Ikushima-Tarushima Shrine

Standing in the Shimonogo area of Ueda City, Ikushima-Tarushima Shrine is an ancient shrine of the highest rank, recorded even in Heian-period registers. It enshrines two deities, Ikushima no Okami who grants life force to all things and Tarushima no Okami who brings contentment to all things, and its mysterious main hall sits on a sacred island ringed by a divine pond. The inner sanctuary has no floor, preserving to this day a rare form of worship in which the earth itself is the sacred body.

Highlights

- The main hall on the sacred island floating in the divine pond, reached by crossing a vermilion bridge. - The ancient belief, embodied in the floorless inner sanctuary, that the earth itself is the deity. - The Koyasu shrine, visited by those praying for children and safe childbirth. - A remarkable alignment with the sun, as the sunrise climbs through the center of the eastern gate at the summer solstice and the sunset sinks through the western gate at the winter solstice.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring the cherry blossoms in the grounds reflect on the surface of the divine pond, making it popular with photographers. At the solstices, some visitors come specifically to catch the sun aligning straight through the gates. In autumn the surrounding trees turn color, ideal for a quiet visit. The calm atmosphere throughout the year lets you take your time in worship.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: 701 Nakaike-nishi, Shimonogo, Ueda City, Nagano - Access: About 5 minutes on foot from Shimonogo Station on the Ueda Dentetsu Bessho Line - Hours: Grounds open at all times (offering office during the day) - Admission: Free

A Quick Tip

Trains on the Ueda Dentetsu Bessho Line are infrequent, so checking the timetable in advance for both directions will set your mind at ease. This shrine suits visits by couples and married pairs, so take your time exploring it together.