Kono Shrine

History and Divine Virtue

The ichinomiya of Tango Province, standing at the northern end of Amanohashidate, with Hikohoakari no Mikoto as its principal deity. According to shrine tradition, Amaterasu Omikami was worshipped here as "Yosa-no-Miya" before her enshrinement moved to Ise, and Toyouke no Okami of Ise's Outer Shrine is also said to have originally dwelt in this land — hence the title "Moto-Ise Kono Jinja," the former Ise. Since its founding, the office of chief priest has passed down through generations of the Amabe clan, whose genealogy, among the oldest extant in Japan, is designated a National Treasure. The main hall is built in the same shinmei-zukuri style as Ise Jingu, and the five-colored suedama ornaments set upon its railing are said to be permitted only to the main sanctuary of Ise Jingu and to Kono Shrine. Together with its inner shrine, Manai Shrine, it welcomes worshippers from across the country as the foremost sacred site of Tango. On the approach stand a pair of guardian komainu dogs, Important Cultural Properties said to be masterworks of the Kamakura period, and the annual Aoi Festival has long heralded the arrival of spring in Tango.

Visiting Notes

• The five-colored suedama on the main hall's railing are said to exist only here and at the main sanctuary of Ise Jingu. Look for them as you pay your respects.
• The inner shrine, Manai Shrine, is about a 10-minute walk away; visiting the two together is the traditional custom.
• Kasamatsu Park, where visitors view Amanohashidate upside-down between their legs, is close by — pilgrimage and scenery in a single journey.

Deities and Location

Enshrined Deities

Hikohoakari no Mikoto

Location

京都府宮津市字大垣 (Kyoto)

Access

From Amanohashidate Station on the Kyoto Tango Railway, by sightseeing boat or local bus

Lineage

Moto-Ise & Mythology

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.