🗺️ Okuni Shrine, Ichinomiya of Tōtōmi Province遠江国一宮 小國神社

Founded over 1,470 years ago, it is the oldest shrine in Enshu, renowned for its blessings of good relationships, warding off evil, and ensuring traffic safety. The main deity is Ōkuninushi no Mikoto, affectionately known as "Ōkuninushi," and it has been deeply revered by the imperial family and military leaders throughout history as the Ichinomiya (the first shrine) of Tōtōmi Province. Notably, Tokugawa Ieyasu, who rebuilt the shrine, and successive shoguns have constructed or donated to it, establishing a strong connection with the Tokugawa shogunate. In 2003, His Royal Highness Prince Akishino and Her Royal Highness Princess Kiko visited for worship. In 2006, Ms. Atsuko Ikeda, the head priestess of the Jingu, also came to pay her respects. In 2017, Her Royal Highness Princess Hisako of Takamatsu also visited. In October 2024, the first overseas branch, "Siracha Kogun Shrine," was established in Thailand, expected to become an important base for promoting Japanese culture in Southeast Asia. The shrine is set in an area of approximately 300,000 tsubo, where towering cedar and cypress trees stand. In spring, various cherry blossoms bloom, including weeping cherry, waterfall cherry, and the "Goi Kō," which has green flowers, as well as the Taiwan native "Kanhi Sakura," planted by Emperor Shōwa, symbolizing the friendship between Japan and Taiwan. In early summer, the nearby "Ichinomiya Hanashobu-en" features 80,000 blooming flowers, with lush green leaves and autumn foliage transforming into vibrant colors, providing a healing view throughout the seasons. Additionally, the "Kamomori Tree," over 800 years old, is regarded as a sacred tree for forging good relationships, attracting a steady stream of worshippers daily. Along the approach, "Kogun Koto-machi Yokocho" features several local long-established tea wholesalers selling high-quality tea in full packages, along with shops offering light snacks and desserts such as dango and warabi mochi. The Yokocho also has a resting area for visitors to enjoy after worship. Moreover, on the approach, there is the famous confectionery shop "Kashō Asaoka (あさおか)" in Morimachi, which sells a limited quantity of "Kozuchi (こづち)," a traditional sweet, every day, and it is also very popular among visitors.

An ancient shrine located in a 300,000-tsubo forest. It is highly revered by the imperial family and military leaders as the Ichinomiya of the Totomi Province. The sacred area features beautiful scenery, including spring cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, green maples, and autumn leaves. The "Kusakumoto Tree" within the grounds is regarded as a divine tree that brings good relationships and is widely worshipped across the country. Near the approach to the shrine, "Oguni Kotocho Yokocho" offers local delicacies, and the Mori Town confectionery store "Kashou Asaoka" sells the locally exclusive shrine sweets called "Kozuchi," which are also very popular.