Iwakuni Shirohebi Shrine

History and Divine Virtue

Located at Imazu in Iwakuni, this shrine enshrines the three Munakata goddesses and Uka no Mitama no Kami. White snakes have lived in Iwakuni since ancient times, and in the Edo period they were treasured for protecting the domain's rice granaries from mice. These 'white snakes of Iwakuni', an albino form of the Japanese rat snake that established itself naturally in the area, are designated a National Natural Monument. Because the white snake is regarded as a messenger of Benzaiten and a symbol of wealth and good fortune, the shrine was founded in 2012 to protect the snakes and carry on the faith surrounding them. A conservation facility adjoins the grounds, where the snakes can be seen. Though relatively new, the shrine preserves a form of devotion unique to Iwakuni, in which white-snake veneration and the Benzaiten faith are joined.

Visiting Notes

• White-snake motifs appear throughout the grounds, from the carvings of the sanctuary to the purification basin.
• The adjoining White Snake Viewing Center (admission charged) displays the natural-monument snakes. Worship at the shrine is free.
• The white snake is held to be Benzaiten's messenger, and many come to pray for wealth and good fortune.
• About 10 minutes by car from Kintaikyo Bridge, near which there is another white snake viewing facility.

Deities and Location

Enshrined Deities

Tagorihime no Kami, Tagitsuhime no Kami, Ichikishimahime no Kami, Uka no Mitama no Kami

Location

山口県岩国市今津町 (undefined)

Access

From JR Iwakuni Station, take a bus to Imazu, then about 5 minutes on foot.

Lineage

Benzaiten: Arts & Wealth, Wealth & Prosperity

Visiting hours, goshuin (shrine stamps), and festival dates change; please confirm the latest information through each shrine's official announcements. If you find an error in this entry, we would be grateful if you let us know.