Kibitsu Shrine
吉備津神社
The shrine of Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto, the prototype of the Momotarō legend. Its national treasure main hall in the Kibitsu-zukuri style and 360-metre corridor are the highlights.
The main hall and worship hall were built in 1425. Their roof has two gabled sections side by side in the Kibitsu-zukuri style, which is unique to this shrine, and the building is designated a National Treasure. A straight, graceful wooden corridor about 360 metres long runs along the hillside, with seasonal flowers blooming along it. Visitors can also experience the traditional Naruka Shinji, a ritual in which fortunes are divined from the sound of a cauldron (reservation and a fee are required). Worship is free. From Okayama Station, take the JR Kibi Line for about 15 minutes to Kibitsu Station, then walk about 10 minutes. It is a main stop on the Kibiji Cycling Road.
Opening hours
Open all day (prayer requests accepted approx. 08:30–16:00)
Nearby sights
- Kibitsuhiko Shrine
- Saijo Inari
- Bitchu Kokubunji & Kibiji Cycling Road
- Okayama Orient Museum
- Hayashibara Museum of Art
- Yumeji Art Museum
- Okayama Korakuen
- Okayama Castle