Kono Shrine: The Ancient Ichinomiya of Tango Province and a Sacred “Moto-Ise” Site
Kono Shrine (Kono Jinja) is an ancient Shinto shrine located on the northern side of the famous sandbar of
Amanohashidate in Kyoto Prefecture.
It is revered as the Ichinomiya (chief shrine) of the former Tango Province
and is one of Japan’s most important sacred sites associated with the origins of Shinto worship.
The shrine is especially famous as one of the principal Moto-Ise (“Original Ise”) shrines.
According to tradition, before the enshrinement of the deities at Ise Grand Shrine,
both Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess, and Toyouke Omikami were worshipped at this location.
As a result, Kono Shrine is regarded as one of the spiritual predecessors of Japan’s most sacred shrine.
The principal deity enshrined here is Hikohoakari-no-Mikoto,
a divine descendant of the heavenly lineage described in Japanese mythology.
Other enshrined deities include Amaterasu Omikami, Toyouke Omikami,
and several gods associated with water, the sea, and nature.
Worshippers visit the shrine to pray for good fortune, family well-being, protection from misfortune,
success in business, safe travel, maritime safety, and harmonious relationships.
One of the shrine’s most remarkable features is its deep connection with Ise Shrine.
The main sanctuary is built in the Shinmei-zukuri architectural style, the same style used at Ise Grand Shrine.
The shrine also preserves the rare “Goshiki no Suedama” (Five-Colored Sacred Jewels),
an ornament found only at Ise Shrine and Kono Shrine.
Kono Shrine is also the custodian of the Kaifu Clan Genealogy,
a National Treasure considered one of Japan’s oldest surviving family records.
This invaluable document provides important insights into Japan’s ancient history and mythology.
A short distance from the main shrine lies Manai Shrine, the shrine’s sacred inner sanctuary.
Surrounded by ancient forest and natural rock formations used in early Shinto worship,
it offers visitors a glimpse into Japan’s oldest spiritual traditions
and is often regarded as one of the most powerful spiritual sites in the country.
Visitors can reach Kono Shrine from Amanohashidate by sightseeing boat to Ichinomiya Pier,
followed by a short walk of approximately three minutes.
Alternatively, local buses stop at “Moto-Ise Kono Jinja-mae.
” By car, the shrine is about 20 minutes from the Yosa-Amanohashidate Interchange on the Kyoto Jukan Expressway.
After your visit to the shrine, take a walk across Amanohashidate, one of Japan's Three Scenic Views.
You should also visit the observation deck at either Kasamatsu Park or Amanohashidate View Land,
where you can enjoy the famous "matanozoki" (looking at Amanohashidate upside down through your legs)
for a unique and memorable view of the sandbar.
After visiting the shrine, travelers can enjoy fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan.
Popular local specialties include seafood rice bowls, seasonal fish, oysters, yellowtail,
and the traditional regional dish known as Tango Barazushi.
For souvenirs, visitors often purchase Chie no Mochi (a famous sweet associated with Amanohashidate),
Tango Chirimen silk products, local sake, and shrine-related items such as amulets and goshuin stamp books.
For those exploring Japan’s historic Ichinomiya shrines or seeking a deeper understanding of Japanese mythology
and the origins of Shinto, Kono Shrine is an essential destination that combines history, spirituality,
and the natural beauty of Amanohashidate.