Ashikaga Orihime Shrine

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Ashikaga Orihime Shrine

A power spot with stunning views, where the seven fortunes are woven together

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If you are looking to meet the perfect partner, then why not take a trip to famous power spot Ashikaga Orihime Shrine, and ask the gods to help?

Many people come to the shrine to find their perfect match, not just from Ashikaga but from all over the country. Ashikaga has boasted a rich textile industry since 1,300 years ago. Ashikaga Orihime Shrine was established in 1705, when Toda Tadatoki, lord of the Ashikaga domain and then ruler of the area, called on the two deities of weaving to become guardians of the shrine. As fabric is weaved by entwining the warp and weft of yarn, the deities enshrined in Ashikaga—one male and one female—became known as the deities of marriage.

The shrine is said to help you find love but can also bring luck with the likes of work and health.
The shrine is said to help you find love but can also bring luck with the likes of work and health.

Ashikaga Orihime Shrine is halfway up Mount Orihime, We recommend you go through Ichi-no-torii (the first torii gate on the steeper hill). On the other side of the torii are 229 steps. It is said that if you climb the steps up to the shrine grounds, your wish will be granted. When you reach the top of the steps, the vivid vermillion main shrine building—said to be modeled on Byodoin’s Phoenix Hall in Uji, Kyoto—will appear before you. The building, known as Oka no Ryugujo, (the land palace of the dragon king) is undeniably beautiful. On the way down, take the gentler slope (unless you have mobility issues) and exit through the seven colored gates to ensure luck and positive links to people, your health, knowledge, studies, work, and management. Be careful. The road is unpaved so please be aware of your footing on the way down.

Look down on the scenery of Ashikaga town from the Shrine grounds.
Look down on the scenery of Ashikaga town from the Shrine grounds.

In addition to this, when night falls you can see the elaborate main building lit up and can look down on the townscape at night. As this, along with Orihime Park was awarded the status of Japan’s 10th best heritage night view, it is a real must-see. It is lit every night from 5:00 pm to midnight. (Opening times change according to the season.) It is definitely worth seeing if you have time.

The elaborate main shrine building lit up at night creates a completely different atmosphere to the daytime.
The elaborate main shrine building lit up at night creates a completely different atmosphere to the daytime.

Photos

  • The shrine is said to help you find love but can also bring luck with the likes of work and health.

    The shrine is said to help you find love but can also bring luck with the likes of work and health.

  • Look down on the scenery of Ashikaga town from the Shrine grounds.

    Look down on the scenery of Ashikaga town from the Shrine grounds.

  • The elaborate main shrine building lit up at night creates a completely different atmosphere to the daytime.

    The elaborate main shrine building lit up at night creates a completely different atmosphere to the daytime.

Reviews

1
  • 陳英傑

    神社的正面看去很美,是以京都平等院鳳凰堂為原形所建造的,左邊的女坡有很多各種顏色鳥居,每種顏色都代表各種不同的祈福。

Details

Address
3889 Nishinomiyacho, Ashikaga City, Tochigi
Phone numbers
0284-22-0313 (office) *Weekdays only
Opening times
9:00 am–4:00 pm (Shrine office)
Closed
No holidays
Admission
Free
Payment methods
Cash only
Access
A 15 minute walk from Ashikagashi Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line or a 20 minute walk from Ashikaga Station on the JR Ryomo Line.
Official website
Official website (Japanese)