Beautiful experience. Great place to visit in Kagawa Prefecture
There is a nearby shrine called "Takimiya Shrine," which is not entirely unrelated, but this is the "Takimiya Tenmangu Shrine" dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, so be careful not to confuse them when visiting. If you're driving, exit the Fuchu Lake Parking Area Smart Interchange on the Takamatsu Expressway, take Prefectural Route 184 toward Ayagawa Town and Kochi, and continue south. After passing the Ayanami Bypass, turn right at the T-junction with Prefectural Route 282, and you'll find the torii gate immediately to your right. The parking lot is located behind the torii gate, so you can easily access it. If you're traveling by train, take the Kotoden train from Takamatsu-Chikko Station or Kotoden-Kotohira Station to "Takimiya" Station and walk about 50 meters west to reach the shrine. While the grounds are long from the front shrine gate, they're not very deep, and the main hall is directly in front, up a few steps. Facing the main hall, there is a gift shop at the back left, and in the front left are the statues of Koimatsu Tenjin and Fukurokuju, as well as a small shrine for Komorisha, and on the right are the Seven Lucky Gods lined up facing north. There is also a treasure museum, but it is currently closed. This shrine, along with Saijo Shrine (Saijo City) in Ehime Prefecture, is famous in the Shikoku region for its active selection of character charms, and I believe it has one of the best selections in Kagawa Prefecture. It gets crowded during New Year's visits and festivals, but you can visit at a leisurely pace on other days.
Takinomiya Tenmangu Shrine's Nembutsu Dance
Every year on the fourth Sunday of August, the Nembutsu Dance is dedicated to Takinomiya Tenmangu Shrine.
Although it's called the Nembutsu Dance, its original purpose was to pray for rain.
Kagawa Prefecture is one of the least rainy regions in Japan,
and has suffered from water shortages to the point that the prefecture still relies on a dam in Kochi Prefecture for its water source.
During the Heian period, Takinomiya also suffered from drought,
and when the area was at its most desperate, Sugawara no Michizane, who was there at the time, is said to have prayed and brought rain.
The origin of the dance is said to be the joyous dance that the peasants danced.
So why is it called the "Nenbutsu Dance"?
Later, Honen Shonin (the founder of the Jodo sect of Buddhism), who also came from Kyoto, updated the choreography,
and the name was apparently given to it.
Even today, during Kagawa's dizzyingly hot summers,
the Nembutsu Dance is performed to bring rain.
The dance is characterized by its jumping and dancing while chanting "Namu Amida Butsu" in a dialect. ◎ The costumes are beautiful and luxurious (though they look hot...)
I went to pray for my daughter's success in university. I heard from people in Kagawa that this place is famous!
They had plum mochi, which was delicious!
There was also a tea shop, so I'd like to go back and take my time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow standard Shinto worship practices: purification, bowing, offerings, prayer, and clapping. Purchase omamori (protective amulets) and ema (prayer plaques) for academic success, and visit during festivals for traditional events.
Students and families typically visit before entrance examinations to pray for success, making exam seasons particularly significant visiting times.
No. The shrine's small scale and local character offer an authentic neighborhood religious experience rather than tourist-oriented activities, suiting visitors interested in community-level Shinto practices.
The shrine maintains seasonal festivals and rituals typical of Tenmangu shrines, celebrating Tenjin's associations with scholarship. During festivals, traditional events may include processions, performances, and community gatherings.
