Cafe

[Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture] Is there a legend of three rabbits at Kumano Taisha Shrine in Nanyo City, the oldest shrine in Yamagata Prefecture?

  • ikoke ikoke
  • Last update: 2025.01.28

Kumano Taisha Shrine, located in the Miyauchi district of Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture, is said to be the oldest shrine in Yamagata Prefecture

Kumano Taisha Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in the Tohoku region, and is designated as an Important Cultural Property. The enshrined deity at Kumano Taisha Shrine is the god of marriage, and is known as the god of matchmaking, attracting worshippers from all over the country

is famous for the legend of the "Three Rabbits" carved on the back of the shrine, which are said to bring good luck in finding love

In this article, we will introduce the founding of Kumano Taisha Shrine, the origin of its reputation as the god of matchmaking, and the legend of the three rabbits

Over 1,200 years of history | What is Kumano Taisha Shrine in Nanyo City?

Kumano Taisha Shrine in Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture is also known as the Ise Shrine of Tohoku

is one of Japan's three great Kumanos, along with the Kumano Sanzan in Wakayama Prefecture and Kumano Kotaijingu Shrine in Nagano Prefecture

Kumano Taisha Shrine, the oldest shrine in Yamagata Prefecture, was also worshipped by warlords Uesugi and Date. Evidence of this is said to be the letter of assurance from Date Masamune, which still remains to this day

Furthermore, there are nearly 30 gods enshrined within the grounds, each with its associated zodiac sign , so it is recommended to take your time praying while searching for the god of your zodiac sign.

Kumano Taisha Shrine in Miyauchi is a famous power spot for matchmaking attracting many visitors from all over the country, and at the entrance to the shrine, a large ginkgo tree over 850 years old welcomes visitors.

There is a Jizo statue enshrined at the base of the large ginkgo tree, so don't miss it!

We visited at the height of the autumn foliage, so the large ginkgo tree was a vibrant yellow and the water basin was a vibrant color, so we were excited even before we entered the approach to the shrine

Just before the stairs leading to the shrine is a cafe with a lovely atmosphere called "Icho Cafe," which helps visitors to relax and unwind

This relatively new cafe was built within the shrine grounds as part of urban development. The building was renovated from a former ginkgo shop and is famous for its meals and sweets made with local ingredients

INFORMATION

  • Name: Icho Cafe, Kumano Taisha Shrine
  • Address: 3707-1 Miyauchi, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture
  • URL: Icho cafe official website
  • Business hours: 10:00-17:00
  • Closed: None 

GOOGLE MAP

Kumano Taisha is the god of matchmaking!

Kumano Taisha Shrine enshrines three gods: Izanagi, the first husband and wife in Japan, and Izanami, the first husband and wife in Japan, and Izumo no Okami, who was born from these two gods

, which enshrines the first married gods in Japan, has become known as a "shrine of matchmaking."

There was a cute piece of art made from fallen leaves in the temple grounds

What is the legend of the three rabbits?

Behind the main shrine, there is a rabbit carving hidden among other carvings such as a dragon, and legend has it that if you can find all three rabbits, your wish will come true

The windmill tunnel served as a guide to the back of the main hall

Because it is difficult to find the three rabbits, the shrine office will tell you the locations of up to two rabbits carved into the shrine. However, it is said that "if someone tells you the location of the third rabbit, the blessing will be lost,"

The fortune slip is also a cute rabbit

The adorable rabbit figurines sold at the shrine have fortune slips placed inside their stomachs, and they also sell a variety of other fortune slips, including water fortune slips and flower fortune slips

They're so cute, you'll probably want to buy two or three, but since they're fortune slips, just one might be enough. They're also reasonably priced at 500 yen, so why not pick one up when you visit the shrine?

Rabbits bring good luck

Once a month on the night of the full moon, a prayer ceremony for matchmaking is held. Since ancient times, rabbits have been said to be messengers of the moon, and a prayer ceremony (moon-musubi) is held on the night of the full moon so that the rabbit and the moon will guide you to your match. Participants can receive a charm called "Tamayura-mamori" (fee required)

Prayer Festival (Tsukimusubi)

Dates:
November 20th (Saturday) 19:00-20:00, reception from 18:30
December 10th (Saturday) 19:00-20:00, reception from 18:30 (reservations accepted)

*You can participate on the day, or if you are unable to visit in person, you can send your ticket by mail.
Please check in advance for details.

summary

Kumano Taisha Shrine, said to be the oldest shrine in Yamagata Prefecture, is located in Miyauchi, Nanyo City, and was worshipped and visited by so many people that special trains were even operated for pilgrimages to Kumano during the Showa era

It has long been known that the god of matchmaking is enshrined here, but recently the shrine has become widely known as a power spot for matchmaking, and is becoming popular among young people as well

The shrine is constantly visited by people who are attracted by its appearance that gives off a sense of its 1,200 years of history, the three rabbits, and the prayer festival held on full moon nights

The zodiac sign for 2023 is the rabbit, so why not visit Kumano Taisha Shrine, where you'll likely feel even more energized? Highly recommended!

Bonus image

Please enjoy this wonderful and auspicious sculpture! (One of the three rabbits)..

INFORMATION

GOOGLE MAP

Articles that may be related to this article

Other articles