Matsunô Taisha, also known as Matsuo Taisha, is the largest shrine in western Kyoto and is expected to protect about one third of the city’s population. The shrine was said to have been founded in the early 8th century C.E. when the lord of the Hata clan road by and noticed a turtle wading in the falls coming from the mountain. As turtles are considered extremely auspicious for good health and longevity, a shrine was established marking this special location. Matsunô Taisha has grown over the years to become one of the largest in the city with several major festivals being hosted on its grounds. This shrine is known for its small gardens, each one recreating a popular style of landscaping across Japan’s history, and a series of carved wooden images estimated to be some of the oldest in the world. As mentioned earlier, the shrine is also home to a small series of falls in addition to a well. All of this water is considered sacred and used with great reverence by local sake brewers and miso paste manufacturers.

For the casual: 7. For the educated: 7.

Matsunô Taisha is really a beautiful shrine with nice open spaces and beautiful architecture. It’s nestled into the base of the mountain side which both helps the buildings stand out while also keeping the vibe rather serene. Just the walk from the street to the main shrine is a lot of fun with grand gates, towering torii, and whatever other Japanese architecture alliterations you can think of.

On the right side of the shrine is a building where you can see some of the shrine’s treasures and get access to the gardens. I need to admit here that I didn’t go in because I got confused with the signs. Inside this building is also a photography studio to take family portraits, so I thought it was only the studio and probably not worth taking my shoes off. So please, if you get the chance, take a look inside and see some pieces ranging in time from over a thousand years old to several hundred.

Just briefly, the shrine also extends out to the left where you can find a small parking lot, a dôhyô (a clay ring for sumo wrestling), and a large rice patty lined with shimenawa (sacred rope) to mark the rice that they grow for good luck every summer.