Kibitsuhiko Jinja

Map

History & Origins

The legendary Oikibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto is said to have unified the ancient land of Kibi, making this shrine a site steeped in the Momotaro tradition. The shrine is traditionally held to have been founded during the reign of Emperor Sujin.

Highlights

The vast sacred forest, the main hall (Important Cultural Property), and the grand shimenawa sacred rope are striking. The dignified setting reflects the shrine's status as the leading sanctuary of Bizen Province.

Visitor Guide

About 20 minutes by car from central Okayama. Many visitors also make a combined pilgrimage to the nearby Kibitsu Jinja (the ichinomiya of Bitchu Province).

Best Season

Spring for fresh greenery and autumn for fall foliage.

Attributes

Blessings

Annual Events

• April

  Reitaisai (Grand Annual Festival)

  A spring grand festival of the first shrine of Bizen Province. Solemn rituals praising the virtues of Okibitsuhiko no Mikoto are performed, and many local people gather.

• August

  Otaue Matsuri (Rice Planting Festival)

  An ancient agricultural ritual held on August 2 and 3. Said to have been handed down since the Heian period, this festival to pray for a bountiful harvest of the five grains features rituals that imitate the motions of rice planting.

• October

  Shuki Reitaisai (Autumn Grand Annual Festival)

  Held on the third Saturday and Sunday of October. Yabusame is offered, and the archers galloping down the riding ground enliven the grounds.

Travel Plan

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