The existence of Ama-no-Iwakura Jingu, a prestigious ‘Jingu’ Shinto shrine in such a secluded part of Hiroshima, is indeed astounding. ‘Jingu’ shrines typically honor members of Japan’s imperial family, yet Ama-no-Iwakura Jingu stands out with its absence of conventional shrine structures.

Instead, it features an ‘Iwakura,’ a sacred rock believed to be the landing spot of a deity on Earth. The deity associated with this site is Amaterasu Omikami, revered as the ancestor of Japan’s imperial lineage, which likely justifies the shrine’s ‘Jingu’ designation. This site is a prime example of a simple, primal form of a Japanese Shinto shrine, uniquely significant despite its remote location.

Among the approximately 88,000 Shinto shrines across Japan, only 24 hold the distinguished ‘Jingu’ title, with Ama-no-Iwakura Jingu being one of these elite few. This fact underscores the shrine’s extraordinary importance. The surrounding area is a historical treasure trove, with numerous findings indicating ritual activities dating back to the Stone Age, confirming the area’s long history as a sacred site.

・Date: Sunday, December 10, 2023.
・Time: Meet at 8:30 AM, depart at 8:45 AM, and return at 5 PM.
* The tour will not be canceled due to rain (it will be canceled only in the case of stormy weather).

In front of the “Orizuru” clock outside the Central Gate on the second floor (2F) of JR Hiroshima Station (8:30 AM)

Tetsushi Morita, previously leading the President’s Office and Michelin Guide Division at Nihon Michelin Tire Co. Ltd., is an acknowledged expert for the Japan Tourism Agency’s extensive sightseeing promotion initiative. His expertise lies in researching and conveying the appeal of Japanese culture and history to Westerners. He also designs and organizes tours across Japan, catering to the rising interest in adventure tourism.

TOBU TOP TOURS Hiroshima Branch
・Phone: 050-9002-5442
・Address: Meiji Yasuda Seimei Hondori Building 6F, 6-11 Hondori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima 730-0035