Visit the three Moto Ise Shrines in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto, and want to feel the three legends of “Ama no Iwato,” “Moto Ise,” and “Oni extermination”

The three shrines of Kotai Shrine, Toyouke Daijinja Sharine, and Amanoiwato Shrine, located in the Oe district of Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture, are collectively called the “Moto Ise Sansha (three Moto Ise Shrines, three shrine of former Ise)” as shrines associated with Ise Jingu Shrine, since they are said to have been temporarily located there until the spirit of Amaterasu Omikami took up residence in the present Ise Jingu Shrine (Mie Prefecture).

Apart from the legend of “Moto Ise”, there is another legend about the extermination of Oni (demons) by Prince Maroko, the son of the 31st Emperor Yomei, at the Kotai Shrine and Toyouke daijinja Shrine. Legend has it that when Prince Maroko vanquished the Oni (demons) of Mt.  Oe, he requested the Inner Shrine (now Kotai Shrine) and the Outer Shrine (now Toyouke daijinja Shrine) from the Ise Jingu Shrine. Incidentally, the Japan Oni Exchange Museum, located halfway up Mt. Oe, is a museum dedicated to the Oni (demons) legends of Mt. Oe.

Amano Iwato Shrine, which is enshrined at the foot of Himurogatake (Mount Iwato), the object of worship of Kotai Shrine, is the rear shrine of Kotai Shrine, and is said to be the place where Amaterasu Omikami descended from heaven. There is also a myth of “Iwatogakure,” in which Amaterasu Omikami hid herself in a cave because of the violent behavior of her younger brother, Susao no Mikoto.

To visit Amano Iwato Shrine, which is enshrined on the rock wall of the gorge, use the provided chains to climb up the slope.

There is a place called “Himurogatake Yohaisho” on the mountain path from Kotai Shrine to Amano Iwato Shrine. Yohaisho is a place where you can worship gods and buddhas from a distance. On the day of the summer solstice, when you look at Himurogatake from the area where the Yohaisho and the Kotai Shrine are located, you can see the sun setting over the summit.

Access to Three Motoise Shrines

From Tokyo

It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes from JR Tokyo Station to JR Kyoto Station by Tokaido Shinkansen.

From Osaka

It takes about 15 minutes by Tokaido Shinkansen from JR Shin-Osaka Station to JR Kyoto Station.

Transfer to the limited express Hashidate at JR Kyoto Station and it takes about 2 hours to Miyazu Station or Amanohashidate Station on the Kyoto Tango Railway.

Alternatively, at JR Kyoto Station, transfer to the JR Sanin Main Line (limited express) to JR Fukuchiyama Station, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Transfer to Miyafuku Line of Kyoto Tango Railway at JR Fukuchiyama Station.

[Kotai Shrine and Amanoiwato Shrine]

About 30 minutes from JR Fukuchiyama Station to Oeyamaguchi-naiku Station on the Kyoto Tango Railway. Get off at Oeyamaguchi-naiku Station and walk for about 15 minutes to Kotai Shrine. Amanoiwato Shrine is about 10 minute-walk from Kotai Shrine.

[Toyouke Daijinja Sharine]

About 25 minutes from JR Fukuchiyama Station to Oe Kokomae Station on the Kyoto Tango Railway. Get off at Oe Kokomae Station and walk for about 15 minutes to Toyouke Daijinja Shrine.