Popular nationwide for matchmaking, demon slayer, and mountain climbing! Stunning views at Kamado Shrine (Dazaifu City)
Hello, I'm Tsubaking, a writer who loves shrines and temples and has a Buddhism Certification Level 1 certificate (※)! (※) Certified by the Japan Buddhist Association
When you visit a temple or shrine, have you ever thought, "It seems difficult to find out the detailed origins and history..."
So, I, Tsubaki King, will introduce some of my recommendations and give you a super simple explanation of shrines! This time, I will introduce Homangu Kamado Shrine in Dazaifu City.
This season is a great time to visit the shrine while enjoying the vibrant autumn leaves!
Homangu Kamado Shrine (Dazaifu City), located on Mount Homan, one of the most popular mountains in Kyushu
(*The following is Kamado Shrine)
Kamado Shrine, located at the foot of Mt. Homan, is about 10 minutes by community bus "Mahoroba-go" from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station.
It's a 30-40 minute uphill walk from Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, but it would be nice to try a little mountain climbing on Mount Homan, which has a long history as a training ground for yamabushi (practitioners of Shugendo who practice in the mountains)!
After all, as a sacred mountain (a mountain that is the object of worship), it is the third sacred mountain to be designated as a national historic site, following Mt. Chokai and Mt. Fuji.
The sect of Yamabushi is called Shugendo, which is neither Buddhism nor Shinto. It is a religion that combines the traditional Japanese belief that "mountains and big trees are somehow sacred" with elements of Shinto, Buddhism, and Chinese Taoism.
Even today, when the new green leaves come out, you can see mountain ascetics training on Mount Homan, and this sacred feeling still lives on on the mountain today.
The secret to the blessings of marriage lies in the name of the god!?
Kamado Shrine on Mount Homan was founded in 673 AD.
This shrine has an incredible history dating back more than 1,350 years.
The main deity enshrined at the center is a female deity called "Tamayorihime-no-Mikoto."
It is said to bring good luck in finding a partner, and many people visit the shrine in hopes of finding a good match, but the secret to its benefits lies in the name of the god.
First of all, the word "tama" is considered to be equal to "soul."
And that is why this soul has the power to bring people together, in the sense that it draws people together.
In addition, it is said to have the power to ward off evil spirits and bad luck, and is crowded with many worshippers throughout the year.
The main hall where this god is enshrined underwent renovations in 2013, including re-roofing the copper sheet roof, to commemorate the 1,350th anniversary of the festival.
She is beautifully dressed and has a quiet presence, but she has a dignified aura that makes you feel refreshed just by being in front of her.
Since it is a shrine, we should pray by bowing twice, clapping twice, and bowing once.
Lots of things related to "matchmaking"! Things to see and amulets within the temple grounds
In addition to the god enshrined in the main hall, there are many other things related to matchmaking within the grounds.
One of them is the "Reunion Tree."
It is said that this tree was planted by Empress Jingu in the hope of being reunited with a loved one long ago, and it is believed that if you pray towards this tree for a reunion with a loved one, finding love, or meeting someone you have yet to meet, your wish will surely come true.
By the way, Empress Jingu was the mother of Emperor Ojin, who is also a deity enshrined at Yahata across the country.
He is also enshrined at Kamado Shrine.
Speaking of Kamado Shrine, another point of interest is the stylish glass-walled Ofuda and Amulet Distribution Center.
There are many love charms on display in the lineup.
One of the most recommended items is "Love Charm Musubi no Ito."
This amulet is worn on the wrist like a bracelet, and the red thread makes it a stylish fashion accent!
Other charms include the "Business-matching talisman," the "Strawberry talisman" (see image below) which prays for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter, the "Marriage-matching paper charm," and the "Sunny, sunny talisman" which is also for matchmaking.
It is also known as the sacred place of the manga "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba," which has caused a huge boom in recent years.
The protagonist's surname is "Kamado", and the costume of the mountain ascetics of Mt. Homan has the same checkered pattern as the protagonist's haori.
Because of this connection, it is considered a "sacred place," and many votive plaques bearing illustrations from the work have been dedicated there.
★You might also want to read this! ★
[Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba pilgrimage] From Kamado Shrine to the Mugen Train! Fans from all over the country are flocking to Fukuoka
Head to Kamado Shrine during the autumn foliage season!
Kamado Shrine delights the eyes in every season with the changing trees and flowers.
The cherry blossoms and rhododendrons that bloom in the spring and the vibrant green leaves that shine in early summer are beautiful, but one thing you can't miss is the changing colors of the leaves in the fall.
Approximately 300 maple trees change color to welcome visitors.
Located on a hilltop, it offers a spectacular view overlooking Dazaifu city and the combination of autumn leaves is sure to make you want to take photos!
It's about a 2-hour hike! We also recommend visiting Kamimiya Shrine.
Furthermore, for those who want to experience Kamado Shrine more deeply, we recommend hiking up to the summit where the Kamimiya Shrine is located!
There are several hiking trails to Mount Homan, but the most popular one is to start from the trailhead at Kamado Shrine.
It takes about two hours to reach the summit, which is 829 meters above sea level, and there are 100 stone steps along the way, so to be honest it's not an easy climb.
However, climbing the mountain surrounded by lush greenery and feeling the clear waters of the Mikasa River is an experience that will cleanse both your body and mind.
There are numerous historical sites scattered throughout the mountains, such as Masukage-no-I and the 500 Arhats, and if you go near the summit, you will find Kamimiya, as well as the Horseshoe Stone and Kamado Rock, which are associated with the legend of Tamayorihime-no-Mikoto.
Kamado Shrine is a sacred place that has been passed down since ancient times and is one of the most powerful spots in Japan.
Please go and check it out! (Text by Mr. tsubaking)
<Click on the facility name for more information about the facility ↓>
■ Homangu Kamado Shrine
Address: 883 Uchiyama, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Visiting hours: [Precincts] 24 hours [Shrine] 8:30-18:00 [Prayer reception] 9:00-16:00
*This article contains information current at the time of publication.
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※Text and images:Mr. Tsubaking
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