Iwashimizu Hachimangu

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Iwashimizu Hachimangu

The second most prestigious shrine after Ise Jingu.

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Otokoyama (Mt. Otokoyama) towers over the Yodo River, where the Katsura, Uji, and Kizu Rivers converge. Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine, once called Otokoyama Hachimangu Shrine, is located at this strategic point on the border between Kyoto and Osaka.

After the construction of the Heian-kyo Capital, in 859, Emperor Seiwa relocated the Hachiman Grand Deity from Usa Hachimangu Shrine in Kyushu to Otokoyama, based on an oracle, and it later became the second largest sobyo (ancestral hall) in Japan after Ise Jingu. Sobyo was a place of worship for the ancestors of the imperial family, and for many years it was revered as a shrine for the protection of the imperial family and the nation.

Since the rise of the Seiwa Genji clan, many warlords have visited the shrine to pray for victory. Among them, a large camphor tree dedicated by Kusunoki Masashige still remains near the shrine, with lush foliage. The main shrine building is a unique Hachiman-zukuri style, and the present one was built by Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Tokugawa family. The Hachiman bamboo that grew around the shrine is known as the filament of the light bulb invented by Edison, and a monument commemorating Edison has been built in the shrine grounds.

Highlights

  • The Hachiman-zukuri shrine pavilion is designated as a national treasure.
  • The "golden rain gutter" was donated by Oda Nobunaga.
  • Iwashimizu Shrine, which has a history dating back to before the founding of Hachimangu Shrine.
  • An observatory from which visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto City.
  • The view from the cable car that runs from Keihan Station.

Photos

  • The Hachiman-zukuri shrine pavilion, rebuilt during the reign of Tokugawa Iemitsu, is a national treasure. 
*Photo provider: Iwashimizu Hachimangu

    The Hachiman-zukuri shrine pavilion, rebuilt during the reign of Tokugawa Iemitsu, is a national treasure. *Photo provider: Iwashimizu Hachimangu

  • Hachimangu main shrine seen from the south main gate
*Photo provider: Iwashimizu Hachimangu

    Hachimangu main shrine seen from the south main gate *Photo provider: Iwashimizu Hachimangu

  • The Iwashimizu Shrine, which has existed since before the founding of Hachimangu Shrine, has a clear spring that never dries up.
*Photo provider: Iwashimizu Hachimangu

    The Iwashimizu Shrine, which has existed since before the founding of Hachimangu Shrine, has a clear spring that never dries up. *Photo provider: Iwashimizu Hachimangu

  • Monument celebrating the connection with Edison to this day.
*Photo provider: Iwashimizu Hachimangu

    Monument celebrating the connection with Edison to this day. *Photo provider: Iwashimizu Hachimangu

  • A large camphor tree is said to have been dedicated by Kusunoki Masashige
*Photo provider: Iwashimizu Hachimangu

    A large camphor tree is said to have been dedicated by Kusunoki Masashige *Photo provider: Iwashimizu Hachimangu

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Details

Name in Japanese
石清水八幡宮
Postal Code
614-8588
Address
30 Yawatatakabo, Yawata City, Kyoto
Telephone
075-981-3001
Closed
Open every day
Hours
6:00am-6:00pm
*Conferment place and prayer reception are open from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
*Varies during the year-end and New Year's holidays.
Admission
Free
Directions
1) Take a Keihan train from Keihan Sanjo Station or Gion-Shijo Station, get off at Iwashimizu Hachimangu Station, take the approach cable to Hachimangu Sanjo Station, and walk 5 minutes.
2) From Kintetsu Shin Tanabe Station, take Keihan Bus No. 74 bound for Keihan Hachiman via JR Kyotanabe Station, get off at the last stop, take the approach cable to Hachimangu Sanjo Station, and walk 5 minutes.
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)