⛩️ Tanzan Jinja (Tanzan Shrine)

Tanzan Shrine is dedicated to Fujiwara no Kamatari, a central figure in the Taika Reform. The so-called "Taika Reform" was a socio-political movement that occurred in Japan in 645, aimed at transforming the political power held by the aristocracy into a centralized system centered around the emperor. The shrine was established by Kamatari's eldest son, Sadahira, who moved his father's remains from Settsu Province (now Tsukishi in Osaka Prefecture) to this location and built a wooden thirteen-story pagoda. Because Fujiwara no Kamatari and Prince Naka no Ōe (later Emperor Tenji) discussed the "Taika Reform" here, the place came to be known as "Tanzan," which is also the origin of the shrine's name. The wooden thirteen-story pagoda within Tanzan Shrine is a unique treasure in the world and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property. The serene and tranquil grounds also contain 17 other Important Cultural Properties, including the main hall, worship hall, and the eastern treasure house. It is said that when constructing the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Nikkō Tōshō-gū" in Tochigi Prefecture, the red main hall served as a model. Tanzan Shrine is quite famous as a shrine for matchmaking. Within the grounds, there are several spots for seeking love, such as "Path of Love," "Love Shrine," and "Rock of Connection." The Love Shrine is the eastern hall of the main shrine, named after Kamatari's wife. The "Rock of Connection" is said to bless those who touch it with good fortune in finding a partner. The seasonal beauty of Tanzan Shrine is also worth seeing, especially in autumn when the mountains are covered in vibrant colors. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, summer brings lush greenery, and winter showcases a blanket of white snow, allowing visitors to enjoy captivating scenery at any time of the year. It is said that the meeting between Fujiwara no Kamatari and Prince Naka no Ōe took place at a kemari (a traditional Japanese ball game) event held at Hōkō-ji Temple, so the shrine hosts a "Kemari Festival" every year on November 3 to commemorate this historically significant meeting between the lord and his vassal. Additionally, Tanzan Shrine offers kemari experience activities throughout the year (for a fee), and it is recommended to try this elegant game that was once exclusive to the ancient aristocracy.

The shrine is built on Mount Tabu, where discussions about the "Taika Reform" take place, hence it is called "Tanzan," which is also the origin of the shrine's name. The shrine enshrines Fujiwara no Kamatari, a central figure in promoting the Taika Reform. It has the only wooden thirteen-story pagoda in the world. It is said that Tochigi Prefecture used the vermilion main hall as a model when constructing the Nikkō Tōshō-gū. It is a sacred place for praying for marital happiness and prosperous business.