Ikuta Shrine
生田神社
An ancient shrine that gave Kobe its name, located in the busy heart of Sannomiya and famous for matchmaking. Behind it lies the Ikuta Forest.
Ikuta Shrine is recorded in the Nihon Shoki as founded in 201 AD. It enshrines Wakahime-no-mikoto. In ancient times, laborers who served the shrine were called “Kanbe,” and this is the origin of the name Kobe. The vermilion gate and worship hall collapsed in the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake and were rebuilt. Behind the shrine, the Ikuta Forest preserves ancient trees such as camphor, and it is the site of an old battlefield from the Genpei War. The shrine is known for prayers for good relationships, and its love fortune slips, which reveal their message when soaked in water, are very popular. Admission is free. It is about a 5-minute walk north of Sannomiya Station, between Higashimon-dori and Kitanozaka, making it a good stop on the way to Kitano Ijinkan.
Opening hours
Approx. 07:00 to sunset (amulet counter 09:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Kitano Ijinkan
- Kobe Former Foreign Settlement
- Nankinmachi Chinatown
- Kobe City Museum
- Sorakuen Garden
- Meriken Park & Kobe Harborland
- Nunobiki Falls
- Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway