Okuni jinja Shrine
The shrine is dedicated to the deity Onamuchi-no-mikoto, affectionately known as Daikoku-sama, and has a long history of more than 1,460 years as the first shrine in the Enshu region.
The majestic shrine pavilions in the Taisha-zukuri style and the thriving old Japanese cedars in the sanctuary are reminiscent of the archetypal scenery of Japan.
There are many places to see throughout the four seasons, including cherry blossoms and rhododendrons in spring, fresh green maple leaves and irises in early summer, and autumnal leaves in fall, and on New Year's Day, the temple is crowded with worshipers from all over Japan.
In addition, it is widely known as a famous matchmaking shrine that connects people in various relationships, and there is a matchmaking sacred tree called Hyo no Ki (Distylium racemosum) in the precincts, which is said to be over 800 years old.
In 2003 (Heisei 15), His Imperial Highness Akishino, Prince Fumihito, and Her Imperial Highness Princess Kiko visited the shrine, and in 2017 (Heisei 29), Her Imperial Highness Hisako, Princess Takamado, visited the shrine.
