What makes Manai Shrine different from other Japanese shrines?

Manai Shrine is unique because it serves as the okumiya (inner shrine) of Motoise Kono-jinja and represents the original location where the deity Toyouke no Okami was first enshrined over 1,300 years ago. Unlike typical shrines, it lacks a traditional main hall and instead features two sacred spaces on a mountaintop. As one of the Moto-Ise locations, it holds the distinction of being a place where Ise Grand Shrine deities were originally worshipped before being transferred to Mie Prefecture.

Is Manai Shrine part of a pilgrimage route?

Yes, Manai Shrine serves as the final destination of a significant three-shrine pilgrimage in the Amanohashidate region. The pilgrimage includes Amanohashidate-jinja Shrine, Motoise Kono-jinja Shrine, and concludes at Manai Shrine. This spiritual journey has been followed by worshippers for centuries and offers visitors a comprehensive experience of the area's ancient religious traditions.

How do I get to Manai Shrine?

Manai Shrine is located in Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture, in the Ōgaki neighborhood. The easiest approach is to first reach Amanohashidate Station via the Kyoto Tango Railway. From there, you can take local buses or walk to the main Motoise Kono-jinja Shrine complex, then continue approximately 400 meters northeast to reach Manai Shrine. The shrine is situated on Kujigatake mountain, also known as Manai Peak.

Are there any costs associated with visiting Manai Shrine?

Admission to Manai Shrine is completely free. Visitors can explore the sacred site, participate in worship, and enjoy the mountain views without any entrance fees. However, you should budget for transportation costs to reach Miyazu City and the Amanohashidate area, including train fares and any local bus transportation needed to access the shrine complex.

Kyoto

Manai Shrine, Miyazu

Q: What can I expect to see at Manai Shrine?

Visitors will find a mountaintop shrine with two sacred spaces rather than a traditional main hall. The site offers commanding views of the surrounding landscape, including the sacred Kujigatake mountain. The main building has been designated as a Cultural Property by the prefectural government. The shrine provides a peaceful, authentic spiritual experience away from the crowds typically found at more famous shrines, allowing for quiet contemplation and connection with ancient Japanese religious practices.

4.6 (1003)Shinto ShrinePlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Manai-jinja Shrine, located in Miyazu City in Kyoto Prefecture, serves as the inner shrine (okumiya) of the renowned Motoise Kono-jinja Shrine. The shrine is situated approximately 400 meters northeast of the main Kono shrine complex, marking the original location where Kono-jinja Shrine was first established. According to shrine legend, the deity Toyouke no Okami was originally enshrined at Manaihara, the current site of this auxiliary shrine, where it was known as Yosano Miya.

The shrine honors the agricultural deity Toyoke-no-Okami, and its main building has been designated as a Cultural Property by the prefectural government. The site holds profound historical significance as one of the Moto-Ise locations, meaning places where deities of Ise Grand Shrine were once enshrined before being transferred to their current location in Mie Prefecture. The shrine carries a history spanning over 1,300 years, making it one of Japan's most ancient sacred sites.

Visitors experience a unique spiritual journey at this mountaintop shrine, which notably lacks a traditional main hall but features two sacred spaces. Manai-jinja serves as the final destination on a significant three-shrine pilgrimage that includes Amanohashidate-jinja Shrine and Motoise Kono-jinja Shrine. The shrine offers commanding views of the surrounding landscape, including Kujigatake mountain, also known as Manai Peak, which is considered a sacred mountain.

The location provides an authentic glimpse into ancient Japanese spiritual practices, away from the crowds that often gather at more prominent shrines. The pilgrimage route connecting the three shrines creates a comprehensive spiritual experience that has been followed by worshippers for centuries.

Access to Manai Shrine requires traveling to Miyazu City in northern Kyoto Prefecture. The shrine is located in the Ōgaki neighborhood, approximately 400 meters northeast of the main Motoise Kono-jinja Shrine complex. Visitors typically reach the area via the scenic Amanohashidate region, one of Japan's three most celebrated views. The nearest major transport hub is Amanohashidate Station, served by the Kyoto Tango Railway. From there, local buses or walking routes lead to the shrine complex. Admission to the shrine is free, allowing visitors to explore this sacred site without charge.

Phone

+81 772-27-0006

Website

www.motoise.jp