Takase Shrine, the First Shrine of Etchu and a Place of Marriage Bonds in Nanto

Set in Nanto in Toyama Prefecture, Takase Shrine is a venerable old shrine long revered as the foremost shrine of Etchu Province. Its principal deity is Onamuchi no Mikoto, also known as Okuninushi no Okami and honored as a god of marriage bonds and good fortune, and its founding is said to reach back to the reign of Emperor Keiko. Legend holds that after Onamuchi no Mikoto pacified the Hokuriku region and returned to Izumo, he left his own spirit enshrined here, and the shrine has long been a spiritual anchor for the local people. It ranked as a Shikinaisha and a former national minor shrine of high standing.

Highlights

• The main hall, known for wide-ranging blessings such as marriage bonds, the gift of children, and household safety
• The stroking rabbit, tied to the myth of the White Rabbit of Inaba, said to heal ailments when stroked
• The solemn atmosphere befitting a provincial first shrine, drifting through the deep green grounds
• An approach and sacred grove that change their face with each season

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring lines the approach with cherry blossoms, and the New Year visits draw many worshippers. Summer wraps the grounds in cool, deep greenery, and a visit amid the chorus of cicadas is something special. Autumn foliage sets off the halls, and winter brings a quiet, snow-clad stillness that calms the heart. From the annual festival on September 13 through the year, people come without pause to pray at life turning points.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 291 Takase, Nanto, Toyama Prefecture
• From Fukuno Station on the JR Johana Line, take the Kaetsuno bus bound for Inami and get off right at the Takase Jinja-mae stop (about 40 minutes on foot from Fukuno Station)
• About 15 minutes by car from the Tonami Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway
• About 15 minutes by car from the Fukumitsu Interchange on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway
• Parking available

Practical Travel Notes

• The New Year season is very crowded; for an unhurried visit, weekdays or mornings are best
• The visit itself takes about 30 minutes to an hour, and half a day is plenty even together with the adjacent Takase Ruins Park
• Buses are infrequent, so coming by car is convenient; if using public transport, check return times as well
• Nearby spots: the wood-carving town of Inami with Zuisenji Temple, Takase Ruins Park, and the Tonami Tulip Park in spring
• The shrine office offers charms for marriage bonds and good health

A Quick Tip

Custom holds that you stroke the rabbit on the same spot you wish to heal while you pray. The carving town of Inami is nearby, so combining the two lets you fully enjoy Toyama history and culture.

📚 Sources

This article is based on the shrine traditions of Takase Shrine, the first-ranked shrine of the old Etchu Province, tourist guidance for Nanto City, on-site information on the stroking rabbit and the annual festival on September 13, and information on the adjacent Takase Ruins Park, the JR Johana Line, and Kaetsuno buses. Amulets, access, and bus timetables may change. Access and the offering office may change, so please confirm the latest details on the official sources before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: 30 minutes to an hour for the visit, or half a day with the adjacent Takase Ruins Park.
• Best timing: The New Year period is crowded, so choose a weekday or morning for a relaxed visit.
• How to pray: The custom is to stroke the rabbit on the same spot you wish to heal while making your prayer.
• Access: Buses are infrequent, so driving is convenient; check return times if using public transport.
• Nearby spots: The woodcarving town of Inami (Zuisenji), Takase Ruins Park, and Tonami Tulip Park in spring.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Reception for prayer rituals: 9:00 to 16:30 (offered daily, open all year round)
• Offerings: Offerings for prayer rituals take the form of a gift from 5,000 yen upward. For groups and companies, from 10,000 yen upward
• Fees: Worship is free of charge
• Parking: 90 free parking spaces
• Inquiries: 0763-82-0932 (Takase Shrine)
• Official information: Official website of Takase Shrine, ichinomiya of Ecchu / Toyama Kanko Navi (official Toyama Prefecture tourism website) / Gokayama NANTO Tourism Organization (official tourism body of Nanto City)

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Times and fees are subject to change, so please check official information before you set out.