Tenso Shrine

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Tenso Shrine

Legendary shrine of a dragon god, still revered as a coveted power spot today.

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Tenso Shrine sits on a quiet perch along the southeastern shore of Lake Kinrin. The shrine's origins trace back to Emperor Keikō, the 12th emperor of Japan, who commanded Hatsume-hime of Hayami District, Bungo Province, to enshrine the spirit of the imperial ancestor here. The shrine building faces the lake, with Tenso Kami enshrined at the center, Yasaka Shrine to the right, and Konpira Shrine to the left.

A stone torii gate rises from the surface of Lake Kinrin, shrouded in an extra air of mystique in the morning mists. Swing by to find a sacred cedar tree, designated as a natural monument, a pure spring flowing from the stone walls, and an elegantly crafted temizuya (purification fountain).

Tenso Shrine and Lake Kinrin are linked by a dragon god legend. According to the story, a dragon is said to have lost its way before praying to Tenso Kami for a place to reside. In return, the dragon vowed to bring forth a fresh spring and protect the land. Tenso Kami granted the dragon Lake Kinrin as a sanctuary, and to this day, clear water springs from both the lakebed and the shrine grounds, solidifying its reputation as a spiritual power spot.

Highlights

  • A historic shrine standing on the shores of Lake Kinrin.
  • Known for its dragon god legend and famous as a power spot.
  • Features a towering sacred cedar tree, said to be over 1,000 years old.
  • The torii gate standing on the lake is a popular photo spot.

Photos

  • A small shrine building stands gracefully with the lake as its backdrop.
*Photo provider: Pixta

    A small shrine building stands gracefully with the lake as its backdrop. *Photo provider: Pixta

  • The torii gate, shrouded in morning mist, creates a mystical and enchanting scene.
*Photo provider: Pixta

    The torii gate, shrouded in morning mist, creates a mystical and enchanting scene. *Photo provider: Pixta

  • The autumn scenery is equally beautiful
*Photo provider: Pixta

    The autumn scenery is equally beautiful *Photo provider: Pixta

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)

A

Sorry, we don’t.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?

A

No free Wi-Fi available.

Q

Do you have shrine’s red ink stamps?

A

No, we don’t have.

Q

Is parking available?

A

Not available.

Reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
天祖神社
Postal Code
879-5102
Address
Yufuinchokawakami, Yufu City, Oita
Telephone
0977-84-3200 (Unagi Hime Shrine)
Closed
Open every day
Business Hours
Free to visit any time
Admission
Free
Access
17 minutes walk or 5 minutes cab ride from JR Yufuin Station.