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

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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

carved behind the shrine, which is said to bring good fortune in matchmaking,the "Three Rabbits"the legend of

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,the Ise Shrine of Tohokuis also known as

Along with the Kumano Sanzan in Wakayama Prefecture and the Kumano Kōtaijingu in Nagano Prefecture, Kumano Taisha in Nanyo City is counted as one of the three major Kumano shrines in Japan.

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,nearly 30 deities are enshrined within the temple grounds, and each is associated with a specific zodiac sign, so it's recommended to take your time and pray while searching for the deity corresponding to your own zodiac sign.

Kumano Taisha Shrine in Miyauchi isa popular power spot known for matchmaking, attracting visitors from all over Japan. At the entrance to the shrine grounds,a large ginkgo tree over 850 years oldwelcomes 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 Homepage
  • Business hours: 10:00-17:00
  • Closed: None 

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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 gods to be united as a married couple in Japan,has become widely known as a "shrine for 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, hidden among other carvings such as dragons, there are rabbit sculptures, andif you can find all three of these rabbits, your wish will come truethere is a legend that

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

Since it's difficult to find all three rabbits, the shrine will tell you where two of the rabbits are carved. However,"if someone tells you where the third rabbit is, you will lose the blessing,"it's also said that

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 (Sat) 19:00-20:00 (Registration from 18:30)
December 10th (Sat) 19:00-20:00 (Registration from 18:30) (Reservations accepted)

*Participation on the day is possible, and those who are unable to visit can submit their prayers by mail.
Please confirm in advance for all options.

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

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