Ikushima Tarushima Shrine

Map

History & Origins

The date of its founding is unknown, but it is an ancient shrine listed in the Engishiki and was already attracting worship in the Heian period. It is also known as the place where Takeda Shingen exchanged written oaths with Uesugi Kenshin, making it an important historical setting of the Sengoku period. Many warlords, including the Takeda family, revered the shrine.

Highlights

The main hall stands on an island in the middle of a pond, and the distinctive scenery of water surrounding it is a major attraction. The Onbashira Festival, held every six years in mid-April in the years of the Tiger and Monkey, is a grand festival involving the whole community, conducted in the same manner as the Onbashira Festival of Suwa Taisha. The grounds also contain a former storehouse where the written oaths of Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin were deposited.

Visitor Guide

Access by rail is convenient: it is about a 3-minute walk from Shimonogo Station on the Ueda Electric Railway Bessho Line. It is also about 15 minutes by car from the Ueda Castle ruins, making it suitable to combine with sightseeing in Ueda.

Best Season

April, when the cherry blossoms and the pond's surface are beautiful, and April of the Tiger and Monkey years, once every six years when the Onbashira Festival is held, are especially worth seeing.

Blessings

Annual Events

• April (every 6 years)

  Onbashira Matsuri (Onbashira Festival)

  A grand festival held in mid-April in the Years of the Tiger and Monkey. In a spirited rite, the sacred pillars are hauled, and rites are performed on the grounds.

• September

  Gohonsha Reisai (Main Shrine Annual Festival)

  An annual festival held on September 19. It is a traditional event giving thanks to the two great gods and praying for the prosperity of the community.

Travel Plan

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