Umenomiya Taisha is one of the three major shrines dedicated to the god of Japanese sake, Saketoke no Kami. The local people also visit this shrine to pray for conception and safe childbirth because it is said that Empress Danrin, the consort of the 52nd emperor, conceived a child after praying at this shrine. Umenomiya Taisha is popular among cat-lovers as well. The other name of this shrine is the “Cat Shrine”, and visitors are free to take photos of the adorable cats that are taken care by the chief priest.
The Zuijin Gate: Japanese sake barrels offered from all over Japan are placed on the Zuijin Gate (a gate guarded by two guardian deities) of Umenomiya Taisha, which shows the Japanese sake breweries’ deep faith in the shrine.Goou Shrine: Enshrines Tachibana no Ujigimi, the founder of the first school in Japan. It is believed that those who pray at this shrine can receive divine assistance in achieving academic success.The Mikiri Stone (front) and Ohyakudo Stone (back): In Japan, there is a folk belief called Ohyakudo Mairi (the belief that your wish will come true after praying at a shrine 100 times). The Mikiri and Ohyakudo Stones are used for Ohyakudo Mairi, and worshippers walk back and forth between the stones every time they pray at the main sanctuary.Cats: Visitors can be healed by the cute cats that live in the precinct.Iwakura: It is said that the divine couple residing in these rocks helps people maintain their traffic safety.
Saketoke no Kami: The tutelary deity associated with mountains. Also worshipped as the god of Japanese sake brewing, since he made Japanese sake for his daughter’s wedding for the first time in Japan. Also known as Ooyamazumi no Kami.
Oowakuko no Kami: The grandson of Amaterasu Oomikami, the chief deity of all the gods in Japan. Also known as Ninigi no Mikoto.
Kowakuko no Kami: The son of Oowakuko no Kami and Sakedokemiko no Kami, who is the deity of good human relationships and business success. Also known as Hihohodemi no Mikoto.
Sakedokemiko no Kami: Renowned as the most beautiful goddess in the Japanese mythology. Because she successfully gave birth to her son in a fire, Sakedokemiko no Kami is worshipped as the deity of safe delivery and protection from fire. Also known as Konohana Sakuyahime no Mikoto.
Access
Address: 30 Umezu Fukenokawa-Cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
List of Nearby Shrines
14 minute walk
Matsunoo Taisha ShrineThis shrine was established in 701, and it enshrines the god of mountains. The sacred spring water drawn from the well in the precinct is renowned for saving Japanese sake from going bad. Visitors are welcome to taste this sacred water.
