A 398-meter long corridor!? The model for the Momotaro legend!? [Kibitsu-jinja Shrine]

• Table of Contents
• Okayama, the birthplace of the "Momotaro Legend" - A tale of demon slaying told through the ancient Kibi heritage (certified as a Japan Heritage site in 2018)
• A famous spot where you can enjoy seasonal flowers
• Highlight 1: National Treasures (Main Hall and Worship Hall)
• Highlight 2: A 400m long corridor
• Highlight 3: The Narukama Shinto Ritual
• Also recommended for purchasing prayers and amulets

Okayama, the birthplace of the "Momotaro Legend" - A tale of demon slaying told through the ancient Kibi heritage (certified as a Japan Heritage site in 2018)

"Momotaro-san, Momotaro-san, Momotaro-san" is a familiar character from the fairy tale. The roots of the Momotaro legend are in Okayama. The Kibiji road stretches from the western part of Okayama City to Kurashiki City and Soja City. In this area, there are many anecdotes and ruins related to Momotaro, and it has been designated as a Japan Heritage Site.

The shrine enshrines Okibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto, who was the model for Momotaro, and within the grounds there is also the Okamadono, where the head of the famous demon Ura is said to have been buried. Kibitsu-jinja Shrine is said to have been founded around 300 AD, and during the Edo period, worshippers from all over the country came to visit the shrine along with the "Konpira Mairi" (visit to Kotohira Shrine in Kagawa Prefecture), making it a place of faith and history since that time.

A famous spot where you can enjoy seasonal flowers

Many tourists visit the area to enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in early summer, and autumn leaves in fall. It is also a popular photo spot.

Highlight 1: National Treasures (Main Hall and Worship Hall)

[Top: National Treasure main hall and worship hall, bottom: Hiyoku-irimoya style]

There are three highlights at the shrine.

The first is the main hall and worship hall (national treasure) built in the "Hiyoku Irimoya-zukuri" style. This is a rare piece of architecture that can be seen all over Japan.

Highlight 2: A 400m long corridor

The second is the Corridor, which is about 400 meters long and continues in a straight line, following the natural topography.

It was believed to be a road for carrying offerings to the gods, and until the Sengoku period it was about three times as long as it is today.

Highlight 3: The Narukama Shinto Ritual

The third is the "Narukama Shinji." "If the sound is loud and rich, it's good. If it stops or you can't hear it, it's bad."

After being defeated by Okibitsuhiko, Ura continued to groan even after all that remained was his head. At Okamadono, where Ura's head is said to be buried, fortune telling is available.

[The hearth hall with walls, pillars, and ceiling blackened with soot]

The wood burning in the cauldron picks up steam, and the whole room is enveloped in smoke. Suddenly, a loud "boom" sound, like a cow mooing, reverberates throughout the room. It can be heard clearly and distinctly. How the sound resonates with the listener - "a thick, reassuring sound," "I want to hear more," "I didn't hear it," etc. - is what determines whether the sound will be good or bad.

[The Sengoku warlord Kuroda Kanbei is said to have also prayed at the Narukama ritual.]

There are many stories about the legend of Momotaro that remain in the Kibiji area. Why not take a trip to relive the romance of the ancient times?

*Photography is prohibited during the Narukama ritual. We received special permission to take these photos.

Also recommended for purchasing prayers and amulets

It is also recommended for various prayers such as traffic safety, safety in the home, and passing exams.

There are many things related to Momotaro at the shrine. There are fortune boxes with Momotaro on them and peach bell charms. Peaches have been believed to have the power to ward off evil since ancient times. They are recommended as souvenirs and mementos of your trip.

Kibitsujinja shrine

701-1341 931 Kibitsu, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture