Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine

Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine is one of the three government supported honoured shrines. Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine (Kyoto) is a designated Important Cultural Property. Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine is a Shinto shrine which was built in 860 by the order of Emperor Seiwa to protect the country, following to the advice from a monk called Gyokyo. Since then, it has been a significant shrine in Japan, receiving patronage from Japanese Imperial family and famous shoguns such as Minamoto Yoritomo, Ashikaga Yoshimasa and Taira-no-Kiyomori. Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine is one of the three government supported honoured shrines along with Usa Shrine (Oita) and Hakozakigu Shrine (Fukuoka). It is also the second most significant Imperial mausoleum after Ise Shrine (Mie). Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine is designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese Government. Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine is located in Yawata-shi in the southern part of Kyoto Prefecture. Major features of Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine Honden: Main Hall. The current building was built in 1634 by the order of Tokugawa Iemitsu. This architecture is called ‘Hachiman Zukuri’ and is surrounded by 180-meter-long balcony. San-no-torii: The third gate for the shrine. The first and second gates are located between Yawatashi Station and this third gate.   Wakamiyasha: Emperor Nintoku (313-399) is enshrined.   Azekura: Storage Building Sumiyoshisha: Three Sumiyoshi Gods are enshrined.   Reedy Wreath: A reedy wreath is displayed during June and December in many shrines. It is believed that when you go through the wreath, you can purge your sins for the past year.   Monument to Thomas Edison: Otokoyama, the mountain where Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine is locatated, is famous for its bamboo bush. The legendary inventor Thomas Edison used bamboo from here to make filaments for the first light bulb in 1880. Omotesando: Front approach to the shrine. Nowadays, you can catch a train and cable car right up to Iwashimizu Hachimangu. However, people used to climb up the mountain (Otokoyama) to visit the shrine. During new year time, many stalls sell food and toys along this Omotesando. AccessFrom Kyoto Station take the Kintetsu Railway line to Tanbabshi Station (12 min). Change to the Keihan Railway line, then go to the Yawatashi Station (13 min). Change to the Otokoyama Cable (Ropeway) (3 min). It is then a 5 minute walk to Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine. | | |