Takakura Shrine, a hidden power spot in Ouchijuku (Fukushima Prefecture)

is located in Shimogo-machi, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima PrefectureOuchi-juku. It is famous as one of Fukushima's tourist attractions because of the sight 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

Although it gradually lost its status as a post town with the spread of railways during the Meiji era, the traditional post town scenery with its rows of thatched-roof houses has been passed down through generations, and in 1981 itan Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildingswas designated as

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 Shrinethe third son of Emperor Go-ShirakawaPrince Mochihito,is said to be a shrine dedicated to

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

which began with Taira no Kiyomori's coup d'état and the imprisonment of Emperor Go-Shirakawa,the political upheaval of 1179Prince Mochihito, fearing that the imperial court would be controlled by the Taira clan, plotted to overthrow the Taira in 1180 and"Prince Mochihito's Imperial Decree."issued

He himself"Prince Saisho"and attempted to raise an army, but his plan was exposed to the Taira clan early on, and he suffered a defeat in battle against the pursuing army that was sent to punitive the army.

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-machi, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima Prefecture, 969-5207
• Phone number:
• Official URL:

Google Map

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