Shirotori Jinja Shrine

Shirotori Jinja, in Higashikagawa City, Kagawa, is an old shrine where a legend of Yamato Takeru remains. It is said that the spirit of Yamato Takeru, who died and was buried at Nobono, flew away as a white bird and descended onto this pine grove. As a shrine for good fortune and warding off misfortune, it draws many worshippers from the local area and beyond. In the Edo era, Matsudaira Yorishige, the first lord of the Takamatsu domain, donated land and restored it, and in the Meiji era it was raised to the rank of a prefectural shrine. In the grounds stand rows of lanterns donated by successive domain lords, and a grove of camphor trees was chosen as one of the hundred fragrant landscapes.

Highlights

- A shrine of distinguished history, colored by the legend that Yamato Takeru descended here as a white bird - The 3.6-meter Oyama within the grounds, known as Japan lowest mountain, where you can receive a climbing certificate at the shrine office - The dignified grounds, lined with lanterns donated by successive domain lords - The fresh air created by the camphor grove chosen as one of the hundred fragrant landscapes

Enjoying the Seasons

At New Year the shrine bustles with first visitors praying for fortune and protection. Spring brings new green to the grounds, a pleasant season to walk the pine grove. In summer the shade of the camphor trees is cool, wrapped in a refreshing scent. When pinwheels line the corridor of the grounds, you can enjoy a bright, photogenic scene. Autumn lets you visit at leisure in a calm mood.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: Matsubara, Higashikagawa City, Kagawa Prefecture - Easy to reach, within walking distance of Sanuki-Shirotori Station on the JR Kotoku Line - The climbing certificate for Oyama, Japan lowest mountain, can be received at the shrine office - The pine grove has sandy spots underfoot, so comfortable shoes are recommended

A Quick Tip

Along with your prayers for fortune and protection, be sure to climb the 3.6-meter Oyama. It is a unique lowest mountain you can summit in just a few steps, and the climbing certificate from the shrine office makes a fine travel memory. In the quiet grounds wrapped in the scent of camphor, you can spend a relaxed time.