What other travelers are saying about Shinomiya Shrine
Inside the stunning Momijidani Park, I visited Shinomiya Shrine, a hidden gem nestled among the lush foliage. This small, serene shrine is dedicated to the local deities and blends harmoniously with its natural surroundings.
The approach to Shinomiya Shrine is a peaceful walk through the park's picturesque pathways, with the famous Momijidani Bridge nearby, adding to the scenic beauty of the journey. The shrine itself is modest yet charming, featuring traditional wooden architecture and a tranquil ambiance that invites quiet reflection.
Shinomiya Shrine is characterized by its traditional Japanese architecture, including a prominent torii gate, beautifully crafted wooden buildings, and decorative elements.
The shrine is a popular destination during the cherry blossom season in spring and during the vibrant foliage of autumn. Festival days also attract many visitors.
Visitors should perform the purification ritual at the fountain, offer a prayer at the main hall, and show respect by bowing. It is also common to clap hands twice before praying.
Shinomiya Shrine is one of the outer shrines of Itsukushima Shrine, located near the entrance to Momijidani Park.
The enshrined deity is Kagutsuchi-no-Kami, the god of fire, who is worshipped as the god of fire prevention. Originally believed to have provided benefits such as preventing forest fires, the shrine is now also believed to provide benefits for prosperous business and agriculture.
Shinomiya Shrine is also famous for its Tanomo-san festival, where prayers are made for bountiful harvests and the healthy growth of children. Small, decorated boats called Tanomo-bune, made by local families, are gathered at Shinomiya Shrine, where they are purified and then set adrift with offerings into the sea around Itsukushima Shrine. It is said that if the boat safely passes through the torii gate, a good harvest will occur.
Due to this event, Shinomiya Shrine is also affectionately known as Tanomo Shrine.
Long ago, Miyajima itself was considered a god, and it was a sacred island where no one could live.
As a result, it was not possible to worship Inari, the deity praying for bountiful harvests of grain, the foundation of human life,
and instead worshipped a roadside god instead.
In front of Shinomiya Shrine is a plaza-like area, and when the large, magnificent ginkgo and maple trees change color in autumn, it creates a beautiful, sacred atmosphere.
In addition, during the autumn foliage season, the ginkgo trees are lit up at night.
