Pray for Safe Travels and Love—Your Ikuta Shrine Travel Guide

Following a divine message from Wakahirume-no-Mikoto, “Ikuta Shrine” was built in 201.
For a time after its founding, it was enshrined at a place in Kobe City called “Isagoyama,” but after damage from river flooding, it was moved to its current location in 799.
With its long history, “Ikuta Shrine” also saw “Ikuta no Mori” become a stage for the Genpei War that took place from 1180 to 1185.
The Genpei War was a conflict in which the Minamoto clan, another samurai-led force, defeated the powerful Taira clan.
The fall of the Taira marked the beginning of the Kamakura period (1185–1333).
Though it has suffered repeatedly from earthquakes, flood damage, and war, it has been rebuilt each time, and is also worshiped as the “shrine that rises again.”

The “Romon Gate” serves as the front entrance of “Ikuta Shrine,” welcoming visitors as the first thing they see.
It’s a gate with a roof on the upper level of its two-story structure, and its vivid vermilion color is especially eye-catching.
At “Ikuta Shrine,” also a popular hatsumode spot, it’s a tradition to open the gate at 12:00am on January 1 and beat drums atop the “Romon Gate” to welcome the New Year.
If you’re sightseeing in Kobe over the New Year holidays, why not welcome the new year while experiencing Japanese tradition?

The “shaden,” which enshrines the main kami, is a must-see when visiting “Ikuta Shrine.”
The “shaden” refers to the combined area of the “honden” (main sanctuary) and “haiden” (worship hall), and inside the “haiden” is an open-air stone-paved plaza where solemn Shinto rites are performed.
As you pass through the “haiden,” you’ll see the “honden,” where the sacred object of worship is enshrined.
You’ll likely be captivated by the beautiful “honden,” decorated in vermilion and gold.
Take your time and pray while savoring the sacred atmosphere of both the “haiden” and “honden.”
Also worth a look are the two muscular komainu guardian dogs that sit in front of the “haiden.”

Among the many love-related spots and amulets at “Ikuta Shrine,” the “Mizu-mikuji” is especially popular.
It’s an “omikuji” fortune focused on love luck, and it’s known for being very accurate.
“Omikuji” are fortunes in which you pray to the gods and receive a reading of good or bad luck.
You can buy the “Mizu-mikuji” at the shop next to the “Romon Gate.”
After purchasing it, take it to “Kinryusen” in “Ikuta no Mori” and dip it in the water.
The result then appears, making it a wonderfully mysterious fortune.

“Ikuta no Mori” is also where you reveal your “Mizu-mikuji” result.
In the past, it was known as a scenic spot and was a larger forest than it is today, but part of it was burned in air raids.
Now, only the forest on the north side of “Ikuta Shrine’s” grounds remains.
Like “Ikuta Shrine,” “Ikuta no Mori” has a long history, and it was also the site of the Genpei War, leaving behind many legends.
As you stroll through the forest filled with trees that are hundreds of years old, it should be interesting to reflect on the past.
There is also “Ikutamorizashisha” within “Ikuta no Mori,” which enshrines a deity of safe childbirth and growth, so don’t forget to stop and pray.

“Oumi Shrine” is an auxiliary shrine located on the south side of the grounds.
It enshrines Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto, a deity of sea travel, and is said to bring blessings for safety at sea and traffic safety.
One distinctive feature is a monument with a relief of a ship next to the torii gate.
It’s also known for receiving many offerings from ship- and sea-related companies, due to its blessings for safety at sea.
Why not stop by to pray for safe travels?

During the opening of Kobe Port in 1868, “Kobe Kitano Ijinkan-gai” developed as a foreign residential area.
From a hill overlooking the sea, the area has a unique streetscape where Western-style and Japanese-style buildings stand side by side.
Around 30 Western-style buildings still remain much as they were, and 16 of them are open to the public.
Each building has its own design, including the iconic “Weathercock House” with its weathervane, the “Moegi House” with its beautiful light green exterior walls from the time it was built, and the “Uroko House,” whose exterior is covered in around 3,000 pieces of natural slate that look like fish scales.
With stylish streets that feel like a theme park, you’ll enjoy a fun stroll.

Kobe opened its port in 1868 and became a hub for international trade.
Within the city, Kobe Motomachi was designated as a residential area for foreign residents, and it’s lined with impressive modern Western-style buildings, offering a European atmosphere while still in Japan.
Historic, culturally valuable buildings, luxury brand stores, and distinctive international shops are scattered throughout, and there are also many cafes and general goods shops. At night, the area transforms beautifully with illumination. With its seaside location, it’s an area where you can soak up a romantic vibe.

Kobe’s “Nankinmachi” is counted as one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns, alongside Yokohama Chinatown and Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown.
With over 100 Chinese restaurants, along with Japanese and Western eateries, grocery shops, and variety stores, you can enjoy street food while taking in the lively atmosphere—think pork buns, shark fin, baked soup dumplings, Peking duck, and more.
Nankinmachi Square, located in the center, features a Chinese-style pavilion that stands 6.8m tall, with 13 stone statues placed around it.
There are also ornate Chinese-style gates: “Changan Gate” to the east, “Xian Gate” to the west, and “Kaei Gate” to the south.

“Kobe Beef Steak Hana Houbi” is a teppanyaki specialty restaurant in the Sannomiya area of Chuo Ward, Kobe City.
Run by two highly experienced chefs who previously served as hotel head chefs, it offers course meals centered around “Kobe beef.”
All seats are counter seating, and a key draw is watching the lively teppanyaki cooking right in front of you.

An okonomiyaki restaurant located right after you exit Sannomiya Subway Station.
The current owner, the founder’s son, carries on the home-style flavor established when the restaurant opened in 1972.
The signature menu item is “suji meat,” a longtime beloved comfort food in Kobe’s downtown neighborhoods.

A long-established Western-style restaurant founded in 1936, so well-known in Kobe that people say there’s no one who doesn’t know it.
The first owner opened it in Shinkaichi, believing that “Western food is the future,” and after World War II it moved to its current location.
Open the wooden door and step inside, and you’ll find an international vibe with antique-inspired decor.

An urban auberge built along Tor Road in the Kitano Ijinkan district.
Set in an elegant red-brick building, it offers 30 rooms, each with a different character and British-inspired design details.
It’s a member of Relais & Châteaux, a nonprofit association that only internationally acclaimed hotels and restaurants can join.

A small luxury hotel located in Harborland overlooking Kobe Port, known for ocean-view rooms that all come with terraces.
With just 70 rooms, it offers a spacious, indulgent layout—every room is at least 70㎡—and the terrace provides panoramic views of Kobe’s harbor night scenery.

A standout hotel in Kobe’s bay area, with a striking curving design inspired by white waves.
Located on Naka Pier in Kobe Port, the hotel is surrounded by the sea on 270 degrees and is proud of four different views in each direction.
Guest rooms range from standard to suite types. Every room features a wood-deck balcony, letting you enjoy an elegant hotel stay that feels like a cruise.