway from the foot of the mountain to the top. The large torii gate that towers in the country 3 km away is also beautiful.

Highlights

  • The worship method is "Two bows, FOUR claps, and a bow".
  • The large torii gate, which is 3 km away from Mt. Yahiko is also worth visiting.
  • Curry beans are famous in the attractive shrine town.
  • The mausoleum which is known for its blessings of marriage is located at the top of Mt. Yahiko.
  • The lantern festival, considered one of Japan’s top 3 biggest lantern festivals, takes place every year on July 25th.
  • There’s an entrance to the Yahiko Ropeway Station Sanroku just a 10 min. walk down the road behind the shrine.

Photos

  • Yahiko Shrine worship hall with Mt. Yahiko

    Yahiko Shrine worship hall with Mt. Yahiko

  • The worship hall which is covered with fog and has a solemn atmosphere

    The worship hall which is covered with fog and has a solemn atmosphere

  • The view of the sacred Mt. Yahiko over the torii gate

    The view of the sacred Mt. Yahiko over the torii gate

  • The Chrysanthemum Festival in November is an autumn tradition at Yahiko Shrine

    The Chrysanthemum Festival in November is an autumn tradition at Yahiko Shrine

  • Tamano Hashi Bridge, said to be used by the gods.

    Tamano Hashi Bridge, said to be used by the gods.

  • The lantern festival, registered as a National Important Intangible Folk-Cultural Property.

    The lantern festival, registered as a National Important Intangible Folk-Cultural Property.

  • The mystique of the main hall in snow.

    The mystique of the main hall in snow.

  • Sake from brewers and famous Niigata sake contributed ceremoniously.

    Sake from brewers and famous Niigata sake contributed ceremoniously.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)

A

Sorry, we don’t.

Q

Is parking available?

A

Yes, parking is available for about 1,000 spaces around the shrine.

Q

Do you have shrine’s red ink stamps?

A

Yes, available at a ceremonial fee of 500 yen.

Reviews

1
  • June Lee

    環境清幽空氣良好,是新潟的能量景點。

Details

Name in Japanese
彌彦神社
Postal Code
959-0393
Address
2887-2 Yahiko, Yahikomura, Nishikambaragun, Niigata
Telephone
0256-94-2001
Regular Holiday
Open all year round (The shrine repository is closed on Mondays and in January and February. If Monday is a holiday, it’s closed on the next weekday)
Business Hours
Anytime (The shrine repository opens from 9:00am to 4:00pm)
Fee
The shrine repository charges as follows;
An adult: 300 yen
A university/high school student: 200 yen
An elementary/junior high school student: 100 yen
Access
1) About 15 minutes walk from Yahiko Station on JR Yahiko Line
2) About 30 minutes by car from Sanjo-Tsubame IC or Makigata-Higashi IC of Hokuriku Expressway
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)