Save places from Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and more
Kibitsu Jinja (Sanbi Ichinomiya)
Attraction
4.4 (7320 reviews)
Big Shinto shrine, known as a National Treasure & a pristine example of kibitsu-zukuri architecture.
931 Kibitsu, Kita Ward, Okayama, 701-1341, Japan
+81 86-287-4111
Did You Know?
Folktale Connection
Kibitsu Jinja is strongly associated with the Japanese folktale of Momotaro, the Peach Boy. Legend has it that the shrine is dedicated to Prince Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto, who is believed to be the inspiration for Momotaro, after he successfully defeated a terrifying ogre named Ura in the Kibi region.
Unique Architectural Style
The main hall (Honden) of Kibitsu Jinja boasts a rare and distinctive architectural style known as 'Kibitsu-zukuri.' This unique style features two parallel gables and a distinctive roof structure, making it one of Japan's National Treasures and a truly remarkable sight.
Long Corridor
The shrine is famous for its picturesque and remarkably long corridor (Kairo) that stretches for approximately 398 meters (about 1,300 feet). This covered walkway gently winds along the hillside, offering beautiful views and a serene atmosphere.
Mysterious Divination Ritual
Kibitsu Jinja is renowned for its 'Narukama Shinji,' a unique and ancient divination ritual involving the sound of boiling water in an iron kettle (kama). The nature of the sound is interpreted by a priest to foretell one's future or provide answers to prayers, making it a fascinating cultural experience.
Highlights from Reviews
• peaceful atmosphere
Many reviews highlight the shrine's serene and quiet environment, offering a calm escape from city crowds.
• unique architecture
The Kibitsu-zukuri style with its distinctive twin-gabled roof is a National Treasure and highly praised for its beauty.
• historical significance
The shrine is deeply connected to the Momotaro legend and features a sumo wrestling ring, making history tangible.
• beautiful natural setting
The shrine is surrounded by beautiful nature, including gardens, a pond, and seasonal flowers like cherry blossoms and hydrangeas.
• long covered corridor
The elegant, covered wooden corridor is a standout feature, praised for its beauty and meditative walking experience.
Featured in
Okayama and Onomichi: A Four-Day Journey Via Public Transit
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Onomichi, Senkoji Temple
Eighteen Okayama Attractions From Japan's Ancient Provinces
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Okayama Castle, Kurashiki Ivy Square
Explore Okayama and Kurashiki: Castles, Gardens, and History
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Okayama Castle, Ōhara Museum of Art
Top 10 Okayama Prefecture Sights For First-Time Visitors
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Okayama Castle, Bicchu Matsuyama Castle
Okayama's Must-Visit Historical Sites and Attractions
Okayama Castle, Kurashiki, Kurashiki Denim Street
Diverse Japanese Landscapes: Shrines, Temples, and Nature
Itsukushima, Kamikōchi, Togakushi-Jinja
Countryside Train Journeys in Japan
Onomichi, Sangi Railway
Twenty-Seven Diverse Attractions Across Japan
Sensō-ji, Tokyo Disneyland, Akihabara Electric Town
Diverse Landscapes Across Japan
Itsukushima, Kamikōchi, Togakushi-Jinja
Kibitsu Shrine: The Legend of Momotaro
Eight Scenic Spots to Visit in Japan
Mount Fuji, Todai-ji Nigatsudo (February Hall), Ashinomaki Onsen Ookawaso