Hitokotonushi Jinja Shrine

Located in Joso City, Ibaraki, Hitokotonushi Jinja is an old shrine said to have been founded in 809. It enshrines an all-granting deity who is said to carefully hear a single wish, whether for good things or troubles, and grant blessings, and it has long drawn wide faith.

The quiet, modest precinct has a very calm atmosphere. It carries the air of a genuine guardian grove that has not been overly turned into a tourist site.

Highlights

- A five-hundred-year-old aphananthe tree standing at the entrance, a sacred tree wrapped in solemn air - The main hall, a city-designated Tangible Cultural Property, where you can admire the beauty of historic architecture up close - The mechanical rope fireworks, a prefecturally designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property handed down since the early Edo period and dedicated at the grand festival

Enjoying the Seasons

In the seasons of fresh green and autumn color, the trees of the precinct turn beautifully. The mechanical rope fireworks dedicated at the autumn grand festival are a signature event that draws spectators even from afar. The fantastical puppet play unfolding against the night sky is well worth seeing.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: Joso City, Ibaraki - Public transport: about 15 minutes by taxi from Mitsukaido Station on the Kanto Railway Joso Line, or about 20 minutes by taxi from Moriya Station on the Tsukuba Express - By car: about 15 minutes from the Yawara IC on the Joban Expressway - Parking: room for 300 cars

A Quick Tip

The custom is to pray with heart for just one wish. Rather than greedily asking for many things, narrow it to the single wish you most want granted. With ample parking, visiting by car is worry-free.