⛩️ Tōten'ō Okazaki Shrine

Okazaki Shrine was built in the 13th year of the Enryaku period (794) when Emperor Kanmu moved the capital from Nagaokakyō to Heian-kyō. It is one of the shrines constructed to protect the royal city, located in the four cardinal directions of Heian-kyō. Because it is situated in the eastern direction (the direction of the rising sun), it is also known as "Higashi Tenno" (東天王). The enshrined deities are Susanoo no Mikoto (素戔嗚尊), Kida no Hime no Mikoto (奇稲田姬命), and eight child deities, five male and five female. Due to the numerous child deities, it has become well-known as a god of fertility. Additionally, the area has historically been a habitat for wild rabbits, which are regarded as messengers of the enshrined deities and symbolize fertility. Thus, Okazaki Shrine is revered as a god of safe childbirth, a deity for those seeking children, a guardian of children, and a god of connections, enjoying deep faith from the public. In front of the shrine's worship hall, instead of the usual komainu (狛犬), there are "koma usagi" (狛兔) and "shōkai shōun usagi" (招財招運兔), all modeled after rabbits. The temizuya (手水舍) also features a child-seeking rabbit. By pouring water over the rabbit's head while praying and gently stroking its belly, one can receive blessings for childbirth and safe delivery. The round, cute rabbit charms are also very eye-catching.

The deity of smooth childbirth and child-seeking attracts worshippers from various places. Inside the shrine, the komainu (guardian lion-dogs) and the temizuya (purification fountain) feature rabbits as their motif. The adorable rabbit omikuji (fortune slips) and amulets have also sparked discussions. The shrine is filled with a variety of rabbit omikuji and amulets, making it a popular spot for photography.