Komikado Shrine

Komikado Shrine, in the Nagoya district of Narita, enshrines Fujiwara no Morokata, a close attendant of Emperor Go-Daigo. Morokata rose in arms as a stand-in for the emperor, was exiled to the old Shimosa Province, and ended his life here. From this story he is revered as a god of substitution and recovery, and in 1882 a hall was built at his former grave site to found the shrine. It is known for blessings of traffic safety, aviation safety, healing from illness, and the revival of enterprises.

Highlights

• The serene approach, surrounded by cedar and cypress, is filled with pure air, like stepping into a deep forest.
• As a god of substitution, the shrine draws many worshippers praying for safety on roads and in the air.
• It once held the distinguished rank of a special imperial shrine, and its well-tended grounds convey a sense of dignity.

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring brings cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, summer a deep green grove, autumn its foliage, and winter a visit in crisp, clear air. The grounds are quiet through all seasons, suited to anyone wishing to calm the heart away from the bustle. At the annual festival on April 29, local people gather and a solemn atmosphere fills the air.

Access and Basic Information

• A short taxi ride, or a walk, from Namegawa Station on the JR Narita Line.
• Conveniently reached by car from Narita Airport or central Narita.
• Parking is available, and goshuin seals can be received at the shrine office.

Practical Travel Notes

• By train, the nearest station of Namegawa is some distance away, so arriving by car or taxi is convenient. Bus service is limited, so it helps to check times in advance.
• A leisurely walk through the still, wooded grounds takes about 30 minutes. With few visitors, it is a hidden spot to savor the quiet.
• Close to Naritasan Shinshoji and Narita Airport, it pairs well with a Narita visit or a journey by air. Owing to its blessing of aviation safety, some stop by to pray for a safe trip.
• There is no charge to worship, and goshuin seals run a few hundred yen. It is a calm shrine suited to anyone seeking quiet time.

A Quick Tip

Known for blessings of aviation safety, it draws some who stop by before a journey by air. The still, wooded grounds see few visitors, making it a hidden spot for an unhurried visit. If you wish for recovery from illness or a fresh start, this is a shrine well worth seeking out.

📚 Sources

This article is compiled from the history of Komikado-jinja, which enshrines Fujiwara no Morokata, tourism guidance for Narita City, and public information on its former special imperial shrine rank and the faith in traffic and aviation safety. The hours of the shrine office and the date of the annual festival may change, so please confirm fees, hours, and access with official sources before you set out. Please also refer to the on-site history notice and signboards.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 30 minutes to leisurely tour the hushed grounds.
• What to bring and prepare: Wear easy-walking shoes for the approach lined with cedar and cypress. Having small change is handy if you receive a goshuin seal, and check transport from the nearest station if traveling by train.
• Suggested route: Proceed along the tranquil approach surrounded by cedar and cypress and worship the deity of the body-substitute and recovery. Close to Naritasan Shinshoji and Narita Airport, it pairs well with air travel and Narita sightseeing, and some drop by to pray for safe travels.
• Access tip: The nearest Namegawa Station is a bit of a distance, so a car or taxi is convenient, and since buses are limited, checking times in advance is reassuring.