Ikuta Jinja

Located in the central downtown of Kobe, Ikuta Jinja, also named as Ikuta Shrine, could be a must-see site when visiting the city. Founded in 201, it has been one of the oldest and most historical shrines in Japan. People worship the goddess here to pray for love relationship, health and fortune.

Ikuta Jinja

Ikuta Jinja: Name Origin of Kobe

After the construction of Ikuta Jinja, families that the emperor assigned for the maintenance of the shrine gradually settled here. They were called “Kanbe”. The pronunciation of Kanbe in Japanese is similar to Kobe, so naturally people began to call the city “Kobe”. 

5 Best Things to Do in Ikuta Jinja

Shrines in Japan always symbolizes faith and history. And Ikuta Jinja is one of the best ones. People in Japan visit it not only because of its historical significance, but also because they believe the goddess there can bring good luck to those who worship. No matter you are an architecture fan, a nature lover or a history enthusiast, you will have unique experience in Ikuta Jinja. Here are some best things in Ikuta Jinja that you won’t want to miss.

1. Pray for Sweet Love Relationship at the Main Shrine

Most of the young people come to visit Ikuta Jinja for a sweet relationship or a long lasting marriage. The goddess worshipped here is Wakahirume, a goddess of the rising sun in Japanese mythology. She used to make garments for the kami (Japanese god), so she is also considered as the goddess of weaving. People think the weaving threads represent firm and wonderful love between lovers or couples. Therefore, people enshrine the goddess for her blessings of love and happiness. And if you are lucky enough, you can even watch a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony in Ikuta Jinja. Local people hold the ceremony here to get efficacious blessings from the goddess.

Ikuta Jinja

Ikuta Jinja

2. Make a Wish at Inari Jinja or Daikai Jinja

After visiting the main shrine, it’s a good idea to go to another two subsidiary shrines in Ikuta Jinja to pray for more. 

You can make a wish at Inari Jinja to pray for good business. Similar to Senbon Torii in Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, you can also see the rows of red torii gates at Inari Jinja. And it’s a good choice to take a photo at Ikuta Jinja. It is believed that passing through the torri gates will send your wishes to the god there. 

Besides Inari Jinja, you can also pay a visit to Daikai Jinja. “Daikai” in Japanese refers to sea, so the shrine is related to good fortune at sea. People worship the god here to wish transportation and traffic safety when going out.

Ikuta Jinja

3. Heal Yourself in Ikuta Forest

Near the east gate of Ikuta Jinja, there is a small forest called Ikuta Forest. Strolling in the tranquil forest, you will transitorily get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and get relaxed. While that’s not all about Ikuta Forest until you see a big nanmu with its stump. The old tree has stood there for about 500 years. More importantly, it’s a sacred tree because it survived the Bombing of Kobe in World War II in 1945. People are amazed by the endless life force of nature and regard it as a symbol of rebirth, renaissance and success.

4. Get Entertained during Matsuri in Ikuta Jinja

Matsuri is the Japanese word for festival, usually held by a local shrine or temple. The liveliest ones in Ikuta Jinja are Ikuta Matsuri in April and Daikai Summer Matsuri in August. The festival includes various entertainments like unique music and dance performances as well as Japanese rituals. People celebrate the matsuri around decorated floats which are paraded in front of the shrine. And when night falls, this place will be more energetic. Also you can enjoy food from all over the world and buy souvenirs at the booths nearby the shrine.

5. Get Exquisite Shuin and Omamori at the Shrine 

A shuin in Japanese is a seal stamp for people who visit the shrine. Different Shrines offer different shuins. Ikuta Jinja offers various shuins each month. You can collect these beautiful patterns and kanjis with a book. 

Omamori is a kind of Japanese amulet which is said to provide people with protection and luck. Usually they should be tied to a backpack, a purse or be put into a car or your bedroom. And you can buy some as gifts to family or friends for good wishes. 

How to Get to Ikuta Jinja

Take a train on JR, Hankyu, or Hanshin lines to Sannomiya Station, and walk north for about 10 minutes. Clear signs will show you the way.

Opening Hours: 

Ikuta Shrine is open every day from 07:00 to 17:00. Note that the opening time may be changed depending on festival schedule.

Ticket Fare: Free

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Nearby Attractions 

Nankin-machi: A Chinatown to experience Chinese foods and culture. You may walk southwest for about 12 minutes to reach it.
Meriken Park: A beautiful seaside park by Port of Kobe housing many landmarks like Kobe Port Tower, Kobe Maritime Museum and the “BE KOBE” sign. It takes about 6 minutes to get there by taxi.