⛩️ Kibitsuhiko Shrine

Kibitsu Shrine mainly worships "Ōkibitsuhiko no Mikoto," who is regarded as the prototype of Momotarō. He is a god of both martial and literary arts, historically protecting the Kibi region and deeply revered by the people. Kibitsu's Nakayama has been a sacred mountain since ancient times, believed to be the site of the great rock formation at the shrine's inner sanctuary, which was created to pray for peace, tranquility, and abundant harvests in the Kibi area. At the summit of Nakayama, there is a shrine dedicated to the Eight Great Dragon Kings, and the sacred rock area representing the divine realm has been preserved to this day. Kibitsu Shrine is located at the eastern foot of Nakayama, where the summer solstice sun rises directly in front of the torii gate; the light seems to shine directly into the main hall, earning it the nickname "Asahi no Miya" (Shrine of the Morning Sun). After passing through the front torii gate, there are a sacred pond, Tsurushima (Crane Island), and Kamejima (Turtle Island), which are dedicated to the water deity and the god of maritime safety. Beyond the sacred pond, on both sides, stand the famous 11.5-meter tall eight-tiered stone lanterns, known as the tallest in the East. The main hall was initiated by the Okayama feudal lord Ikeda Mitsumasa and completed during the era of Ikeda Tsunamasa, and it is designated as an important cultural property of Okayama Prefecture. In addition to the shrine dedicated to the ancestors of the Okayama feudal lord, Ikeda Nobutaka (Takamune no Mikoto) and Ikeda Terumasa (Kasei no Mikoto), there is also Onra Shrine, which worships Onra no Mikoto, who contributed to the introduction of iron-making and various cultures to the Kibi region alongside Ōkibitsuhiko no Mikoto. Additionally, there are various peach-shaped offerings related to "Momotarō," such as peach talismans and peach sticks, which are used to pray for the dispelling of disasters and misfortunes.

A shrine dedicated to Ōkibitsuhiko no Mikoto, who is regarded as the prototype of Momotarō. There is also a shrine that enshrines Ura, who is considered the prototype of evil demons. Peach-shaped amulets and peach talismans.