Ebisu Jinja Shrine

The oldest shrine in Mitarai, dating to 1666 when the town was founded, Ebisu Jinja was built to honor the deity of fishermen and seafarers. Local legend holds that a fisherman noticed strange light appearing nightly near the Chisago Breakwater, and when he fished in the illuminated water, pulled up a statue of Ebisu. The shrine's torii stands at the edge of the pier facing the sea, positioned to greet arriving merchant ships. In recent years the torii has gained a reputation for matchmaking, with visitors shouting wishes through the gate toward the sea. The main sanctuary dates to 1723 and the worship hall to 1746, both designated Important Cultural Properties of Hiroshima Prefecture.