⛩️ Shirataki Shrine

The Shirataki Shrine has a long history of 1200 years and was recognized as a Japanese Heritage site in 2015. The shrine is dedicated to the deities of textiles, "Amehachi Amachichihime no Mikoto" and "Shirataki Hime." It is known as the birthplace of Kiryu weaving, a claim that originates from ancient legends about Shirataki Hime. The majestic shrine and the solemn atmosphere within the grounds bring a sense of tranquility. According to legend, a young man from the area who went to Kyoto to serve in an official capacity encountered the court lady Shirataki Hime, and the two young people from different social standings fell in love. After much effort, they finally became husband and wife and returned together to the man's hometown of Kiryu. Upon returning, Shirataki Hime taught the local people how to raise silkworms and weaving techniques, which led to the popularization of the weaving industry in Kiryu, eventually producing high-quality textiles that could be offered as tributes to the imperial court. Because of this ancient love story, Shirataki Shrine is also revered by locals as a power spot for wishing for good relationships. The shrine houses a sacred stone, said to be a giant rock that fell from the sky. Shirataki Shrine has three main attractions: the shrine building, the descending stone, and the sacred tree. The shrine building, constructed in 1868, is quite impressive. It features a purification hall, worship hall, and main hall at its center, with the Kagura hall on the left and the temizuya (water ablution area) on the right. The ceiling of the temizuya is adorned with a painting of a dragon, and visitors are encouraged to look up and admire it while paying their respects. The second attraction, the descending stone, is a giant rock located in a corner of the shrine grounds, measuring about 30 meters in size. It is said that if you press your ear against the stone, you can hear the sound of a weaving machine "chirping" from within. However, if you step on it, the sound of the weaving machine will stop, making this mysterious giant rock an object of worship for locals since ancient times. The third attraction is the sacred tree, which stands tall in the shrine's backyard. This zelkova tree is said to be over 300 years old. The sacred tree is majestic and sturdy, with a trunk circumference of about 6 meters. Its impressive presence seems to fill the entire shrine with spiritual energy, leaving a lasting impression, and it is now designated as a natural monument of Kiryu City. The Kagura hall hosts the "Shirataki Shrine Taira Kagura" festival every August, featuring dance performances and music that are beloved by the local community. This festival has also been designated as an important intangible folk cultural heritage of Kiryu City. If you visit Kiryu, be sure to pay a visit to this ancient shrine with a history of 1200 years.