Takeo Shrine

It is a 1200-year-old shrine located at the eastern foot of Mt.Mifune. Takeuchi no Sukune, the main deity, is known as the god of the longest life span in Japan and is said to bring good fortune, good luck, and protection from bad luck.

It is one of the venues for the "Takeo no Akari Meguri" event, in which the city's famous landmarks are lit up from sunset to 10 p.m. on weekends from July to November each year, and Takeo Shrine also offers a limited-time-only good luck charm.

The shrine is also notable for its Meoto Hinoki (a married couple of cypresses), joined at the base by the divine power of Emperor Chuai and Empress Jingu, who are the shrine's deities. Many people visit the shrine because it brings them together with men and women and with other people, work, money, and various other types of relationships. The Goshuin(red ink stamp) changes with the seasons and is also popular for its cute designs.

"Takeo no Ookusu big-camphor tree, " the sacred tree of Takeo Shrine, is a must-see along with Takeo Shrine. The 3,000-year-old camphor tree, found in the bamboo grove behind the shrine, is the seventh largest giant tree in Japan, with a height of 27 meters and a root circumference of 26 meters. The hollow at the base of the tree is as wide as 12 tatami mats, and inside the cavity is dedicated to the god Tenjin.