Gokōnomiya Shrine
shrine
Gokōnomiya Shrine
御香宮神社
Overview
It is unclear exactly when Gokōnomiya Shrine was built, but its repair is mentioned in records from the Heian period (794–1185).
On September 9, 863, cold spring water began flowing spontaneously from the ground at this shrine, and Emperor Seiwa had its name changed to Gokonomiya, meaning Shrine of Fragrant Water. The spring dried up in the Meiji era but was restored in the early 1980s and was listed among Japan's 100 Remarkable Waters in 1985. During the 1590s, Toyotomi Hideyoshi relocated the shrine to the northeast corner of his Fushimi Castle as protection against the kimon, the unlucky direction. Tokugawa Ieyasu moved it back in 1605. The main gate came from Fushimi Castle when it was demolished. Fushimi sake brewers still pray here for a good year.
Local tips
Purify your hands at the temizuya before approaching the main hall. Left hand first, then right, then pour water into your left hand to rinse your mouth.
Practical info
- Japanese name
- 御香宮神社
- Nearest station
- Fushimi-Inari Station (15 min bus)
- Payment
- Cash only
- Reservations
- not required
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