Yoshida Jinja Shrine

Located in Miyauchi, Mito City, Ibaraki, Yoshida Jinja is a venerable shrine that has long drawn faith as the third shrine of old Hitachi Province. It sits atop Asahiyama, a low hill in the southern part of central Mito. The enshrined deity is the legendary prince Yamatotakeru no Mikoto.

Among all the shrines that enshrine Yamatotakeru across the country, it is said to be the oldest, and in the Kamakura period it drew much faith as the third shrine of Hitachi. It was also listed as a top-ranked Myojin Taisha in the Heian-era register.

Highlights

- A matchmaking bamboo, long said to bring good relationships if you tie its leaves - A sacred tree planted by Lord Tokugawa Mitsukuni, carrying the history tied to the Mito domain into the present - A 300-year-old great zelkova, the lone survivor when the precinct's trees burned in the wartime air raid on Mito, a symbol of life force

Enjoying the Seasons

The view from the Asahiyama hill is especially beautiful in the seasons of fresh green and autumn color. The October grand festival is held grandly and bustles with local people. For a quiet visit, a weekday morning is recommended.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: Miyauchi, Mito City, Ibaraki - Public transport: by bus from Mito Station on the JR Joban and Suigun Lines, get off at Yoshida Jinja Mae - By car: about 20 minutes from the Mito IC on the Joban Expressway - Parking available

A Quick Tip

If you wish for good relationships, carefully tie the bamboo leaf and offer your prayer. When sightseeing in Mito, stopping by together with Kairakuen Garden lets you enjoy the city's history and nature in a single day.