Discover shrines in Japan the place snakes are divine

The Year of the Snake has begun, and in line with the Chinese zodiac, snakes are symbols of economic success and rebirth. As you sit up for the subsequent yr, why not make a journey to commemorate the Year of the Snake? Japan has many religious and geological websites to honor snakes. Here are our high picks to begin 2025 on the best foot.

1. 1. Kanahebisui Shrine (Miyagi) 
2. 2. Hebi Daru Waterfall (Shizuoka) 
3. 3. Hakujya Baizenten Shrine (Tochigi) 
4. 4. Hebikubo Shrine (Tokyo) 
5. 5. Omiwa Jinja (Nara) 
6. 6. Iwakuni Shirohebi Shrine (Yamaguchi) 
7. 7. Yaegaki Shrine (Shimane) 
8. 8. Kinomiya Shrine (Shizuoka) 
9. 9. Shinobazu no Ike Bentendo Shrine (Tokyo)
10. 10. Akamizu Hebi Ishi Shrine (Kumamoto)

1. Kanahebisui Shrine (Miyagi)

According to native legend, a blacksmith from Kyoto was seeking to forge a sword for the emperor and found the pure waters surrounding the present-day Kanahebisui Shrine, excellent for forging a worthy weapon. Unable to finish his work due to noisy frogs, he crafted a snake to scare the frogs into silence. Thus, the shrine’s fantasy was born. Mizuhanome, a water goddess, and Buddhist deity Benzaiten (each related to snakes) are enshrined inside.

2. Hebi Daru Waterfall (Shizuoka) 

Hebi Daru is one in every of seven waterfalls atop the Amagi Mountains. At three meters excessive, Snake Waterfall is among the many shortest of the group. But, what it lacks in top, it makes up for in aesthetics. The surrounding basalt rock formation resembles the looks of a snake’s scales. Be positive to select up a stamp rally card if you go to the positioning and cease by all seven waterfalls to appease the Seven Gods of Luck. 

3. Hakujya Baizenten Shrine (Tochigi) 

This shrine takes its identify from Baizenten, a strong water deity generally related to snakes, dragons, good well being and fortune. A fantasy explains that the realm that when stood across the shrine was darkish and largely uninhabitable with thick forests of huge, previous wisteria bushes and cedars. Locals informed tales of two white snakes dwelling within the woods and dependable to Baizenten. If paid correct respect, you possibly can reside a wholesome and affluent life. A wood statue of Benzaiten awaits guests in the primary corridor and comes full with eight arms. Check out vital festivals devoted to Baizenten held in April and November too. 

4. Hebikubo Shrine (Tokyo)

Hebikubo Shrine was based through the Kamakura interval, and, like many websites on this checklist, it has an origin story that includes a snake. One day, a white snake that used to name the realm dwelling was compelled out. Appearing in a dream of an area man, the snake requested him to create a brand new dwelling, and Hebikubo Shrine was born. The shrine advanced has a number of snake-related options, together with a pair of white stone snakes you’ll be able to pet for good luck, a set of fearsome-looking snake statues guarding a smaller shrine and loads of ema (wood plaques used for needs) and omamori (good luck charms) with snake motifs.  

5. Omiwa Jinja (Nara) 

Omiwa Jinja is without doubt one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. Walking by means of the advanced, you’ll be able to see earlier types of Shintoism, together with the shortage of a principal prayer corridor, a normal attribute of shrines in Japan. In reality, everything of Mount Miwa is believed to accommodate the deity Omononushi-no-Kami. Omiwa Jinja can be no stranger to snakes. There are a number of tales of Omononushi-no-Kami taking the type of a snake and interacting with the human world. In honor of the snake god, worshippers usually go away an providing of eggs, thought of a favourite amongst snakes.  

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