Takakura Shrine, a hidden power spot in Ouchijuku [Fukushima Prefecture]

Ouchi-juku located in Shimogo Town, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture , is a famous tourist spot in Fukushima, where you can see rows of old thatched-roof houses lined up along the road.

If you walk a little way off the main street of Ouchijuku onto a side street, you will find a beautiful shrine shrouded in silence, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the tourist area.

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Ouchijuku and Takakura Shrine

Ouchi-juku is a post town on the Aizu-Nishi Kaido road that was established around 1643 during the Edo period. It is located at the eastern end of a small basin at an altitude of around 658m, surrounded by the Ou Mountains

With the spread of railways during the Meiji period, the area gradually lost its status as a post town, but the traditional post town scenery with rows of old thatched-roof houses has been passed down through the generations, and in 1981 it was designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings

Since then, it has developed into a tourist destination that attracts many tourists, and continues to do so to this day

Takakura Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Mochihito

Takakura Shrine is the guardian deity of seven neighboring districts, including Ouchijuku, and is said to be a shrine dedicated to Prince Mochihito,

Its exact origins are unknown, but its founding dates back to the time of the Genpei War

the political upheaval of 1179, which began with Taira no Kiyomori launching a coup d'état and imprisoning Emperor Goshirakawa, Emperor Mochihito, fearing that the Taira clan would come to dominate the Imperial Court, plotted to overthrow the Taira clan in 1180 and issued the "Edict of Emperor Mochihito."

He himself "Prince Saikatsu" and attempted to raise an army, but his plan was discovered by the Taira at an early stage, and he was defeated in battle against the punitive force sent to pursue him.

According to the commonly known historical fact, Emperor Mochihito lost his life here, but according to a legend passed down in Ouchi-juku, he secretly escaped from the battlefield, escaped along the Tosando road, and arrived in Ouchi-juku

Afterwards, Emperor Mochihito stayed in this place for a while, but when the Taira clan learned of his survival, they sent pursuers

Just as Emperor Mochihito was about to fall into the hands of his pursuers, lightning suddenly struck nearby, causing the pursuers to flinch. Taking this as a divine message that they should not kill Emperor Mochihito, they secretly escaping to Echigo, where Takakura Shrine was founded to enshrine Emperor Mochihito

Incidentally, Emperor Mochihito was also known as Sanjo-no-miya or Takakura-no-miya because his residence was in Sanjo-Takakura, Kyoto. It is believed that the name of Takakura Shrine originates from this

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Takakura Shrine, where you can experience the mystical atmosphere shrouded in silence

Ouchijuku, including Takakura Shrine, has been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

Anyone who has visited this place will have seen the large torii gate. This is the first torii gate of Takakura Shrine. Pass through this gate and continue walking towards the mountain in front of you

After walking for about five minutes, you will see the second torii gate of Takakura Shrine on your right. Go through this gate and then climb a small mountain path

The approach to the shrine is beautifully maintained and made of stone. Apparently, people use this stream as a chozuya (purification fountain) to purify their hands

The third torii gate of Takakura Shrine. Once you pass through here, the worship hall is right in front of you

The hall of worship is a massive structure with a strong presence, and the only sound you can hear is the sounds of nature. As it was nearing evening, the light of the setting sun filtered through the trees, creating a truly mystical space

Behind the premises is a large cedar tree that is said to be about 800 years old, measuring 56m in height and 4.3m in circumference at chest height. At the time, it was off-limits because a hornet's nest had apparently been found there..

Ouchijuku has become a major tourist destination and is always bustling with tourists, but Takakura Shrine is a power spot where you can escape the hustle and bustle and experience a mystical atmosphere. If you're visiting Ouchijuku, be sure to visit it as well

Takakura Shrine <Information>

• Name: Takakura Shrine
• Address: Ouchi, Shimogo-cho, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima 969-5207
• Phone number: -
• Official URL: -

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