⛩️ Ashikaga Orihime Shrine

The Ashikaga Orihime Shrine is dedicated to the deity of fate and is known as a holy place for lovers. If you wish to pray for "quickly meeting the one destined for you!" then come to this energetic spot to seek a good relationship. Not only locals from Ashikaga visit the shrine to pray for love, but visitors from all over Japan also come in droves. About 1300 years ago, Ashikaga City thrived as a textile industry hub. However, at that time, there was no shrine dedicated to the god of textiles. In 1705, the lord of the Ashikaga domain, Toda Tadatoki, proposed to enshrine two deities, a male and a female, who oversee textiles as the guardians of the Ashikaga area, thus creating the "Ashikaga Orihime Shrine." Because textiles are woven from warp and weft threads, this shrine, which weaves the fates of people together, is revered by the public. The shrine dedicated to the deity of fate is said to bless love, career, and health. The Ashikaga Orihime Shrine is located on the slopes of Mount Orihime. It is recommended to first pass through the large torii gate known as "Ichinotorii (Men's Slope)" and then ascend the 229 stone steps. It is said that praying after climbing the steps is more effective. At the end of the long stone steps stands the vermilion main hall, which is said to be modeled after the Phoenix Hall of Byodoin in Uji, Kyoto. This beautiful and magnificent building is referred to as the "Dragon Palace on Land." If you are not worried about your stamina on the way back, please take the descent via the Women's Slope. The slope, named Onna-zaka, features seven torii gates of different colors, known as the "Seven Colored Torii." It is said that if you can pass under all seven torii gates, you will receive blessings related to seven types of fates: love, health, wisdom, life, studies, career, and business. However, please be extra careful as the Women's Slope is an unpaved hillside. From within the shrine, you can overlook the market scenery of Ashikaga City. When night falls, you can enjoy the magnificent sight of the solemn main hall illuminated by lights, and you can also take in the beautiful night view of Ashikaga City from the shrine. Therefore, the Orihime Shrine and the adjacent Orihime Park have been selected as one of the 10th "Japanese Night View Heritage" sites. The lighting time at night is generally from 17:00 to 24:00 (the lighting time may vary with the seasons). If you have the opportunity, be sure to come and enjoy the stunning night view. The solemn main hall, shrouded in lights, presents a different charm from during the day.