⛩️ Kibitsu Shrine

Kibitsu Shrine is located at the northwest foothills of Kibinakayama, a mountain revered as the home of the gods, with its main deity being Ōkibitsuhiko no Mikoto. The main hall and worship hall, designated as national treasures, are directly connected and represent the unique architectural style known as "Kibitsu-zukuri," found nowhere else in Japan. The shrine was destroyed in two fires in the past and was rebuilt during the era of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1425. This grand shrine covers an area more than twice that of Izumo Taisha and is the second largest shrine after Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto. Extending from the main hall is a corridor built in accordance with the natural terrain, measuring approximately 400 meters in length, which is quite impressive. In the mid-section of the corridor on the mountain side, there is a garden with about 1,500 hydrangeas, with mid-June being the best time for viewing the flowers. At the other end of the corridor, there are peony gardens, Satsuki azaleas, rhododendrons, cherry blossoms, and plum blossoms, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of seasonal flowers. There are also sacred rituals related to the legend of Ōkibitsuhiko no Mikoto defeating Onra, along with several shrines. The Yabuchi Rock is said to be the place where Ōkibitsuhiko no Mikoto placed his arrows during the great battle with Onra. The "Yatate Shrine Ceremony," related to this legend, features a demon mask enshrined at the Uramizaki Shrine, which worships Onra no Mikoto. Additionally, there is the Mi-kamado, said to contain the head of Onra, where the miraculous "Narukama Ceremony" is held, using the sounds produced by the kettle to divine the future, which is also mentioned in "Ugetsu Monogatari."

The main hall and worship hall of this national treasure are the only architectural style of their kind in all of Japan, and they are extremely grand and magnificent. There are places and rituals related to the legend of 桃太郎 (Momotarō). The straight corridor extends about 400 meters, showcasing an extraordinary grandeur. The beautiful flowers and plants in each season heal the hearts of the worshippers.