Itsukushima Shrine locates in the Kyoto Imperial Palace beside the Kujo family’s tea room. It was built by Taira no Kiyomori, a famous military leader, almost 9 centuries ago for his mother. The stone torii (gateway) of the shrine is famous for being one of the 3 unique toriis in Kyoto. Itsukushima Shrine is also known for giving people economic fortune, since it enshrines, Benzaiten, the goddess of water and wealth.
The Sanctuary and the Stone Torii: The stone torii that stands in front of the sanctuary is made in the Kara-hafu architectural style, and is referred to as one of the 3 unique toriis in Kyoto.The Kujo Pond and Shusui-tei: The shrine is located next to the Kujo Pond and Shusui-tei (tea room), both of which were built by the Kujo, a powerful regent house in the Heian period.The Sacred Tree: A sacred tree grows at the back of the sanctuary, penetrating the roof.Benzaiten: A sacred picture of Benzaiten, the goddess of water and wealth, is hung on the left wall of the sanctuary.White Snake: A picture of a white snake, the divine servant of Benzaiten, is hung at the back side of the sanctuary.
*Besides 1st and 15th of every month, the amulets and stamps are only available at Sugawarain Tenmangu Shrine.*
Main Enshrined Deities
Munataka-no-Ookami: Collectively refers to the three Munataka sister deities (Tagirihime-no-Mikoto, Tagituhime-no-Mikoto, and Ichikisimahime-no-Mikoto). Protects anything that concerns production, such as fishery, industry, and childbirth.
Benzaiten: A female deity that symbolizes beauty and wisdom. One of the Seven Lucky Gods. The goddess of water, and the main blessings are achievement in arts and economic fortune.
Access
Address: 9 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
List of Nearby Shrines
2 minute walk
Munataka ShrineMunataka Shrine sits at the southwest of Kyoto Imperial Palace. The main enshrined deity, Munataka-Ookami, helps people cut their way through, and gives protection to anything that concerns production.
(2 minute walk)
6 minute walk
Shirakumo ShrineShirakumo Shrine enshrines Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto, the goddess of music. Once every 12 days, the shrine holds the festival of snakes because snakes are considered to be the divine servant of the goddess.
Goou Jinja ShrineBoars are enshrined in this shrine because it is believed that 300 boars healed the main enshrined deity’s injured feet when he was chased by his enemy. Statues and carvings of boars can be seen elsewhere in the precinct.
