[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
  • Last updated: 2024.03.6

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 has the longest history in the Tohoku region, is large in scale, and has been designated as an important cultural property. The deity enshrined at Kumano Taisha is the god of husband and wife, and is known as the god of matchmaking, and is visited by worshipers from all over the country.

shrine is also famous for the legend of the three rabbits carved on the back of the shrine, which are said to bring luck in marriage

In this article, we will talk about the founding of Kumano Taisha Shrine, its origin as the god of matchmaking, and what is the legend of the three rabbits? I would like to introduce you to

Over 1200 years of history | What is Kumano Taisha in Nanyo City?

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

Along with Kumano Sanzan in Wakayama Prefecture and Kumano Kodai Shrine in Nagano Prefecture, Kumano Taisha in Nanyo City is also counted as one of the three Kumanos in Japan .

Kumano Taisha, the oldest shrine in Yamagata Prefecture, was worshiped by military commanders from Uesugi and Date. Date Masamune's letter of relief, which can be said to be proof of this, still exists today.

Furthermore, nearly 30 deities are enshrined within the shrine grounds, and the zodiac signs associated with each one are also written down , so we recommend that you take your time to pray while looking for the deity that corresponds to your zodiac sign.

Kumano Taisha Shrine in the shrine grounds a power spot famous for matchmaking a large ginkgo tree that is over 850 years old welcomes people at the entrance to the shrine

Dosojin is enshrined at the base of the giant ginkgo tree, so don't miss it!

I visited when the leaves were in full bloom, so the yellow color of the large ginkgo trees was so bright and the wash basins so colorful that I was excited even before I entered the approach.

In front of the stairs on the approach to the shrine, there is a cafe with a nice atmosphere called ``Icho Cafe'', which soothes the fatigue of those who visit the shrine.

This cafe is a relatively new cafe that was created within the shrine precincts during town planning.The building is a renovated former ginkgo store, and is famous for its food and sweets made with local ingredients.

INFORMATION

  • Name: Kumano Taisha Shrine Precincts Icho cafe
  • Address: 3707-1 Miyauchi, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture
  • URL: Icho cafe official homepage
  • Business hours: 10:00-17:00
  • No regular holiday 

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Kumano Taisha is the god of matchmaking!

Kumano Taisha Shrine is home to the three pillars of Iezu Miko Okami, born from the two deities Kumano Fusumi Okami Izanagi and Kumano Hayatama Okami Izanami, who were the first couple in Japan. The god is enshrined here.

, where the deity of Japan's first marriage is enshrined, has become known as a ``matchmaking shrine.''

A cute piece of art was created inside the temple grounds using fallen leaves.

What is the legend of the three rabbits?

Behind the main shrine, hidden behind other carvings such as dragons, is a carving of a rabbit, legend has it that if you find all three rabbits, your wish will come true

A windmill tunnel served as a guide to the back of the main shrine.

Since the three rabbits are difficult to find, the awarding office will tell you where two rabbits are carved. However, it is said that if someone else tells you the location of the third rabbit, you will lose your blessing, so please try to find the third rabbit on your own!

Omikuji is also a cute rabbit

The cute rabbit figurine sold at the gift shop has a fortune-telling fortune stored in the cavity of its stomach, and there are also various kinds of fortune-telling, such as water fortune-telling and flower fortune-telling.

They're really cute, so I'd like to buy two or three of them, but since it's a fortune, I think one might be better. The price is also reasonable at 500 yen, so why not buy one when you visit the shrine?

Rabbit is matchmaking

A matchmaking prayer festival is held once a month on the night of a full moon. Since ancient times, rabbits have been said to be messengers of the moon, and a prayer festival (moon knot) is held on the night of a full moon so that rabbits and the moon can lead to good luck.Only those who attend can receive a talisman called ``Tamayuramamori.'' . (Paid)

Prayer festival (moon knot)

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

*You can participate on the day, or if you are unable to visit, you can also send it by mail.
Please check both in advance.

summary

Kumano Taisha, which is said to be the oldest shrine in Yamagata Prefecture, is located in Miyauchi, Nanyo City, and was worshiped and visited by so many people that in the Showa era, there was even a special train for people to visit Kumano.

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

There is no shortage of visitors who are attracted to the 1,200-year-old history, the three rabbits, and the prayer festival held on full moon nights.

The zodiac sign for Reiwa 5 is the rabbit, so why not visit Kumano Taisha, which seems to have even more power? please! it's recommended.

Bonus image

Enjoy this wonderful auspicious sculpture! One of the (three rabbits)...

INFORMATION

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