Tsuruhane Jinja

In Futaba no Sato, Higashi Ward, Hiroshima City, Tsuruhane Jinja is a local guardian shrine said to date from the Kamakura era. It is traced to a shrine connected with Ayame no Mae, consort of Minamoto no Yorimasa, built around 1190, and because chinquapin wood was used in repairing the halls it was once called Shiinoki Hachimangu. In the early Meiji period it was renamed because the ridge of Mount Futaba behind the shrine resembles a crane spreading its wings. Alongside the three Hachiman deities it enshrines the married pair Izanagi and Izanami, and it is known for blessings of warding off misfortune, granting children, and tying good matches. It is an accessible old shrine within walking distance of Hiroshima Station.

Highlights

• Because it enshrines the married deities Izanagi and Izanami, many worshippers wishing for good matches come to visit.
• Benzaiten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods at the foot of Mount Futaba in Hiroshima, is enshrined in the grounds, making this a popular stop on the lucky gods pilgrimage.
• The long history said to reach back to the Kamakura era and the solemn presence of a guardian shrine rooted in the community.

Enjoying the Seasons

The shrine bustles with local worshippers at annual events such as the New Year visit, the Shichi-Go-San festival, and Setsubun. By following the Futaba no Sato historical walking path to nearby shrines and temples, you can enjoy a stroll through Hiroshima's history. A quiet weekday visit is also recommended. Event dates vary by year, so if you want to match your visit to a ceremony, checking in advance is recommended.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 2-5-11 Futaba no Sato, Higashi Ward, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima
• Access: About 15 to 20 minutes on foot from JR Hiroshima Station (Shinkansen and north exit side).
• Hours: Grounds open freely (check the amulet office hours)
• Admission: Free

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: Apart from the New Year visit and Shichi-Go-San season you can worship calmly. For stillness, a weekday during the day is recommended.
• Time needed: About 30 minutes for a visit and a stroll of the grounds. Including a tour of the shrines and temples of Futaba no Sato, you can enjoy about half a day.
• Avoiding crowds: Avoiding the days of annual events, you can spend time relatively at ease.
• Nearby spots: Shrines and temples enshrining the Seven Lucky Gods dot the foot of Mount Futaba, linked by the Futaba no Sato historical walking path. Pairing it with dining near Hiroshima Station is also convenient.
• Budget sense: The visit is free. Receiving an amulet or a shrine seal runs from around a few hundred yen.

A Quick Tip

The location makes it easy to drop by while sightseeing near Hiroshima Station. Combine it with the Futaba no Sato lucky gods pilgrimage for a pleasant half day stroll. The amulet office hours may be limited, so a daytime visit is reassuring if you want a shrine seal or an amulet.

📚 Sources

The information in this article is organized from the history handed down at Tsuruhane Shrine, on-site signboards, and details published by the city of Hiroshima and the Hiroshima tourism association. Information on rites and goshuin can be confirmed through the shrine and local public information. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please always confirm with official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 30 minutes for a visit and a look around the grounds; allow extra time to linger.
• What to bring: Small change is handy for amulets and a goshuin.
• Getting around: As it stands in central Hiroshima, access by tram or bus is convenient.
• Suggested route: After praying at the worship hall, quietly tour the grounds and combine it with a stroll around the city.
• A note on worship: This is a place of local faith, so worship calmly and quietly.