Imamiya Shrine has a history of over 1,000 years as a shrine dedicated to the god who wards off illness.
The shrine, which was established on Mt. Funaoka in 994 to quell an epidemic that struck the capital during the Heian period, has stood alongside the prayers of the people.
Within the shrine grounds there is a mysterious fortune-telling stone known as “Aho Ken-san,” and it is said that if you stroke it and it feels light, your wish will come true.
It is also known as “Tamanokoshi Shrine” because the mother of the fifth Tokugawa Shogun, Tsunayoshi, worshipped here, and it is popular as a power spot for bringing good fortune in love.
This shrine, which is likely to have been visited by Murasaki Shikibu and Fujiwara no Michinaga, has a tranquil atmosphere that has remained unchanged for a thousand years, soothing the souls of all who visit.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the history and highlights of Imamiya Shrine.
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What kind of place is Imamiya Shrine?
Image source: Imamiya Shrine official website Imamiya Shrine, located in Kita-ku, Kyoto City, is a historic shrine that was founded in 994 to quell an epidemic that struck the capital.
It enshrines Okuninushi, Kotoshironushi, and Inadahime, and is known for its power to ward off epidemics.
Within the shrine grounds there is a divine divination stone known as “Ahoken-san,” and it is said that if you stroke it with your hand and it feels light when you lift it up, your wish will come true.
It is also known as “Tamanokoshi Shrine” because it was revered by Keishoin, the mother of the fifth Tokugawa shogun, Tsunayoshi .
On the approach to the shrine, there are two long-established shops, Ichimonjiya, which was founded 1,000 years ago, and Kazariya, which was founded 400 years ago, which serve their specialty, Aburimochi.
The Yasurai Festival, one of Kyoto’s three most unusual festivals, is held every April and continues as a traditional event to pray for the elimination of epidemics.
The History of Imamiya Shrine
Imamiya Shrine is a historic shrine with over 1,000 years of history as a shrine dedicated to the god of warding off epidemics.
In this chapter, we will explore the history of Imamiya Shrine.
A place that has worshipped the god of plague since before its founding
It is said that there was a shrine dedicated to Susanoo, the god of plague, in this area even before the capital was moved to Heian-kyo.
While Heian-kyo flourished as a city, the people were plagued by epidemics and disasters, and Goryo-e ceremonies were actively held in various places, such as Shinsen-en, Goryo-sha, and Gion-sha.
In the 5th year of the Shoryaku era (994), when a large-scale epidemic broke out in the capital, the Imperial Court constructed two portable shrines, enshrined the god of plague on Mt. Funaoka, and held the Murasakino Goryoe ceremony.
Founding of Imamiya Shrine
In 1001, the third year of the Choho era, there was another epidemic, so the Imperial Court moved the plague god from Funaokayama to its current location and built a new shrine, which they named “Imamiya Shrine.”
The shrine was established to enshrine the three gods Okuninushi, Kotoshironushi, and Inadahime, and has since been revered by the imperial court, the general public, and samurai alike, and in 1284 was given the divine rank of Shoichii.
History of war and revival
The shrine building was burned down during the Onin War in the Muromachi period, but was rebuilt in 1496 by Ashikaga Yoshizumi, the Shogun of the Muromachi shogunate.
After that, it continued to receive protection from rulers, such as Yoshiharu Ashikaga, who rebuilt the mikoshi, and Hideyoshi Toyotomi, who restored the shrine.
The current shrine building was rebuilt in 1902 (Meiji 35).
Highlights of Imamiya Shrine
Imamiya Shrine is dotted with many historic sights.
The following three spots in particular are definitely worth stopping by when you visit.
Highlights of Imamiya Shrine
Ahokaken-san (Divine Divination Stone)
Orihime Shrine
Places related to marrying wealthy people
① Ahokaken-san (Divine Divination Stone)
“Ahoken-san,” located to the left of the main hall, is known as a power spot for healing from illness and making wishes.
Tap the stone three times in the palm of your hand, lift it up, then stroke it three times while making a wish, then lift it up again.
It is said that if the second blow feels lighter, your wish will come true.
In particular, if you are praying for a speedy recovery from illness or injury, it is said that you will receive good fortune by stroking the part of your body that is ailing with the hand that you first used to stroke the stone.
②Orihime Shrine
Image source: Orihime Shrine This is a sub-shrine located on the west side of the temple grounds, and enshrines Kasugata Senchihime, the founder of textiles.
On either side of the shrine are votive lanterns shaped like shuttles used in weaving, and they are the object of devout worship from Nishijin textile workers.
She is also revered as the goddess of arts and crafts, and is said to have taught weaving to Orihime in the Tanabata legend.
3. Places related to marrying wealthy people
It is also known as “Tamanokoshi Shrine” because it was revered by Keishoin, the mother of the fifth Tokugawa shogun, Tsunayoshi.
Keishoin was the daughter of a Nishijin greengrocer who became the mother of a shogun and also worked hard to restore the shrine.
The Otamano-i Well, donated by Keishoin in 1694, remains here, and is visited by many worshippers who come to pray for good relationships.
What is the best season to visit Imamiya Shrine?
Imamiya Shrine can be visited throughout the year, but spring and autumn are especially recommended times to visit.
On the second Sunday of April, the Yasurai Festival, one of Kyoto’s three most unusual festivals, is held.
This is a traditional event to pray for the elimination of epidemics, and you can see a grand festival with a procession of about 800 people.
Additionally, the Imamiya Festival is held in early May. At the Shinko Festival (Odesai) on the 5th and the Kanko Festival on the 12th, you can enjoy the solemn festivals that have been held since the Heian period, including the procession of sword spears, the Yaotome dance, and the carrying of portable shrines.
In early summer, the grounds are filled with beautiful fresh greenery, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely visit.
If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend going on a weekday morning.
We especially recommend the “Aburi Mochi” (roasted rice cakes) from a long-established shop on the approach to the shrine, which is perfect to enjoy warm during the cold seasons.
Access to Imamiya Shrine
Imamiya Shrine is located in Kita Ward, Kyoto City and can be accessed by multiple means of transportation.
Many tourists visit from Kyoto Station or Kinkakuji Temple, so we will explain in detail how to get there from each.
Access from Kyoto Station
The most convenient way to get there is by city bus route 206.
Take the bus bound for Kitaoji Bus Terminal from Kyoto Station’s A3 bus stop, get off at the Funaokayama bus stop, and walk for about 7 minutes to arrive.
The journey takes about 50 minutes and costs 230 yen.
If you want to avoid the crowds, you can take the Karasuma Subway Line to Kitaoji Station (13 minutes) and then transfer to a bus from there.
In this case, it will take about 40 minutes, including waiting time, and the total fare will be 490 yen.
Access methods Bus, train Travel time Bus: 50 minutes Fee Bus: 230 yen
Access from Kinkakuji Temple
To get from Kinkakuji Temple to Imamiya Shrine, you can take city bus routes 12, M1, 204, 205, and 206.
Get off at the Funaokayama bus stop and walk north for 7 minutes to arrive.
The bus ride takes about 11 minutes and costs 230 yen.
It takes about 14 minutes to walk there.
Especially during cherry blossom season, you can enjoy a stroll from Kinkakuji Temple to Imamiya Shrine.
Access methods Bus, walking Travel time Bus: 20 minutes Fee Bus: 230 yen
Imamiya Shrine admission fees and opening hours
Basic information about Imamiya Shrine is summarized in the table below.
item Contents Visiting hours Shrine grounds: Free to visit Admission fee free Travel time 30 minutes to 1 hour holiday Open all year round parking Available (charged) telephone number 075-491-0082 (Reception 9:00-17:00) Barrier-free Partially wheelchair accessible (assistance required, attendance at the main shrine altar not possible)
Recommended sightseeing spots at Imamiya Shrine
There are many historic sights dotted around Imamiya Shrine.
We especially recommend the following three spots:
Daitokuji Temple
Image source: Daitokuji Temple official website This is the head temple of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism, located an 8-minute walk from Imamiya Shrine.
There are many things to see, including the Hojo (National Treasure), Karamon Gate, and the Lecture Hall (Important Cultural Property). In particular, the Hojo (Hojo) is home to paintings on the sliding doors by Kano Tan’yū, and still conveys the typical layout of a Zen temple.
There are 24 sub-temples scattered around the area, each with its own valuable cultural assets.
Koto-in Temple
Image source: That’s right, let’s go to Kyoto This is a sub-temple of Daitokuji Temple, located a 6-minute walk from Imamiya Shrine.
It is known as the grave of Hosokawa Gracia, and visitors can commemorate her final moments as a tragic princess of the Sengoku period.
The garden is known as one of the finest examples of the Muromachi period, and is particularly beautiful in the autumn when the leaves change color.
Ryushoji Temple
This temple is located a 5-minute walk from Imamiya Shrine.
The tranquil atmosphere is complemented by beautiful gardens and historic buildings.
It is especially beautiful during the autumn foliage season, and since there are relatively few tourists, you can take your time and enjoy the autumn atmosphere.
FAQs about Imamiya Shrine
What kind of blessings does Imamiya Shrine offer?
It is particularly known for its power to ward off epidemics, and since its founding in 994, it has been worshipped as a god of healing.
In addition, the shrine is also known as “Tamanokoshi Shrine” because it was revered by Tokugawa Tsunayoshi’s mother, Keishoin, and is said to grant good fortune in finding a good partner.
What is “Ahoken-san”?
At the divination stone in the shrine grounds, you hit it three times with the palm of your hand, lift it up, then stroke it three times while making a wish, and lift it up again.
It is said that if the second stroke feels lighter, your wish will come true.
It is said to be especially effective for praying for recovery from illness.
What is the famous “Aburi Mochi”?
It is a rice cake snack made by coating small rice cakes with soybean flour, skewering them on a bamboo skewer, grilling them over charcoal, and then drizzling them with a sweet white miso sauce.
The bamboo skewers used are sacred skewers that have been donated to shrines, and are said to have the power to cure illnesses and ward off evil.
Who is the chief deity?
The three main deities enshrined here are Okuninushi no Mikoto, Kotoshironushi no Mikoto, and Inadahime no Mikoto.
Additionally, Ekijinja Shrine enshrines Susanoo-no-Mikoto, who has long been worshipped as the god who wards off epidemics.
summary
Imamiya Shrine, founded in 994 as a prayer for the elimination of epidemics, is a historic shrine that enshrines Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto, and Inadahime-no-Mikoto as its main deities.
Within the grounds, there is a divine divination stone called “Ahoken-san,” which is said to grant wishes.
It is also known as “Tamanokoshi Shrine” because it was revered by the mother of the fifth Tokugawa Shogun, Tsunayoshi, and is said to grant good fortune in finding a good partner.
On the second Sunday of April, the Yasurai Festival, one of Kyoto’s three major strange festivals, is held.
Be sure to visit Imamiya Shrine, where you can feel the history and tradition of a thousand years in a tranquil atmosphere.
