Inside Scoop
Kibitsuhiko Shrine Famous for the Momotaro Legend
Taking the Kibi-Roman Free Circulating Bus
I visited Kibitsuhiko Shrine, taking the Kibi-Roman free circulating bus. This was my first time here, and I was surprised to find it much larger and more beautiful than I’d imagined. Since it was so breathtaking, I felt I should have come earlier, so I would like to introduce Kibitsuhiko Shrine to everyone this time.2022-08-10
When it comes to Okayama city, it is famous for Momotaro, a boy born from a peach. Do you happen to know the “Legend of Momotaro”?
The Kibi-Roman free circle bus is a charge-free, circulating bus service which departs from the JR Okayama station, Athletic Park Exit (West Exit). It circles nine spots including Tsukuriyama Ancient Tomb in Kita-ward, which comprises Japanese Heritage “Okayama, the birthplace of the Momotaro legend” and Kibitsuhiko Shrine. I hope that those interested in the legend will take the Kibi-Roman free circulating bus and find the attractiveness of Kibiji area, which is glittering with history.
◉ Period of Operation: July 16, 2022 to September 25, 2022 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
◉ Stops: Kibitsuhiko Shrine △ Kibitsu Shrine △ Bicchu Takamatsu Castle-Site Park △ Saijo-inari
Temple △ Ryusenji Temple △ Jinya-machi Ashimori △ Sun-road Kibiji △ Bicchu Kokubunji Temple / Koumoriduka Archeological Site △ Tsukuriyama Ancient Tomb
◉ Service Frequency: Eight times a day, running from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. going both direction.
◉ No reservation required.
◉ Able to board and disembark freely at each stop.
Part 1
I visited Kibitsuhiko Shrine this time. Kibitsuhiko Shrine is located in Ichinomiya, Bizen province. The main shrine, dedicated to Okibitsuhiko-no-mikoto, the model for Momotaro, was rebuilt in 1697 by the head of the Okayama Domain, Tsunamasa Ikeda, and is designated as an important cultural property of Okayama prefecture.
Although the shrine was not fancy, it had a calm atmosphere, quaint and awesome.
Part 2
The shrine is dedicated to Okibitsuhiko-no-mikoto, who is said to be a model of the Momotaro (the boy born from a peach) legend of Okayama, as expected its Ema※ is cute being in a peach shape.
※ Ema is a wooden board, on which people write their wish.
Many of their fortune slips and lucky charms are so cute, linking to the Momotaro legend, and you would probably like to hold one in your hand right away.
They have a statue of Momotaro accompanied by a dog, a monkey and a pheasant.
The final place I would like to introduce is a coffee shop next to the approach to Kibitsuhiko Shrine. Due to the coronavirus, the seats inside the shop were not available, so I ate outside, taking a seat on the bench.
What I had this time was Akahime-mochi, a kind of rice cake (200 yen per piece).
They toast mochi and dumplings after ordering, and serve them. The hot mochi topped with sweet soy sauce was not too sweet, not too hot but was indeed delicious. I would definitely like to stop by again when visiting Kibitsuhiko Shrine.
The shrine is associated with the Momotaro legend and enshrines models of characters in the legend. It might be fun to think about the legend while looking around there.
I would like to end this coverage of Kibitsuhiko Shrine now. I recommend visiting this place to anyone who is interested in the “Legend of Momotaro!
Reporter: CHANG CHI WEN
Providing information on the aspects of “Cool Okayama”
found in daily life and other recommendations
from the point of view of foreign residents of Okayama Prefecture.
