A 398-meter long corridor!? The inspiration 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 heritage of ancient Kibi (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: "Narukama Shinto Ritual"
• Recommended for purchasing prayers and amulets

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

"Momotaro, Momotaro, Momotaro" is a familiar character from the fairy tale. The roots of the Momotaro legend lie in Okayama. The Kibi Road stretches from the western part of Okayama City to Kurashiki City and Soja City. This area is home to many anecdotes and ruins related to Momotaro, and has been designated a Japan Heritage Site.

The shrine enshrines Okibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto, who was the model for Momotaro, and within the grounds there is also the Kamado Hall where the head of Ura, a famous demon, is said to be buried. Kibitsu-jinja Shrine is said to have been founded around 300 AD, and during the Edo period, worshippers from all over the country visited the shrine along with the "Konpira Pilgrimage" 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 autumn. 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 of 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 approximately 400 meters long and continues in a straight line, following the natural topography.

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

Highlight 3: "Narukama Shinto Ritual"

The third is the "Narukama Shinji." "If the sound is loud and rich, it is good fortune. If it is interrupted or cannot be heard, it is bad fortune."

After being defeated by Okibitsuhiko, Ura continued to groan even after only his head remained. At Okamadono, where Ura's head is said to be buried, fortunes can be read.

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

The wood burning in the cauldron picks up steam, and the room becomes engulfed in smoke. Suddenly, a loud, booming sound, like a cow mooing, resonates throughout the room. It can be heard clearly and distinctly. How the sound resonates with the listener - whether it's a "thick, reassuring sound," "I want to hear more," or "I didn't hear it" - is used to tell fortunes.

[Kuroda Kanbei, a warlord of the Sengoku period, is said to have also prayed at the Narukama ritual.]

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

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

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 long been believed to have the power to ward off evil. They are recommended as souvenirs and mementos of your trip.

Kibitsujinja shrine

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

There is a legend surrounding Kibitsuhiko no Mikoto and Ura, who are said to be the origin of the Momotaro (demon slaying) legend. You can experience legendary settings such as Yagi Rock, where it is said that an arrow was placed to kill demons, and Okamaden, where it is said that the head of a demon was buried. The Narukama Shinto ritual, in which fortune is predicted by the sound of a kettle, is familiar to many people. The main shrine and worship hall, which were rebuilt in 1425, are the only ones in Japan to adopt the architectural style Kibitsu-zukuri (hiyoku irimoya-zukuri, hiyoku irimoya-zukuri), and have been designated as national treasures. Additionally, the beautiful 360m corridor that extends from the main shrine is a historic building that is worth seeing.