20 Shrines in Kōchi worth your time

Hirono Shrine is a historic site in Kochi Prefecture, known for its unique festivals and multiple enshrined deities.

What it is

• A shrine in Nakatosa-cho, Takaoka-gun, Kochi Prefecture.
• Main deity is Okinagatarashihime-no-Mikoto.
• Also enshrines Inari Okami and Takenouchi-no-Sukune-no-Mikoto.
• History before 1707 is unknown due to a tsunami.

What to see

• Hirata Shrine, founded in 1809, within the grounds.
• Shirao Shrine and Nakayama Shrine are also on the grounds.

When to go

• Spring and autumn festivals feature a procession called Onabare.
• Local fishermen perform Tachineri to guard the procession.
• Tachineri and Hanatori Odori are town intangible folk cultural properties.

Getting there

• 10-minute drive from Tosa-Kure Station.

Address

高知県高岡郡中土佐町上ノ加江2804番 Map

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Explore Mikurodo sea cave, a historic site where Kobo Daishi trained, offering unique views and sounds.

What it is

• A sea cave in Muroto City, Kochi Prefecture.
• Associated with the legend of Kobo Daishi.
• One of two sea caves, sometimes called Mikurado.
• An extra temple of the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage.

What to see

• The sea cave itself, an uplifted geological feature.
• Goshosha Shrine, dedicated to Okuninushi-no-Mikoto.
• Views of the sky and sea, inspiring Kobo Daishi's name.
• Shinmeikutsu, a nearby sea cave with Shinmeigu Shrine.
• Saikoji Temple, part of the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage.
• Hear the sound of waves, one of Japan's 100 Soundscapes.

Getting there

• Located near Cape Muroto.
• Accessible from Route 55.

Address

高知県室戸市室戸岬町 Map

Read more about Mikurodo

Asakura Shrine: a historic shrine in Kochi with important cultural properties and unique treasures.

What it is

• A Shikinaisha shrine, indicating its ancient status.
• Known as Tosa Province Ninomiya, a high-ranking shrine.
• Dedicated to Amatsuhahegami and Empress Saimei.

What to see

• Main hall, rebuilt in 1657, is a National Important Cultural Property.
• Heiden and Haiden, rebuilt in 1796.
• Akagiyama mountain is a Kochi Prefecture Historic Site.
• Arita ware komainu statues.
• Two Kakebotoke statues.

When to go

• Autumn festival is a Kochi City Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Getting there

• Asakura Station is 400 meters west.

Address

高知県高知市朝倉丙2100 Map

Official site

asakurajinja.yamanoha.com

Read more about Asakura Shrine

This shrine, founded in 1584, is home to a unique festival and a natural monument.

What it is

• A shrine also known as Kira-kawa Hachimangu.
• Dedicated to Emperor Ojin, Empress Jingu, and Hime-gami.
• Built in 1584 and 1585 by the Tachibana clan.
• General guardian deity of the Kira-kawa region.

What to see

• A torii built in 1496.
• The shrine building from 1584-1585.
• Kira-kawa Bowran habitat, a natural monument.

When to go

• Kira-kawa no Onta-matsuri on May 3rd in odd-numbered years.
• Festival is a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
• Known as a festival for conception, one of Japan's three strange festivals.

Address

高知県室戸市吉良川町甲2413 Map

Read more about Onda-hachimangu

Ichiki Shrine honors a public works magistrate, offering port views and a unique festival.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to Ichiki Masatoshi.
• Masatoshi was a public works magistrate for Tosa Domain.
• He oversaw the renovation of Murotsu Port.
• Townspeople enshrined him as a god in 1679.

What to see

• Shrine on a mountainside.
• Overlooks Murotsu Port.
• Located above Tsutero-ji Temple.

When to go

• Grand festival held annually in mid-May.
• Festival includes a memorial service for fishermen.

Getting there

• 40-minute bus ride from Nahari Station.
• 10-minute walk from the Muroto bus stop.

Address

高知県室戸市室津 Map

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Tosa Shrine is an ancient shrine with important cultural properties and a historic festival.

What it is

• Ancient Shinto shrine, Ichinomiya of Tosa Province.
• Dedicated to Ajisukitakahikone-no-kami and Hitokotonushi-no-kami.
• Known as Tosa Shrine since the Meiji era.

What to see

• Main shrine buildings built by Chosokabe Motochika.
• Romon (gate) and Korou (drum tower) built by Yamauchi Tadayoshi.
• Main buildings, Romon, and Korou are National Important Cultural Properties.
• Sacred treasures include a waniguchi, noh masks, and bronze mirrors.

When to go

• Shinane Festival, one of Tosa's three major festivals.

Address

高知県高知市一宮しなね二丁目16-1 Map

Official site

tosajinja.com

Read more about Tosa Shrine

Visit this historic Hachimangu shrine to see Edo-period architecture and cultural properties.

What it is

• A Hachimangu shrine in Nakatosa Town.
• Formerly a prefectural shrine.
• Guardian deity for Anwa, Kure, and Kaminokae.
• Revered by fishermen as a guardian of the sea.

What to see

• Shrine building rebuilt in 1825.
• Late Edo period architectural style.
• Bronze spear, a Kochi Prefecture cultural property.
• Bell, a Nakatosa Town cultural property.

When to go

• Grand festival on August 14th and 15th.
• Omikokusai is a national intangible folk cultural property.

Address

高知県高岡郡中土佐町久礼 Map

Read more about Kure-hachimangu

Omura Shrine is a historic shrine in Kochi, home to important cultural properties and a sacred tree.

What it is

• A Kokushi Kenzaisha shrine.
• The Ninomiya of Tosa Province.
• Dedicated to Kuninotokotachi-no-Mikoto.
• Founded in Hidaka Village, Kochi Prefecture.

What to see

• The current main shrine building, built in 1705.
• A large Japanese cedar tree called 'Tomyo-sugi'.
• A National Treasure gilt bronze ring-headed sword.
• Two Important Cultural Property wooden Bodhisattva masks.

Getting there

• Accessible from Omura Jinja-mae Station.
• On the JR Dosan Line.

Address

高知県高岡郡日高村下分1794 Map

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Ancient shrine with cultural treasures and a giant tree, offering a glimpse into Japan's past.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to Kotoshironushi-no-kami and other deities.
• Listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho compiled in 927 AD.
• Revered by the Yamauchi clan during the Edo period.

What to see

• Main hall rebuilt in 1768.
• Main hall is a Protected Tangible Cultural Property.
• Ichii-gashi tree is a Designated Natural Monument.
• Tree is 29.0 meters tall and 400 years old.
• Two half-body lion statues from the Kamakura period.
• Excavated Heian period earthenware and stoneware.

Address

高知県宿毛市平田町戸内 Map

Read more about Takachiniimasu Shrine

Historic Shinto shrine founded in 1185, known for its festivals and a warrior's statue.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture.
• Founded in 1185 by Minamoto no Yoritomo.
• Enshrines Hachiman Okami and Munakata Sanjoshin.
• Designated a prefectural shrine in 1930.

What to see

• Shrine crest is 'Mari Tomoe'.
• Bronze statue of Chosokabe Motochika in the outer garden.
• Several subordinate shrines on the grounds.

When to go

• Kanda Festival: three days from first Saturday of April.
• Omikoshi Festival: held on November 6th.

Address

高知県高知市長浜6600番地 Map

Read more about Wakamiya Hachiman‑gū

Otonashi Shrine, founded in 1251, offers important cultural properties and a scenic bay approach.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to Hitokotonushi-no-mikoto.
• Founded in 1251.
• Also known as "Miyajima of Tosa."
• Located in Susaki City, Kochi Prefecture.

What to see

• Main hall, heiden, and haiden are Important Cultural Properties.
• Current main hall built in 1663.
• Approach extends towards the sea.
• Located at the innermost part of Uranouchi Bay.

When to go

• Shinane Festival: August 24 to August 25.
• Autumn Festival features the Ko-odori dance.

Address

高知県須崎市浦ノ内東分字鳴無3579 Map

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Ichijo Shrine honors the Tosa Ichijo clan, offering historical insights and a unique sumo tournament.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to the Tosa Ichijo clan ancestors.
• Origin dates to 1607, re-established in 1862.
• Current building constructed in 1944.

What to see

• Shrine building on Mount Komori.
• Emblem is 'Sagari Fuji'.
• Nakamura Gosho ruins are on the grounds.

When to go

• Ichijo Taisai festival: three days from November 22nd.
• Festival is one of Tosa's three great festivals.
• All Japan Jorogumo Sumo Tournament is held here.

Address

高知県四万十市中村本町1-3 Map

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Visit this historic Shinto shrine in Kochi City dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, featuring a beautiful gate and ancient tree.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture.
• Dedicated to the deity Sugawara Michizane.
• Founded to enshrine Michizane's relics.
• Sugawara Takami, Michizane's eldest son, is also enshrined.

What to see

• The Romon gate, built in 1853.
• The Romon gate is a designated cultural property.
• A camphor tree over 300 years old.
• The camphor tree is a designated natural monument.
• The current main hall, rebuilt after World War II.

Official site

www.ushioe-tenmangu.jp

Read more about Shioe Tenmangū

Kounomine Shrine is a historic mountain sanctuary with a notable main hall and ancient tree.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine near the summit of Mt. Kounomine.
• Dedicated to the deity Oyamatsumi no Mikoto.
• Originally part of a Shinto-Buddhist complex.
• Now the inner sanctuary of Kounomine-ji Temple.

What to see

• The main hall, built in 1718.
• Main hall is a Prefectural Protected Cultural Property.
• A camphor tree, a Prefectural Natural Monument.

When to go

• Autumn festival is held annually on October 28th.

Address

高知県安芸郡安田町唐浜 Map

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Korizu Shrine is an ancient Shikinaisha shrine dedicated to Okuninushi-no-kami, rebuilt after a fire.

What it is

• An ancient Shikinaisha shrine in Kochi City.
• Dedicated to the deity Okuninushi-no-kami.
• Identified in the historical Engishiki Jinmyocho.
• Also known as Kamobe Shrine after the Middle Ages.

What to see

• The current shrine building, rebuilt after 1981.
• A subsidiary shrine for Kojinsha.
• A subsidiary shrine for Hachimangu.

When to go

• New Year's Day Festival.
• Autumn Grand Festival.

Address

高知県高知市鴨部上町5番8号 Map

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Asamine Shrine is a historic Shikinaisha shrine in Kochi City, dedicated to Konohanasakuyahime-no-Mikoto.

What it is

• A Shikinaisha shrine in Kochi City.
• Dedicated to Konohanasakuyahime-no-Mikoto.
• Other deities: Ninigi-no-Mikoto and Oyamatsumi-no-Mikoto.
• Its deity rank was promoted in 866.

What to see

• The sacred object is a mirror.
• Located at the western foot of Kera-yama.
• Kera-yama is worshipped as a sacred mountain.

When to go

• Autumn festival is an intangible folk cultural property.

Address

高知県高知市介良乙1927 Map

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A secluded shrine in Kochi Prefecture, rooted in ancient legends and Shinto-Buddhist history.

What it is

• A shrine dedicated to Tsukuyomi no Mikoto and Ukanomitama no Mikoto.
• Founded after En no Gyoja discovered a crescent moon stone.
• Originally a temple where Kukai performed esoteric rituals.
• Renamed Tsukiyama Shrine after the separation of Shinto and Buddhism.

What to see

• The main hall, built in 1889.
• The main hall is an Otsuki Town historic site.
• Daishido Hall, built in 1858.

Address

高知県幡多郡大月町月ヶ丘1443 Map

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Ono Shrine is an ancient site dedicated to the Ono clan's ancestral deity.

What it is

• Ancient shrine in Nankoku City, Kōchi Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Amenotarihikokunioshihito no Mikoto.
• Deity is the ancestral god of the Ono clan.
• Listed in the Engishiki Jinmyōchō ancient records.

What to see

• Wakamiya Shrine, a subsidiary shrine.
• Saba-i Shrine, another subsidiary shrine.
• Former residence of Hirai Zennojō Masazane.
• Konasu Kofun, an ancient burial mound.

Address

高知県南国市岡豊町小蓮1189 Map

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Fuba-hachimangu is a historic shrine overlooking Shimanto River, revered by powerful clans.

What it is

• A shrine in Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture.
• Established between 1469 and 1487 by Ichijo Norifusa.
• Dedicated to Hondawake-no-mikoto, Tamayori-hime-no-mikoto, and Okinagatarashi-hime-no-mikoto.
• Revered as the guardian deity of the Tosa Ichijo clan.

What to see

• The main hall, built in 1559, is an Important Cultural Property.
• Views overlooking the Shimanto River from the hill.

Address

高知県四万十市不破1392 Map

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Shingu Shrine is a historic guardian shrine in Nankoku City, enshrining important deities.

What it is

• Guardian shrine of the Toichi district.
• Enshrines Amaterasu Omikami in the main hall.
• Izanagi-no-kami and Takehayasusano-o-no-kami are in auxiliary shrines.
• Current building completed in 1864.

What to see

• Main hall enshrining Amaterasu Omikami.
• Auxiliary shrines for Izanagi-no-kami and Takehayasusano-o-no-kami.
• Subordinate shrines: Toyouke, Ikegami, Tenmangu, Koyasu.

Address

高知県南国市十市5937 Map

Read more about Shingū Shrine