Ashikaga Orihime Shrine

The place is really pretty. There aren't many people even though it is Marine Day today. The Shrine gives off a peaceful part even though going there is more of a blessing for marriage. We went here not even knowing it so we are kinda embarrassed looking at a couple going here but it was okay since we also see kids. They also have a heart padlock here that you can also do if you and your partner wants to. The scenery is really great and I really like the sounds of the crickets. It gives off anime vibes when going to the Shrine. Overall, if my boyfriend is going here in Ashikaga, we will definitely go here.

You have to climb 229 stairs to get to the top, but it’s worth it! I would say it’s not that hard, but the slope angle of the stairs is pretty steep. The view from the top is nice, of course, but you can also enjoy colorful Torii Gates (7 different colors), and each color has meaning. If you want to have a little different Jinjya (=shrine) experience, it’s a must place to visit :)

I went with a group of friends on the new year day and the place was somewhat crowded. There is a free parking area right at the front, but it was already full. So we used paid parking nearby. The temple has some nice views of the city. There are vending machines at the top.

The shrine houses the revered guardian god of Ashikaga textile industry and has a history and tradition of 1,300 years. It is widely known to the people of Ashikaga as the God of industrial reconstruction and marriage. Recently the shrine has been recognized as a heritage of night scenery due to the beautiful night view from the shrine of Ashikaga city as well as a sacred place for lovers. The vermilion of the shrine harmonized with the green background is beautiful and from the grounds you can overlook the Kanto Plain. It is also the starting point for a Prefectural Nature Hiking Trail. Please do come and have a The largest Shinto shrine in Ashikaga – Orihime Shrine – was originally built in 1704 but burned down in 1880. In 1937 the shrine was relocated and rebuilt on Mount Orihime right next to Orihime Park. Both the mountain, the park, and the shrine are named after the Shinto diety Orihime, who plays an important role in the origin story of Tanabata: a festival celebrated each summer in Japan. Orihime was the daughter of the Sky King, Tentei, and used to weave clothes for him by the heavenly river, the Milky Way, when one day she met a herdsman called Hikoboshi who worked at the other site of the waters. The two fell in love and got married, but after the wedding they both neglected their work, so Tentei separated them and forbade them to see each other – except on the 7th day of the 7th month, which is now the date of Tanabata. The city of Ashikaga has a long history of weaving and therefore Orihime Shrine was built and dedicated to Orihime. Because of the tale about Orihime and Hikoboshi, the Orihime Shrine is also a place that celebrates marriage and thus it is considered a sacred place for lovers. For this reason, many couples pay the shrine a visit to pray for their relationship. In order to get to the shrine grounds, you have to climb some hundred stairs accompanied by dozens of lanterns, but it is worth the effort since you not only have a fantastic view of Ashikaga City from the top; Orihime Shrine itself is also breathtaking as it greets your vision with its vermillion painted buildings. The lack of traffic noise makes it possible for you to enjoy the spiritual atmosphere that characterizes this holy place, and if you visit the shrine in the late evening you will even get to see it stand out in the dark when the buildings are lit up. GETTING THERE The foot of Mount Orihime is about 2 kilometers from Ashikaga station. On your way you may pass buy Ashikaga Gakko and Bannaji Temple.

Lovely shrine set atop a hill that boasts excellent views across Ashikaga. There are vending machines for thirsty folk on a warm day and plenty of seating for a rest. Just to the right of shrine is the entrance to the park of the same name.