Ikisu Shrine (Ikisu Jinja)
Ikisu Shrine is located in Ikisu, Kamisu City. As expected from one of the "Three Shrines of the East," you'll see signs for it everywhere along the way. Here are photos of the signs at the two parking lot entrances.
Parking is free, but it's sure to be crowded during New Year's holidays and events! Incidentally, when dusk falls, it becomes a resting place for cats.
First, head to the first torii gate. There you'll find Oshioi, one of Japan's three sacred springs. It's very rare for fresh water to spring forth while pushing away surrounding seawater, and it has played a crucial role as a source of drinking water since 194 AD. Although you can no longer draw water directly from Oshioi, the spring water in the purification basin within the shrine grounds is the same pure water as Oshioi.
The view of the Tone River tributary is also a must-see. It's beautiful at both noon and dusk!
Now, into the shrine grounds. I love the mysterious atmosphere that shrines create at dusk.
*Goshuin reception is until 3:30 PM, so those interested should be aware! Also, watch out for insect bites!!
The origin of Ikisu Shrine is said to be during the reign of the 15th Emperor Ojin, but the exact date is unknown. It was first built in Nikkawa, Kamisu City, and is believed to have been moved to its current location in Ikisu in 807.
Pilgrimages to the Three Shrines of the East have been popular since the Edo period, and tours of the Tone River basin by shared boat were apparently a huge boom back then. Although there was no fixed order, tourists from Edo are said to have visited Katori Jingu, then Ikisu Shrine, and finally Kashima Jingu.
The Three Shrines of the East derive their significance from the relationship between their enshrined deities, as described in the "Kuniyuzuri" (transfer of the land) myth (*). Ikisu Shrine enshrines Kunado-no-Kami as its main deity and Ameno-Torifune-no-Kami as its auxiliary deity.
*In the "Kojiki," Ameno-Torifune-no-Kami is said to have assisted Takemikazuchi-no-Kami (Kashima Jingu). In the "Nihon Shoki," Kunado-no-Kami is said to have guided Takemikazuchi-no-Kami and Futsunushi-no-Kami (Katori Jingu).
Ikisu Shrine has multiple power spots within its grounds. In addition to the sacred trees and subordinate shrines, be sure to look around every corner for things like the Ogatama tree, believed to house spirits and bring happiness, and "Chikaraishi" (strength stones) used by young men to compete in feats of strength!
Furthermore, Ikisu Shrine was a filming location for the movie "Yowamushi Pedal" (released August 14, 2020)!
In the early part of the story, it served as the starting point where the protagonist, Sakamichi Onoda (Ren Nagase of King & Prince), and Shunsuke Imaizumi (Kentaro Ito) had their race, with Miki Kanzaki (Kanna Hashimoto) watching over them. To think that popular young actors and actresses of today visited my hometown! It's incredible!
After watching the movie, I took photos trying to recreate the angles from the film as much as possible.
The first image is scene 1 from before the start.
Scene 2 from before the start. In the movie, even "Su Shrine" was visible!
This is the scene right after the start. The characters for "Oshioi" were clearly visible. After turning right at this T-junction, the Ikisu Shrine scene ends.
You can receive your Goshuin at the amulets and talismans office. The photo shows it in the evening, but I made sure to get mine during the day!
Furthermore, if you visit all three of the Higashi Koku Sanja (Three Shrines of the East), you can receive a commemorative gift, and the type of gift varies by shrine. Showing the Goshuin from Kashima Jingu and Katori Jingu is all that's needed.
[Ikisu Shrine Basic Information]
2882 Ikisu, Kamisu City, Ibaraki Prefecture (15 minutes by car from Itako IC, 25 minutes by car from Kashima Stadium)
TEL 0299-92-2300
URL：https://ikisujinja.com/
Amulets and Talismans Office: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM *Goshuin reception until 3:30 PM