MUKO JINJA
向日神社
Muko Jinja 向日神社
Muko Jinja is an ancient shrine founded in 718. It is where locals come to pray for a good harvest, academic achievement, and traffic safety. Originally there were two shrines on this small mountain and they were later combined into the one shrine that exists today.
Visitors approach the shrine by walking along a stone paved path leading from the nearby main road. The path is sloped gently up the hill and lined by cherry trees, azalea flowers and maple trees, making it well worth visiting in the spring and fall.
It is said that Muko Jinja originated when the deity Mitoshi no kami came to Mt. Muko and encouraged the rice crop.
There were several other deities enshrined here when new buildings were constructed at in the year 718 but it fell into decline by the middle ages and merged to become Muko Jinja in 1275.
Of particular note are two festivals that are held here. The “Sakura Festival” is held in April and visitors can view flower arrangement exhibitions and musical performances. In October, the "Fire Festival" is held in where wooden prayer sticks are burned to pray for a life of happiness and free of disease.