Ikuta Shrine

Ikuta Shrine

Ikuta Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Chūō-ku, Kobe, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. It was established in the first year of Empress Jingū's reign (201 AD), with the main deity worshipped being Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto. Legend has it that in ancient times, the person who managed Ikuta Shrine was named Kobe, and the area now known as Chūō-ku, Kobe, was once the shrine’s territory. Over time, the name “Kobe” became the official name of the city.

Ikuta Shrine has a long history and is mentioned early on in both the Nihon Shoki and Makura no Sōshi (an essay written during the Heian period). Unlike other ancient shrines in Japan that feature a simple and elegant style, Ikuta Shrine is characterized by its vivid colors—the bright red torii gate and main hall are prime examples. The shrine enshrines Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto, who is believed to be particularly efficacious for prayers related to love and relationships as well as physical health. As a result, many people visit daily, especially during New Year’s. On the north side of the shrine lies a lush forest, which notably contains not a single pine tree. Legend says that during an ancient flood, the pine trees in the forest failed to withstand the disaster, causing great damage to the shrine. Since then, it has been widely believed that the deities of the shrine dislike pine trees, and none have been planted there ever since.

Ikuta Shrine

Must-visit reason: One of the most famous shrines in Kobe

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Japan[Japan]

Prefecture/State where the attraction is located: Hyōgo Prefecture [Hyōgo Prefecture]

City where the attraction is located: Kobe [Kobe ]