Kibitsu Shrine

Kibitsu Shrine, located in Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, is a historic shrine representing the ancient province of Kibi. Known as the ichinomiya, or highest-ranked shrine, of Bitchū Province, it has long been deeply revered by people from the three provinces of Bizen, Bitchū, and Bingo, collectively known as the Sanbi region. It is considered one of the oldest and largest shrines in Okayama Prefecture and is widely known for the legend of Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto and Ura, which is said to be the prototype of the Momotaro folktale.

The shrine stands at the northwestern foot of Mount Kibi-no-Nakayama, a mountain revered since ancient times as the “Mountain of the Gods.” Visitors can enjoy a beautiful landscape where the rich natural surroundings harmonize with the shrine’s magnificent architecture.

## The Enshrined Deity and History

The principal deity of Kibitsu Shrine is Ōkibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto, a son of Emperor Kōrei, the seventh emperor of Japan.

According to legend, during the reign of Emperor Sujin, the tenth emperor, Ōkibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto was dispatched to the San’yōdō region as one of the Four Provincial Generals. There, he subdued Ura, a demon-like figure and bandit who had been ravaging the land of Kibi. He is said to have subsequently established peace and order in the region, taught the people agriculture and various industries, and governed with benevolence.

According to the shrine’s traditions, it was founded when Emperor Nintoku visited the province of Kibi. In the Engishiki Jinmyōchō, a record of ancient shrines, it was listed as a Myōjin Taisha, one of the highest-ranking shrines. Later, after being granted the divine rank of “Ippon,” it also came to be known as “Ippon Kibitsu-no-Miya.” Since ancient times, people throughout Japan have worshipped the shrine as a guardian of industry and a protector of longevity.

## The Prototype of the Momotaro Legend and the Defeat of Ura

Kibitsu Shrine preserves the legend of the defeat of Ura, which is said to have inspired the Momotaro folktale.

Ura is said to have been a demon-like figure who oppressed the people of Kibi. Ōkibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto defeated him, and the story is believed to have later been passed down as Momotaro’s battle against the oni.

Numerous places associated with this legend remain within the shrine grounds.

### Yaoki-iwa Rock

A rock where Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto is said to have placed his arrows during his battle with Ura.

### Yatate Ritual

A Shinto ritual associated with the defeat of Ura that has been handed down from ancient times to the present day.

### Ushitoramisaki Shrine

A place where Ura-no-Mikoto is enshrined. An oni mask is kept here.

### Okamaden

A building said to stand at the place where Ura’s head was buried. The Narukama Ritual is performed here.

Because these legends remain so strongly preserved, Kibitsu Shrine is widely known throughout Japan as a place associated with Momotaro.

## The Narukama Ritual

One of Kibitsu Shrine’s most famous rituals is the Narukama Ritual.

Held at the Okamaden, this mysterious ritual divines good and bad fortune, as well as blessings and calamities, from the sound produced by a kettle. It is said that one’s fortune is determined by the volume and duration of the kettle’s sound, and the ritual is cherished by many visitors.

The ritual is based on a legend that a kettle continued to ring at the Okamaden, where Ura’s head had been buried. Its miraculous reputation was already known throughout Japan by the Muromachi period, and the ritual became so famous that it appeared in *Ugetsu Monogatari*, a collection of supernatural tales written by Ueda Akinari during the Edo period.

The ritual is still solemnly performed by Shinto priests today, and many visitors listen intently to its mysterious sound.

## The National Treasure Main Hall and Worship Hall: Kibitsu-zukuri

The greatest highlights of Kibitsu Shrine are its main hall and worship hall, both designated as National Treasures.

The present shrine buildings were reconstructed beginning in 1425, during the early Muromachi period, under the orders of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. More than 30 years were required to complete the project.

The main hall and worship hall employ a unique architectural style known as hiyoku irimoya-zukuri, a paired gabled hip-and-gable roof style found nowhere else in Japan. This distinctive style is called Kibitsu-zukuri and has been designated a National Treasure as a rare form of architecture with no equal.

The magnificent structure, in which the main hall and worship hall are integrated into a single building, is exceptionally beautiful and highly regarded as a representative example of early Muromachi-period shrine architecture.

The following structures have also been designated Important Cultural Properties of Okayama Prefecture:

- Watari-den Corridor
- Tsuriden
- Saimon-den
- Konrō Covered Corridor
- Worship Hall
- Shinsenjo Offering Hall

In addition, the South and North Zuishinmon Gates, the Okamaden, and the wooden lion and komainu guardian statues have been designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

## The Beautiful Covered Corridor

One of the symbols of Kibitsu Shrine is its beautiful covered corridor, which extends approximately 360 to 400 meters from the main hall to the Motomiya Shrine to the south.

Built to follow the natural contours of the land, this long, uninterrupted corridor is truly spectacular and offers visitors a sense of historic architectural beauty. Walking through the quiet surroundings can feel as though one is being guided beyond the bounds of time into a sacred space.

The corridor has also been designated a cultural property by Okayama Prefecture.

## Nature Throughout the Seasons

Kibitsu Shrine is also popular for its seasonal flowers.

The most famous feature is the hydrangea garden along the corridor, containing approximately 1,500 plants. Around the middle of June each year, the flowers bloom in profusion, attracting many worshippers and visitors.

Other seasonal flowers include:

- Peonies
- Satsuki azaleas
- Rhododendrons
- Cherry blossoms
- Plum blossoms

These flowers add color to the shrine grounds throughout the year and soothe the hearts of visitors.

## The Allure of Kibitsu Shrine

Kibitsu Shrine offers a wide variety of attractions, including:

- The legend of Ura’s defeat, said to be the prototype of the Momotaro folktale
- The mysterious Narukama Ritual
- Kibitsu-zukuri, the only National Treasure architectural style of its kind in Japan
- The magnificent covered corridor stretching approximately 400 meters
- Beautiful natural scenery that changes with the seasons

It is a place where long history and mythology, architectural beauty, and nature come together in perfect harmony. As one of Okayama’s most iconic destinations, it is beloved by people from near and far.