Shrines are places that the Japanese have continued to cherish and protect as sacred places where the gods live. Kyoto Prefecture is dotted with approximately 2020 shrines (according to the XNUMX Agency for Cultural Affairs' Religion Yearbook). In the first part, we introduced power spots in Kyoto City, and in the second part, we will introduce two shrines as recommended power spots in Kyotanba and Kyotango, and a stopover spot that will get you in the mood for a trip.

Izumo Grand Shrine
Rising behind the main shrine is the sacred mountain that has been revered since ancient times.

Tamba Kameoka City can be said to be the gateway to Tango. The deities enshrined at ``Izumo Daijingu'', which has a shrine in this area, are ``Ookuninushi no Mikoto'' and ``Mihotsuhime no Mikoto.'' It is also called ``Moto Izumo'' and is said to be older than Izumo Taisha Shrine in Shimane.

Chief priest Masanori Iwata talks about the founding of Izumo Daijingu Shrine. ``While the two enshrined deities are enshrined with great care, Mt. Mikage itself, which rises behind the main shrine, has been deeply revered as a sacred mountain since ancient times.Nature itself is a blessing from the gods. It was a place that told me something."

There are many giant cedar trees in the guardian forest behind the main shrine that leads to Mt. Goshintai, and the sunlight shines down and the wind passes through, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

The huge rock that sits in the shrine is the source of power. Truly a “power spot”

Kaminoiwakura, a particularly large rock with a shimenawa rope wrapped around it, came into view. It is said that it existed at this location even before the shrine building was built, and has been revered as an object of faith. A huge rock suddenly appears among the lush trees. Its power is said to attract various connections.

The animal associated with Okuninushi no Mikoto is the rabbit. In front of the torii gate, I found a cute stone ``Happy Pet Rabbit''. After worshiping the majestic "Iwaza" and touring the shrine's shrine, I came across this adorable expression and thought, ``Daikoku-sama, who is said to be the god of matchmaking, brightens society by not only connecting men and women, but also connecting people. I am reminded of the words of Chief Priest Iwata, ``He is a kind God, full of benevolence.''

Motoisekago Shrine/Manai Shrine
Former IseA historic and prestigious shrine known as

Motoiseko Shrine is located near Kasamatsu Park, which overlooks Amanohashidate, which is known as one of the most scenic spots. The chrysanthemum emblem appears on the curtain hung in front of the main shrine. I can't help but feel tense. As the single character ``Gen'' tells us, Amaterasu Omikami and Toyouke Omikami were transferred from this place to Ise Grand Shrine, so to speak, it is the predecessor of the current Ise Grand Shrine, and is one of the most important shrines in the history of shrines. It is said that

Go to Manai Shrine in Okumiya, which is famous as a power spot

Manai Shrine, known as a power spot, is the inner shrine of Kago Shrine, and is about a 10-minute walk away. The grounds are full of spots reminiscent of ancient history, such as ``Iwakura,'' an ancient ritual site, and ``Manai no Mizu,'' known as spiritual water. Many people come from far and wide to draw the water from Manai in order to receive divine protection.

Japan Genjosha
Three young swordsmiths pioneering the next generation of Japanese swords

Tango has been a land with deep ties to swords since ancient times, with swords from the Kofun period being unearthed and ruins said to be an ancient ironworks. In this area of ​​Tango, three young swordsmiths set up a workshop and began making Japanese swords. I visited this small workshop named ``Nippon Genjosha''.

1000Iron called tamahagane, which had been heated to a certain degree, was taken out of the furnace. With a signal, a sledgehammer is swung down on the Tamahagane. Sparks flying, sweat dripping. A deafening, sharp, yet sweet metal sound echoed, and the tamahagane was being stretched little by little.

In 2019, Nippon Genjosha, which was launched in Tokyo in 2022, opened a workshop in Tango. The turning point came when the vacant house where the grandparents of Kosuke Yamazoe, one of the three disciples who trained under the same master, were living became available for use. Since then, Tomoteru Kuromoto and Tomoyuki Miyagi also moved to Tango, and they began making Japanese swords together.

The aim is to create a “Reiwa Japanese sword” that incorporates elements of art.

Mr. Kuromoto, who is working as a representative, says. "The degree of curvature and size of Japanese swords have changed over time. I would like to create a 'Japanese sword for Reiwa' that properly follows tradition while incorporating elements of art." All three are in their 3s. A young force that creates a craft with severe power called the Japanese sword. ``Nippon Genjosha'' can also be called a power spot in Tango.

Wakudennomori
After experiencing Mitsumasa Yasuno's work, enjoy delicious food made with ingredients from Kyotango.

Tango is the birthplace of Wakuden, a well-known restaurant with a noren curtain in Kyoto City. Wakudennomori is a tree-planting project that began in 2007 under the guidance of plant ecologist Akira Miyawaki with the aim of preserving the beautiful environment there.The trees have grown steadily, and the forest has become rich with the beauty of nature throughout the four seasons. ``Mori no Ie Yasuno Mitsumakan'' and ``Kobo Restaurant Wakuden MORI'', which were opened in such a forest in 2017, are visited by many people every day as a stopover spot on their journey around Tango.

``House in the Forest Yasuno Mitsumakan'' is a building designed by Tadao Ando, ​​which is mainly composed of simple straight lines. Inside the building, which is nestled in the beautiful nature of Tango, works by Mitsumasa Yasuno, a painter and picture book author, are displayed. His works calm the hearts of those who view them, while at the same time quietly and powerfully conveying the importance of connections between people and peace.

After viewing the works, you will want to enjoy a meal at Kobo Restaurant wakuden MORI. The menu, created by the head chef who trained at the Japanese restaurant ``Wakuden,'' skillfully uses Tango ingredients, has a unique taste that conveys the ``Wakuden'' spirit even in its casual atmosphere. Be sure to check out the products and souvenirs from Wakuden Shino, known for ``Seiko Lotus Root Confectionery.''

Both Ise and Izumo have their hometowns in Kyoto. A journey where you come across a shrine full of clean and strong power that makes you think of all that. This is a pleasure that can only be enjoyed in Kyoto, a place where myths and tales were born. There are still plenty of power spots in the Kyotango and Kyotanba areas, so when researching for your next trip to Kyoto,Kyoto DMO of the sea"When"Forest Kyoto DMO'Why not check it out? Please take a trip to the power spots in Kyoto that will rejuvenate your body and mind.