Ikuta Jinja

December 19, 2017 by Brennan Duff in Shrine

Situated in the center of the Sannomiya district of Kobe, Ikuta Jinja is one of the oldest recorded shrines in Japan. Acording to the Nihon Shoki, Ikuta Jinja was founded at the turn of the 3rd century by the Empress Jingu and was surrounded by forest until the 19th century when the already bustling port city boomed with modernization. Today, Ikuta Jinja continues to represent the heart of Kobe both in its function as the spiritual center, as well as the geographical center.

For the casual: 8. For the educated: 8.

Ikuta is a beautiful shrine smack dab in the center of Kobe. Around it are multitudes of restaurants that sell perfectly cooked portions of Kobe beef, one of the most expensive cuts of meat you can get in Japan. It is also only a few blocks from the major shopping centers in the area which helps visitors orient themselves within the city. When the shopping gets to be a bit much, the shrine is a welcome reprieve from the bustle of city life. If you're looking for something to photograph, Ikuta Jinja is definitely photogenic locality with vermillian tori, a massive gate, and views of the mountains only just overshadowing the complex. Though it seems small from the outside, Ikuta Jinja is a spaceous site once you get into the gates. The shrine also hosts various events throughout the year as it seeks to not only reinvigorate its position in the ever changing local climate, but also to bring in foreign tourists through its gates. I saw a gagaku performance (Imperial Court music) and had a wonderful time experiencing yet another classic Japanese art that continues to capture the imagination of those who watch and listen.

Also there’s a shrine to sake brewing. How wonderful is that?

Yasaka Jinja

September 15, 2016 by Brennan Duff in Shrine

Yasaka Jinja is one of the most well known shrines in the Kyoto area standing at the east end of Shijo Street in the Gion District. Shrine legend states that the shrine was founded some 150 years prior to the founding of the Imperial Capital of Heian-kyô. Famously known as the site of the Gion Matsuri (Gion Festival) which occurs throughout the month of July, it pays tribute to the many gods enshrined at Yasaka, both greater and lesser. Some of the most noted gods enshrined are Susano'o-no-mikoto (God of Storms and Seas), Kushi’inadahime-no-mikoto (Susano’o’s wife, a Goddess of Rice, she was a princess he saved from Orochi, the eight-headed snake), and Yahashira-no-mikogami (the honorable eight god children of Susano’o and Kushi’inadahime).

For the casual: 9. For the educated: 9.

Yasaka Jinja is a sight all should go see. Unfortunately that does mean that you should expect lots and lots of tourists. Gion is already a very famous area of Kyoto because it is the geisha district, and by far the most famous geisha district in Japan. For those who do not know, geisha, meaning "art person," are female performers who specialize in party entertainment of varying sizes while also performing grand theater pieces. Most of Gion has changed into a modern city, but some of the streets are still traditional city houses, some of which are the okiya or homes of geisha. Because of their strong international appeal, many people flock to Gion in hopes of catching a glimpse of a geisha on their way to a party. As a result, it's almost impossible to imagine Gion when it isn't bustling full of people. The draw also means that tourists can rent kimono or yukata for a day of photos around Kyoto, and with Yasaka Jinja near by, the shrine is a very popular location for visitors. It is because of these crowds that I'm hesitant to mark this shrine as a 10, but I recognize that the shrine is beautiful even compared to other shrines, and the masses of people does make a visit enjoyable if people watching is your kind of thing.

Ushima Jinja

November 12, 2015 by Brennan Duff in Shrine

Ushima Jinja, also referred to as Ushijima Jinja, is a small shrine on the north end of Sumida Park in Asakusa. It was founded in 860 and is noted for surviving the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the fire bombs of WWII.

For the casual: 7. For the educated: 6.

Ushima Jinja is a really cool shrine with some really cool things. The shrine has a a stone statue of a cow which is a source of good luck by rubbing the cow where you would like to be healed. Sumida Park is a great little break from the city with wonderful winding paths, and the shrine is definitely a great addition to the park. To the south are the headquarters of Asahi Brewing (what I will say is that they chose the wrong architect for that building). To the east is Tokyo Skytree Tower, the tallest tower in the world (not to be confused with tallest building). The only issue is the highway overpass which follows the west side of the park.

The statue of the healing cow is under the small overhang.

Asakusa Jinja

November 12, 2015 by Brennan Duff in Shrine

Asakusa Jinja was built in the Kamakura period around the turn of the 13th century by the townsfolk. The shrine is dedicated to the three individuals who founded Sensôji, the temple only about 50 feet to the left of the shrine. Since it was the founding of the temple which essentially started the city of Asakusa, the three individuals, Hajinomatsuti (the local lord), Hamanari, and Takenari (the two fishermen who found the statue of Kannon) and thereby considered founders of the city. Every spring is the Sanja Matsuri, considered one of the three Great Festivals of Edo (Tokyo), which closes down the streets of Asakusa as people crowd the streets and religious sites.

For the casual: 9. For the educated: 9.

This quaint little shrine is a fun place to visit. Right next to Sensôji, Asakusa Jinja is connected to all of the same sorts of activities that visitors can take advantage of as Sensôji. Craft shops, yukata stores, and so much more are within walking distance of the shrine gates.