Takaoka Shrine

In Kaminakatsui, Maniwa, Okayama, Takaoka Shrine is a historic shrine said to continue from the Heian period. In recent years it suddenly drew attention when the figure of a dragon was said to appear on a sacred tree called the Heian Cedar at the foot of the approach. This Heian Cedar is a giant tree over eight hundred fifty years old, about thirty meters tall with a trunk circumference of about eight point six meters, and is designated a natural monument of Maniwa City. In the autumn of 2023, a branch damaged by a typhoon and other causes looked like a dragon whiskers and horns, which earned it fame, and afterward the figure of a white snake was said to appear directly behind the dragon on the same tree, drawing even more notice.

From the dark brown bark, a single white branch extends, and its slender, winding form is said to resemble a white snake. The dragon is seen as a symbol of divine power and the white snake as a symbol of fortune, making this a rare spot where two auspicious signs dwell on the same sacred tree.

Highlights

• The dragon figure that appeared on the Heian Cedar sacred tree. Looking up, the branches do extend like the whiskers and horns of a dragon rising to heaven.
• The white snake figure directly behind the dragon. The winding of the slender white branch is snake like and known for blessings of fortune.
• The historic hall continuing from the Heian period. Several deities are enshrined in the main hall, and the grounds also hold a branch of Fushimi Inari for business prosperity and a Kokuzo Bodhisattva for wisdom, cherished for wide ranging blessings such as safe childbirth, exam success, and household safety.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring the greenery along the approach buds and the cedar sacred tree looks even more stately. Summer is wrapped in deep green with pleasant shade. In autumn the surrounding trees turn color and a calm mood settles over the quiet grounds. In winter, in clear air, it is perfect for carefully searching out the dragon and white snake on the sacred tree.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Kaminakatsui, Maniwa, Okayama
• A visit by car is convenient. It is located in the Hokubo area.
• The Heian Cedar sacred tree stands at the foot of the approach, and from there you proceed to the hall.
• A separate route that lets you drive close is provided for those who find the approach hard to walk.
• As this is a mountain area, watch road conditions in winter.

Practical Travel Notes

• The dragon and white snake on the sacred tree are best enjoyed not only in photos but by looking with your own eyes while changing angles. The way the light falls changes with the time of day, and so does how they appear.
• This is a quiet shrine in the hills, with few shops or vending machines nearby. It is reassuring to prepare drinks in the town of Hokubo or Maniwa.
• The approach is uphill. Those unsure of their footing may consider the separate route that lets you drive close.
• The Hokubo area also has limestone caves and burial mound clusters, so touring them together with Takaoka Shrine lets you savor the nature and history of this region in a day.

A Quick Tip

The dragon and white snake on the sacred tree look different depending on the viewing angle. Gaze up carefully at the foot of the approach and search from various angles. The approach is uphill, so comfortable shoes are recommended. If you wish to share in the two auspicious signs of dragon and white snake, take your time to worship.

📚 Sources

This article draws on the history and on-site guidance of Takaoka Jinja, materials from Maniwa City and the Maniwa City Tourism Federation, and information on the natural-monument designation of the sacred tree Heian Sugi. Statements about Heian Sugi being a Maniwa City natural monument and about the dragon and white-snake shapes appearing in the sacred tree rest on these public materials, on-site panels, and reported news. Because approach conditions and the alternate route may change, please confirm current details with official sources such as the Maniwa City Tourism Federation before visiting.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About thirty minutes to one hour combining a look at the sacred tree and the visit; searching for the dragon and white snake from different angles adds range.
• What to bring: Wear comfortable shoes as the approach climbs uphill, and prepare drinks in the Hokubo or Maniwa town areas since shops and vending machines are few.
• Getting around: A car is convenient and the site is in the Hokubo area; for those who find the approach hard, an alternate route lets you drive closer.
• Seasonal note: In this mountainous area, be mindful of road conditions in winter.
• Viewing tip: The dragon and white snake in the sacred tree look different as the light changes through the day, so viewing from various angles is rewarding.