Takebe Taisha Shrine 建部大社

Official explanation

Takebe Taisha Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Shiga Prefecture. The shrine is located on the eastern side of the Seta River and dates from the eighth century. It is designated the prefecture’s ichinomiya (chief shrine), a special status it has held since at least the Heian period (794–1185).

Takebe Taisha is dedicated to Yamato Takeru, a legendary warrior prince said to have lived from 72 CE to 114 CE. Yamato Takeru is one of Japan’s most popular folk heroes, said to have wielded the sword Kusanagi, a magical weapon that is one of the imperial regalia of Japan. There are many shrines dedicated to Yamato Takeru throughout Japan, but Takebe Taisha is one of the oldest.

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A long gravel walkway flanked by cedar trees leads from the torii gate through the secluded grounds to the main shrine. Near the entrance is a chozuya, a water basin for purifying one’s hands and mouth before entering the shrine. The basin at Takebe Taisha plays music while you wash your hands.

Three cedar trees stand clustered together in front of the main shrine building. The trees are the symbol of the shrine and are considered sacred. Eight smaller shrines are arranged on either side of the main shrine. They are dedicated to different deities and were designed to complement the Yamato Takeru shrine, as though forming part of the prince’s retinue. Next to the structures is a small pond with koi carp.

Takebe Taisha has a treasure hall that houses statues of Shinto deities made in the Heian period. The ancient artifacts have been designated Important Cultural Properties. Also on display are the mikoshi (portable shrines) used during the annual Senkosai Festival on August 17.

Takebe Taisha Shrine dates from the eighth century and is designated the ichinomiya (chief shrine) for what is now Shiga Prefecture, a special status it has held since at least the Heian period (794–1185). The shrine is dedicated to Yamato Takeru, the legendary warrior prince who wielded the magical sword considered one of the imperial regalia of Japan. There are many shrines dedicated to Yamato Takeru throughout Japan, but Takebe Taisha is one of the oldest.

Three cedar trees stand clustered together in front of the main shrine building. The trees are the symbol of the shrine and are considered sacred. The eight smaller shrines on either side of the main building are dedicated to different deities, complementing the Yamato Takeru shrine.

Takebe Taisha has a treasure hall featuring statues of Shinto deities made in the Heian period. The ancient artifacts have been designated Important Cultural Properties. Also on display are the mikoshi (portable shrines) used during the annual Senkosai Festival on August 17.

出典: 地域観光資源の多言語解説文データベース（観光庁） — www.mlit.go.jp/tagengo-db. この英語解説文は観光庁の地域観光資源の多言語解説整備支援事業で作成しました。
Source: Japan Tourism Agency, Multilingual Explanation Database. This English text was produced by the Japan Tourism Agency's multilingual explanation project and is shown unedited. Opening hours and services may have changed since it was written.