[Kashihara City] Amanakaichi Shrine attracts attention due to the popularity of "Takaichi Sanae"
Amidst the Takaichi Sanae fever, Amenotakechi Shrine, whose name includes "Takaichi," is also gaining attention as a "Takaichi" spot in Nara, the Prime Minister's hometown. 👀
Amenotakechi Shrine is associated with "Amenotakechi," a place that appears in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki mythology. In 859, it was awarded the rank of Jugoi (Junior High Rank) and is a prestigious shrine listed as a Shikinai Taisha (Great Shrine) in the Engishiki. ⛩
Amenotakechi is a place where the eight million gods gather, and according to the Nihon Shoki, it is a sacred place where the gods consulted with Amaterasu Omikami, who had hidden herself in the Ama-no-Iwato cave, to help her return to her former occupation. 🪨
In addition, Kotoshironushi no Mikoto (the enshrined deity) and Omononushi no Mikoto, following the transfer of the Izumo domain, moved to Amenotakechi. Legend has it that he ascended to Takamagahara, leading the eight million gods he had gathered, to show his sincerity to Takamimusubi-no-Kami.✍️
The shrine enshrines four deities: Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto, also known as "Ebisu-sama," and Hachiman-o-kami (Hinatake-no-Mikoto, Okinaga-obi-hime, and Hime-no-Kami).🎣⚔️
Ebisu, the bestower of good fortune, and Hachiman-san, the god of warding off evil and ensuring victory, are also worshipped as the god of "good fortune" who opens hearts and paths, just like the opening of the Ama-no-Iwato cave myth.🤍
In addition to the regular goshuin (temple stamps), limited edition goshuin (temple stamps) are also available for monthly visits, and since last month, paper-cut goshuin (temple stamps) inspired by Naniwa Kagura "Shiki Kagura" have also been available (please check availability).
You can also receive goshuin stamps here from the two shrines, Hitomaru Shrine (the tutelary deity of Jiocho, Kashihara City) and Kasuga Shrine (the tutelary deity of Goicho, Kashihara City). If you have time, please visit both shrines. 😌
By the way, this shrine is the tutelary deity of Soga-cho, but the nearby Soga-no-Iza-Soga-Tohiko Shrine is also the tutelary deity of the same ward. Apparently, it's a complex parishioner district, with each household having their own tutelary deity. 🫢
I was researching the tutelary deity map, so I had a chance to chat with the chief priest. He was very friendly and taught me all about the shrine, and I learned a lot. ☺️
Actually, the names are similar and there's no connection to Takaichi-san, but I definitely wanted to take this opportunity to visit Amatakaichi Shrine. Parking is limited to about 10 cars, and the roads are narrow in places, so please be careful when visiting by car. ⚠️
【 𝕀𝕟𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 】
📍 659 Soga-cho, Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture
🚶♀️ 16 minutes from Kintetsu Masuga Station
🕘 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Shrine office/Chief priest may be absent on some days)
🅿️ Available (11 spaces)
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