Kibitsu Shrine

Okayama Prefecture is said to be the birthplace of Momotaro, the protagonist of Japan’s most famous folktale. Several local sightseeing spots are associated with Momotaro, but one of the most famous is Kibitsu Shrine (Kibitsu Jinja) in Okayama City. Similar to how modern Japanese animation draws from ancient stories, it is believed that a legend associated with Kibitsu Shrine was the original inspiration for Momotaro. In addition to its literary connections, Kibitsu Shrine is a hidden gem for seasonal views. Plum blossoms, cherry blossoms and more decorate the shrine grounds.

The Legend of Kibitsu Shrine

Photo by: PIXTA/ Yama This walkway is a prefecture-designated Important Cultural Property.

Kibitsuhiko no Mikoto is one of the Shinto deities enshrined at Kibitsu Shrine. Legend claims that in ancient times he was a prince who fought and beheaded an oni (demon or ogre) named Ura. This oni supposedly terrorized villagers while he was alive, but in death, his severed head helped people predict their fortunes. Other versions of the legend claim Ura helped develop the local region by introducing metalworking techniques.

The story of Momotaro is speculated to be a combination of this legend and other traditional beliefs. Today, Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs considers Kibitsu Shrine a Japan Heritage Site due to its cultural influence.

No records confirm when Kibitsu Shrine was founded, but many of the shrine buildings are known to be centuries old. The age, architectural design and other features of these buildings earn them titles as historical and cultural landmarks.

The shrine’s current Main Sanctuary and Worship Hall is a registered national treasure that was built in 1425. Meanwhile, a covered walkway that stretches more than 300 meters across the grounds is a prefecture-designated Important Cultural Property. This structure was rebuilt in 1579.

Okamaden Hall, rebuilt in 1612, is also an Important Cultural Property. Allegedly, Ura the oni’s head was buried here. Now, a fortune telling ritual based on this story is held in this building.

Flower and Leaf Viewing

Photo by: PIXTA/ denkei A hidden gem for seasonal blooms.

Kibitsu Shrine’s grounds feature several varieties of flowers that bloom with Japan’s changing seasons:

• Plum blossoms (mid-February to early March)
• Cherry blossoms (late March to early April)
• Peonies (late April)
• Hydrangeas (late June)

Kibitsu Shrine is also a famous autumn leaf viewing spot. The mountains surrounding the shrine take on shades of orange and red while a 600-year-old gingko tree on the grounds turns golden.