Tarobogu Shrine 太郎坊宮

Official explanation

Tarobogu Shrine is located about halfway between the base and the summit of Mt. Akagami, a mountain west of Higashiomi that is considered sacred and believed to be inhabited by deities. The shrine dates from around 600 CE and because of its lofty perch is often called “the shrine in the sky.” Within the shrine grounds today are about 150 wooden torii gates and several buildings that are dedicated to the deities enshrined there, which include the god of victory.

On foot, the shrine can be reached by a flight of 742 stone steps. The grounds command an impressive view of the rural landscape, the city of Higashiomi, and the Suzuka Mountains in the distance. Before the urbanization of the area, the site also afforded excellent views of Okinogahara, the field where the oodako (giant kites) were flown. Depictions of Mt. Akagami, Tarobogu Shrine, and oodako in flight over Okinogahara can be seen in many hanga wood-block prints dating from the early eighteenth century, demonstrating the long history of kite flying culture in Higashiomi.

Read the full explanation

Today, many people visit the shrine to pray for victory, happiness, protection against disaster, good luck, or success in business.

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.