Okazaki Shrine has been worshipped by many couples for more than 1200 years as the god of conception and safe childbirth. The two main enshrined deities are married to each other, and gave birth to three goddesses and five male gods. Rabbits are the servant of the divine couple, which makes this shrine the best place to pray for conceiving a child because rabbits are known to be prolific breeders. Rabbit statues are placed elsewhere in the precinct, and cute rabbit amulets are also available to those who wish to be blessed with children.
Main Sanctuary: Rabbit statues are placed on both sides of the main sanctuary. At the praying space, there are another two special rabbit statues that are placed to give worshippers wealth and good human relationships.The Fertility Rabbit: It is believed that women who pour water on this sacred rabbit and rub its stomach can receive divine assistance in having a child.The Fortune-Telling Rabbits: At Okazaki Shrine, the omikuji (fortune-telling slip) comes inside a cute rabbit container. You are welcome to take the rabbit with you, but you can also place it in the precinct.Miyashige Inari Shrine: This is a venerable Inari shrine that was formerly placed inside the imperial palace of retired emperors.Ame Shrine: Enshrines the dragon god of rain, who is also the tutelary deity of eye health.
Susanoo no Mikoto: One of the main deities in Japanese mythology who is famous for his valor. His main blessings are good harvest and warding off bad luck.
Kushinada-hime no Mikoto: Goddess of the harvest who was saved by Susanoo no Mikoto from Yamata no Orochi, a monster. Gave birth to three goddesses and five male deities.
Yahashira no Kogami: The eight child deities of Susanoo no Mikoto and Kushinada-hime no Mikoto.
Access
Address: 51 Okazaki Higashitenno-Cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
List of Nearby Shrines
12 minute walk
Heian Jingu ShrineHeian Jingu Shrine was built to celebrate the 1100th anniversary of the establishment of Heian-kyo imperial capital. The shrine is also famous for Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages), one of the 3 major festivals in Kyoto.
