When visiting a shrine in Kurashiki, which shrine do you go to?
Achi Shrine and Haguro Shrine are among the many historic shrines in Kurashiki City.
One of the oldest is Yuga Shrine Honmiya (also written as Yugasan or Yugasan), located on Mt. Yuga in the northern part of Kojima.
With a history of more than 2,000 years, this venerable shrine has received prayers from the Imperial Court and the Ikeda clan, lords of Okayama Castle. Known as the head shrine for warding off misfortune, it flourished during the Edo period thanks to the custom of visiting both Mt. Yuga and Kotohira-gu Shrine in Kagawa Prefecture, known as “ryo-mairi” (visiting both shrines).
Today, Yuga Shrine Honmiya is one of the most visited shrines in Okayama Prefecture.
Let’s take a closer look at the history and highlights of Yuga Shrine Honmiya.
The information presented here was current when this article was published in December 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
About Yuga Shrine Honmiya
Yuga Shrine Honmiya is located on Mt. Yuga, at an elevation of 273.1 meters in the northern part of the Kojima area of Kurashiki City.
There are 52 branch shrines throughout Japan, and, as its name indicates, Yuga Shrine Honmiya is their head shrine.
About one million people visit each year, and more than 350,000 visit especially for New Year’s prayers, making it one of Kurashiki’s leading New Year’s shrine-visiting destinations.
Mt. Yuga is originally the name of the mountain, but the name is also used to refer to the shrines and temples on the mountain, as well as the area as a whole.
During the Edo period, Utagawa Hiroshige depicted Mt. Yuga as “Bizen Yugasan” in Wrestling Matches Between Mountains and Seas. Likewise, in Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces, in which Utagawa Hiroshige depicted famous sites across Japan, “Torii Gate at Yugasan, Tanokuchi Beach, Bizen” appears as a famous place in Bizen.
This was because Tanokuchi was the seaside approach to Mt. Yuga during the Edo period.
In 2017, Yuga Shrine Honmiya also became one of the constituent cultural properties of the Japan Heritage designation “A Kurashiki story beginning with a single cotton flower: A textile town woven from Japanese and Western influences.”
The history of Mt. Yuga and Yuga Shrine Honmiya
Since ancient times, Mt. Yuga has been worshipped as “Yuga Daigongen,” a syncretic form of Shinto and Buddhism.
Its history stretches back more than 2,000 years.
It is said to have originated with the worship of a huge rock in the mountains as a sacred object.
During the Nara period, in 733, the monk Gyoki performed the “practice of the three mysteries of yoga” and enshrined Yuga Daigongen. The names Mt. Yuga (Yugasan) and Yuga Daigongen derive from Gyoki’s practice of the three mysteries of yoga.
Eventually, the deity enshrined nearby, in what is now called Koyuga, was also enshrined here, and the site came to be revered as a sacred mountain where Shinto and Buddhism were syncretized.
During the reign of Emperor Kanmu, it became a place where the Imperial Court prayed, and Mt. Yuga continued to prosper as a site for Imperial prayers thereafter. For this reason, the current worship hall bears the Imperial chrysanthemum crest.
Also during the Nara period, Mt. Yuga was worshipped as one of the “New Kumano Sanzan.”
The New Kumano Sanzan refers to the worship of the following three locations in what is now the Kojima area as counterparts to the Kumano Sanzan (in the southern part of present-day Wakayama Prefecture).
- Kumano Hongu Taisha (Hongu-cho, Tanabe City) = Japan’s First Kumano Shrine and Goryu Sonryuin Temple (Hayashi, Kurashiki City)
- Kumano Hayatama Taisha (Shingu City) = Shokoji Temple (Kimi, Kurashiki City; only the ruins remain today)
- Kumano Nachi Taisha (Nachikatsuura Town) = Yuga Daigongen (Mt. Yuga)
During the Edo period, Mt. Yuga became a place of prayer for the Ikeda clan, lords of the Okayama Domain, and was deeply revered.
Among ordinary people, the custom of “ryo-mairi” became popular: when going to Kotohira-gu Shrine in Sanuki Province (Kagawa Prefecture), people would visit Mt. Yuga before crossing the Seto Inland Sea by boat.
Even today, some visitors make the ryo-mairi pilgrimage to Mt. Yuga and Kotohira-gu Shrine.
During the Meiji period, the Shinto-Buddhist Separation Order divided the site into Yuga Shrine Honmiya and Yugasan Rendai-ji Temple.
The enshrined deities of Yuga Shrine Honmiya
The deities enshrined at Yuga Shrine Honmiya are as follows:
- Taokihooi-no-Mikoto
- Hikosashiri-no-Mikoto
- Kamunaohi-no-Mikoto
- Oonaohi-no-Mikoto
The following are also enshrined as honjibutsu (Buddhas and bodhisattvas manifested in the form of Shinto deities):
- Amida Nyorai
- Yakushi Nyorai
Taokihooi-no-Mikoto and Hikosashiri-no-Mikoto are the deities of craftsmanship, who govern architecture and skills.
These two deities are the principal deities of Yuga Shrine Honmiya.
Kamunaohi-no-Mikoto and Oonaohi-no-Mikoto are deities who ward off misfortune.
They were invited and enshrined when the ryo-mairi custom arose during the Edo period, so that travelers could pray for safe journeys.
From then on, more people began visiting Yuga Shrine Honmiya to pray for protection from misfortune, expanding its role beyond warding off calamities, and it came to be known as the “head shrine for warding off misfortune.”
Highlights of Yuga Shrine Honmiya
Yuga Shrine Honmiya has many highlights.
Here are some of the most notable ones.
Stone steps for warding off misfortune
The main approach continues from the First Parking Lot on Mt. Yuga.
Along the approach are three separate sections of “stone steps for warding off misfortune.” The first, by the initial torii gate, is called the “Main Approach Stone Steps for Warding Off Misfortune.”
About 250 meters farther along from the stone steps is the “Thirty-three Stone Steps for Warding Off Misfortune,” just before the Ryoshin torii gate.
Next, behind the Ryoshin torii gate, are the “Sixty-one Stone Steps for Warding Off Misfortune.”
Japan’s largest Bizen ware grand torii gate and Bizen ware lions
A large torii gate made of Bizen ware stands at the entrance to the grounds of Yuga Shrine Honmiya.
It was dedicated in 1894 and is the largest torii gate made of Bizen ware in Japan.
In March 2024, the grand Bizen ware torii gate was designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
There are also lions made of Bizen ware on either side of the gate.
They were dedicated in 1829 by the Amaki Ikeda clan.
The family crest of the Amaki Ikeda clan is carved into the lions’ pedestals. The lion on the left when facing the front of the torii gate has its right front paw raised.
The lions were originally a parent and child, with a cub beneath their feet.
However, the cub was stolen during the Showa era, leaving them in their current state.
Main hall, offering hall, and worship hall
The worship hall of Yuga Shrine Honmiya is built in the representative Gongen-zukuri architectural style.
The main hall, where the deities are actually enshrined, is behind the worship hall.
It is believed to have been built in the early Edo period, and is the oldest building on Mt. Yuga.
The Main Hall of Yuga Shrine Honmiya is designated an Important Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture.
The heiden (offering hall) is where offerings are presented to the gods and rituals are performed, while the haiden (worship hall) is where visitors put their hands together and pray to the gods when they come to worship.
Looking around at the pillars and ceiling of the worship hall, you will see a variety of wood carvings and other decorations. It is very ornate.
There is also an explanation of the decorations beside the worship hall, so please refer to it as you look around.
The heiden and haiden, together with the Bizen-yaki Great Torii and Sanbo Kojin Shrine, were designated National Registered Tangible Cultural Properties in March 2024.
You can also enter the interior from either side of the worship hall.
Inside, Susanowo-no-Mikoto, known for bringing people together in marriage, is enshrined.
Men should enter from the left and pay their respects to the female lion of the matchmaking lions enshrined at the back.
Women should enter from the right and pay their respects to the male lion of the matchmaking lions.
Yaku-dama Ritual
The Yaku-dama Ritual is a unique ceremony found only at Yuga Shrine Honmiya.
After receiving a prayer, take a yaku-dama (“misfortune ball”) from a shrine attendant.
Then head to the Yaku-dama Ritual Offering Site just to the left in front of the worship hall.
There is a small stone bridge called the yaku-bashi (“misfortune bridge”) in front of the offering site. Cross it to reach the site.
The character for “misfortune” appeared countless times on the bridge.
The yaku-dama is a ceramic ball engraved with the character for “misfortune,” with a hole in one spot.
Blow into the hole in the yaku-dama.
As you breathe into it, your misfortune and calamities are sealed inside the ball.
Then take the yaku-dama containing your misfortune and calamities, aim at the large character for “misfortune” written at the offering site, and throw it with all your might.
As the yaku-dama hits the character for “misfortune,” it shatters into pieces with a satisfying sound.
This is how misfortune is warded off.
I think the Yaku-dama Ritual is a very interesting ceremony, as it wards off misfortune and relieves stress at the same time.
Tako-gami (Sea God)
It was built in the mid-Heisei period at the request of local fishermen from the Kojima area, who wished to pray for a good catch and hold a memorial service for the seafood they had caught.
Oowatatsumi-no-Kami, the god of the sea, was invited and enshrined here. It is shaped like an octopus because the Shimotsui area of Kojima is famous for octopus, making it quite unique.
Tako-gami is enshrined just to the left in front of the worship hall.
Tenmangu, Inari-gu, and Iwakura
Tenmangu is enshrined to the left of the worship hall, behind Tako-gami.
Tenmangu is a shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning.
On higher ground to the left of the Main Hall stood a white statue of Sugawara no Michizane.
Behind it is a vermilion shrine called Inari-gu.
It enshrines Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto, the god of good harvests and prosperous business.
Behind Inari-gu is a huge iwakura (sacred rock).
An iwakura is a rock believed to be inhabited by a divine spirit, and is said to originate in ancient nature worship.
Pain-Relieving Mallet
The pain-relieving mallet (shotsu no kozuchi) is said to have mysterious powers.
It is said that rubbing the parts of your body that hurt or feel unwell with the pain-relieving mallet makes the pain go away.
Apparently, some people even come to worship from Shikoku specifically to receive the mallet’s blessings.
Be sure to try this mysterious mallet.
Sacred Tree for Conception
The sacred tree for conception (kosazuke no goshinboku) is a camphor tree with a mysterious legend that it can help people conceive.
It is said that circling the sacred tree three times clockwise, starting from the front and going to the right, will bring you a boy, while circling it three times counterclockwise, starting from the front and going to the left, will bring you a girl.
Apparently, the blessings of circling the sacred tree are not limited to the person who will actually become pregnant and give birth. During the Edo period, the Ikeda clan, lords of Okayama Castle, had no heir. It is said that after praying to this camphor tree, they were blessed with a child.
From then on, it came to be worshipped as a sacred tree for conception.
Zeniarai Benzaiten
Zeniarai Benzaiten (the money-washing Benzaiten) is said to have the mysterious power to bring good fortune with money.
The sacred water to the left of the Benzaiten statue gushes from a point 200 meters beneath the main shrine.
It is said that washing and purifying money (coins and banknotes) in the sacred water removes the dust and grime of impurity, turning it into pure, blessed money.
There is also a legend that your money will come back multiplied many times over. For this reason, people pray not only for a pay raise and business prosperity, but also for success in gambling and other pursuits.
After immersing coins or banknotes in the sacred water, wipe them with a cloth and let them dry.
It is therefore a good idea to bring something to wipe them with, such as a towel or handkerchief, when you visit.
Once dry, you can keep the money in your wallet as a good-luck charm or use it to pay for things.
This popular spot became known throughout Japan after actor Ryuta Mine washed money at Zeniarai Benzaiten on a television variety show.
Mother of Mizuko
Mother of Mizuko is a place where mizuko kuyo memorial services are held for deceased children.
It is located east of Yugasan Kaikan Joju-den Hall.
Main Events at Yuga Shrine Honmiya
Various events are held throughout the year at Yuga Shrine Honmiya.
The four events that draw particular attention are:
| February 3 | Setsubun Bean-Throwing Ceremony |
|---|---|
| June 30 | Nagoshi Oharaishiki (Summer Purification) Ring-Crossing Festival |
| November 3 | Yugasan Hiwatari Taisai (Annual Grand Festival) |
| 24th of every month | Doll Memorial Service |
[Setsubun Bean-Throwing Ceremony]
Every year on February 3, Setsubun, the shrine holds its Setsubun Bean-Throwing Ceremony, inviting comedians from Yoshimoto Kogyo under the concept of “driving away evil spirits with laughter.”
[Nagoshi Oharaishiki Ring-Crossing Festival]
The “Nagoshi Oharaishiki Ring-Crossing Festival” is held every year on June 30.
Participants pass through a ring of kaya grass to pray for protection from evil and good health through the summer, and to stay healthy during the remaining half of the year.
[Yugasan Hiwatari Taisai]
Every year on November 3, Yuga Shrine Honmiya holds its annual grand festival, the “Yugasan Hiwatari Taisai.”
Participants burn “wish sticks” inscribed with their wishes, then walk barefoot over the fire.
This is one of the signature events of Yuga Shrine Honmiya, and many worshippers visit to pray for their wishes to come true, freedom from illness, and good health.
[Doll Memorial Service]
The “Doll Memorial Service” is held on the 24th of every month.
Dolls and stuffed animals can be hard to throw away, even when no longer needed, because people have grown attached to them.
Hina dolls and May dolls may also have been given by relatives or be expensive, making it difficult to part with them.
Bring such dolls and stuffed animals to Yuga Shrine Honmiya, where they are purified and memorialized before being ritually burned.
The purification takes place on the day of the Doll Memorial Service, but the ritual burning is held on a different day.
Goshuin, Goshuin Books, Amulets, Souvenirs, and More at Yuga Shrine Honmiya
At shrines, you can receive goshuin and amulets.
Here we introduce goshuin from Yuga Shrine Honmiya, notable goshuin books and amulets, and souvenirs recommended for your visit.
Goshuin
You can receive a goshuin at Yuga Shrine Honmiya.
Goshuin are available at the shamusho (shrine office) for an offering of 300 yen.
Yuga Shrine Honmiya Has Three Original Goshuin Books
Yuga Shrine Honmiya has its own original goshuin books.
There are three types in total:
- Kurashiki Kojima denim fabric
- Kurashiki canvas fabric
- Kurashiki Kojima tatami-edge fabric
Only the Kurashiki Kojima tatami-edge fabric version is slightly larger.
Each one evokes the character of Kurashiki or Kojima.
All three types cost 2,200 yen.
“Bizen Mamori” Is a Charming Amulet Made from Bizen Ware
Yuga Shrine Honmiya offers a variety of amulets.
One that stands out is the “Bizen Mamori.”
This amulet is made from Bizen ware and is a small sphere about 1.5 cm in diameter.
It also has wooden beads about 0.5 cm long attached to the top and bottom of the sphere.
Bizen Mamori comes in three colors: Ao (blue), Hana (red), and Tsuki (yellow), and is believed to ward off misfortune and disaster.
The offering is 1,500 yen.
For more information about Bizen Mamori, see the interview page.
“Ankoro Mochi” Has Been a Yugasan Specialty Since the Edo Period
When you visit Mt. Yuga, one souvenir you’ll definitely want to buy and take home is ankoromochi. It has been loved as a specialty of Mt. Yuga since the Edo period.
It is said that ankoromochi came to be eaten because people used to make pilgrimages on foot, and sweet treats were thought to be good for tired bodies.
In the past, there were said to be many ankoromochi shops in the temple town along the approach. Today, only two ankoromochi shops remain in the temple town.
Ankoromochi from one of those shops is also available on the grounds of Yuga Shrine Honmiya. A package of ankoromochi sold on the shrine grounds costs 700 yen.
Yuga Shrine Honmiya has a long history and welcomes many worshippers.
We interviewed Naoshi Shimozawa, a negi (assistant priest).
Yuga Shrine Honmiya Information
| Name | Yuga Shrine Honmiya |
|---|---|
| Alternate name | Yuga Daigongen |
| Location | 2852 Yugasan, Kojima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-477-3001 |
| Parking | Available There are first and second parking lots |
| Enshrined deities | Taokihooi-no-Mikoto Hikosashiri-no-Mikoto Kamunaohi-no-Mikoto Oonaohi-no-Mikoto Principal images of worship: Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha), Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) |
| Blessings | Protection from misfortune Protection from disasters Traffic safety Safety in construction and civil engineering Household safety Improvement in artistic skills Increased financial fortune Business prosperity Matchmaking and fulfillment in love Fertility and prosperity of descendants Prayers for success in exams And more |
| Goshuin (offering) | Available (300 yen) |
| Visiting hours | Anytime |
| Reception hours | 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Closed | None |
| Admission | Free |
| Payment methods for admission and offerings |
|
| Restrooms | Western-style toilet |
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