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Matsunoo Taisha, in Arashiyama in Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, is one of the most ancient shrines in the country. It is said to have been founded in 701 (the 1st year of Taiho) and is regarded as one of Kyoto's oldest shrines. It is deeply revered by sake brewers around Japan as the deity of sake brewing, and the precinct includes a sake museum. Many people visit it as part of an Arashiyama sightseeing trip.
Shrine Info
- Enshrined Deity
- Oyamakui no Kami; Nakatsushimahime no Mikoto
- Founded
- 701 (Taiho 1)
- Annual Festival
- Reisai: April 2; Matsuo Matsuri (Shinko-sai and Kanko-sai, the Divine Procession and the Return Procession): late April to mid-May
History & Origins
Matsunoo Taisha began in 701 (the 1st year of Taiho), when Hata no Imiki Tori enshrined the spirit of Mt. Matsunoo at the present site. It developed as the tutelary shrine of the Hata clan, a clan of immigrant descent, and after the capital moved to Heian flourished as a shrine protecting the imperial city. It has a history of drawing devotion from across the country as the guardian deity of brewing (sake, miso, and soy sauce) in particular.
Highlights
The 'Reiki no Taki' waterfall and the iwakura (sacred rock formations) in the precinct have been revered as objects of worship since ancient times. In the Japanese garden 'Shofuen' (separate admission fee), you can see three gardens designed by Shigemori Mirei. At the sake museum (Kame no I), you can see the sacred spring called 'Moto-zake' and learn about the historical connection between sake brewing and the shrine.
Visitor Guide
It is about a 3-minute walk from Matsuo-taisha Station on the Hankyu Arashiyama Line. The precinct is free, but the garden (Shofuen) requires a separate admission fee. A parking lot is available. It is also popular as part of a sightseeing route with the Arashiyama and Sagano area.
Best Season
The Matsuo Festival (late April to mid-May) is the shrine's largest event, with the Funatogyo boat procession of the divine procession as its highlight. The gardens are also especially beautiful in fresh green in May and in autumn foliage in November.
Annual Events
- April
Reisai (Annual Festival) and Shinkosai (Divine Procession Festival)
Following the annual festival on April 2, the Shinkosai is held in late April. The boat procession, in which six portable shrines cross the Katsura River, is spectacular.
- May
Kankosai (Return Procession Festival)
A festival in which the portable shrines that set out at the Shinkosai return to Matsunoo Taisha. Their return to the shrine attracts many spectators.
- November
Kamiu-sai (Upper Rabbit Day Festival)
A festival of prayer for brewing, held on the first Day of the Rabbit in November. Sake breweries and brewers from all over Japan pray for safety and prosperity.
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