Map
Kehi Jingu, in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture, is a prestigious shrine that has served as the Ichinomiya of Echizen Province and the chief guardian shrine of the Hokurikudo road. Its principal deity is Isasawake no Mikoto (Kehi Okami), and it jointly enshrines seven deities, including Emperor Chuai, Empress Jingu and Emperor Ojin. One of Japan's Three Great Wooden Torii stands at the entrance to the grounds, and its vermilion, majestic form greets worshippers.
Shrine Info
- Enshrined Deity
- Izasawake no Mikoto and six other deities
- Founded
- Said to date from Chuai 8 (around 200 CE)
- Annual Festival
- Reitaisai (September); Kehi no Nagamatsuri (July)
History & Origins
According to tradition it was founded in the 8th year of Emperor Chuai (around 200), and in 702 (the 2nd year of Taiho) six deities were jointly enshrined, completing the present system of seven deities. As the chief guardian of the Hokurikudo road it drew the reverence of the imperial court and successive warlords, and it is particularly known for the visit of Matsuo Basho on his journey of 'Oku no Hosomichi,' when he composed a poem about the moon on its grounds.
Highlights
A wooden great torii about 11 m high stands on the grounds, counted among Japan's Three Great Wooden Torii. The principal deity, Isasawake no Mikoto, is a god of food and agriculture and is also closely tied to fishing and sea transport, with a strong character as the guardian deity of the port town of Tsuruga. The Choju-sui spring on the grounds is cherished as sacred water for health and longevity.
Visitor Guide
About a 15-minute walk from Tsuruga Station on the JR Hokuriku Main Line, or about 5 minutes by bus. A free parking lot (100 spaces) is also provided, making access by car easy. The gates open at 5:00 a.m. in summer (April-September) and 6:00 a.m. in winter (October-March), and close at 5:00 p.m. all year.
Best Season
The September grand festival and the July 'Kehi no Nagamatsuri' (monthly festival) are the busiest. Many worshippers visit for the New Year's first visit, and a winter visit, with the contrast of the vermilion great torii and the snowscape, is also a highlight.
Annual Events
- July
Kehi no Nagamatsuri (Kehi Long Festival)
A summer grand festival held around July 15. It draws many worshippers and is a summer tradition of Tsuruga.
- September
Reitaisai (Grand Annual Festival)
The largest festival of the year, centered on September 4. It is held on a grand scale as the Ichinomiya of Echizen Province.
- June
Nagoshi no Oharae Shiki (Summer Purification Rite)
A rite held on June 30 to purify the impurities of the past six months. Visitors pass through the chinowa (reed ring).
Related Spots
All →Kyushu / Kagoshima
Terukuni Shrine
Terukuni Shrine stands in Kagoshima and enshrines Shimazu Nariakira, the 11th lo…
Kyushu / Fukuoka
Sumiyoshi Shrine (Fukuoka)
Sumiyoshi Shrine stands in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, and is a prestigious shrine as …
Kyushu / Fukuoka
Kushida Shrine
Kushida Shrine stands in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, and is affectionately known to th…
Shikoku / Ehime
Ishizuchi Shrine
Ishizuchi Shrine has its main shrine in Saijo, Ehime Prefecture, and worships Mt…