Motoise Naigu Kotai Shrine

Motoise Naigu Kotai Shrine 1
Motoise Naigu Kotai Shrine 1 thum

This ancient shrine is one of the locations Amaterasu, the Shinto Goddess of the Sun, was enshrined before moving to the Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture. In fact, this shrine predates the Ise Grand Shrine by fifty-four years. It is also one of only two shrines in Japan to use black cedar torii gates. The shrine is a close walk from a local train station, and is a great start or finish for people who want to experience the neighboring Oeyama mountain range on foot. The shrine and nearby walking paths/forest roads lead to some of the area's best hiking (good for all ability levels).

The shrine grounds give off a profound feeling of spirituality, as the shrine is enshrouded in an old-growth forest with trees that have been growing here for up to 2,000 years. Visitors can experience the origins of Shinto culture here, as there are power spots that pre-date organized shrine worship in the area that are still visited today.

Combine your love of nature with a dive into ancient Shinto culture.
TEL: 0773-56-1011
address: 217 Oemachi Naiku, Fukuchiyama City
access: 15 minutes on foot from Oeyamaguchi Naiku Station on the Kyoto Tango Railway.