If you are an anime fan, Demon Slayer is probably one of your favorite anime. The spot for you to visit in Dazaifu is Kamado Shrine (宝満宮 竈門神社). Starting from the shrine’s name, it has many connections to the popular anime. The shrine is also a popular spot to pray for good relationships. Moreover, Kamado Shrine is a renowned spot to hunt for cherry blossoms and fall foliage. Furthermore, the shrine located at the entrance to a hiking trail also receives many hikers who are on their way to the top of Mt. Hōman.
About Kamado Shrine
Kamado Shrine has a solemn atmosphere, especially exuding from the main worship hall, which is a designated national treasure. After the shrine office was renovated in 2013, the precinct became a space that combines traditional and modern elements.
The shrine’s main god is called Tamayorihime no Mikoto (玉依姫命). She is a god who grants relationship ties. The good relationship that she brings extends beyond romance to a wide range of connections, including friendships and work relationships, or even finding a mentor. Thus, if you want to build good relationships with those who are around you and those whom you will encounter in the future, visit the shrine and pray!
Because Kamado Shrine is located northeast of Dazaifu Tenman-gū, Tamayorihime no Mikoto is also revered as the guardian deity of Dazaifu. Erected in 673, Kamado Shrine has two separate complexes. The main complex, located at the foot of Mt. Hōman (宝満山), is called Gegū (下宮). The other complex, called Jōgū (上宮), was built at the top of Mt. Hōman (an altitude of 800 meters). No matter which complex you visit, they are both tucked in nature. The setting somehow resembles Tanjirō’s hometown in Demon Slayer.
Note that it will take you 2 hours to get to Jōgū from Gegū. We recommend wearing hiking gear if you plan to climb up the mountain.
Tip: You will get a wide view of Dazaifu from the terrace at the back of the shrine office.
The Simple Rituals You Can Perform at Kamado Shrine
Apart from praying directly to god, there are three simple rituals you can do for good relationships.
- The tree on the right side of the main worship hall is a Tree of Reunion (Saikachi no Ki, 再会の木). It is the tree that Empress Jingū (神功皇后) prayed for reunion. Nowadays, it is treated as a sacred tree that is believed to grant wishes for reunion with a loved one or for finding love.
- There are also two rocks near the Tree of Reunion. They are called Aikei no Iwa (愛敬の岩). If you can safely reach the other rock with your eyes closed while praying to meet someone you love or a future life partner, it is said that your wish will come true.
- The third thing is typing a piece of washi paper (こより) sold at the shrine’s office to the Tree of Happiness (幸福の木). Why the particular tree? Apparently, young couples who reached 16 would visit Kamado Shrine and tie a washi paper to the tree after praying to the tree in the Edo period. The practice is referred to as Jūroku-mairi (十六参り).
Kamado Shrine and Demon Slayer
In addition to the shrine’s name being the same as the main character, Tanjirō (炭次郎), and his sister, Nezuko (禰豆子), more things about Kamado Shrine remind people of the anime, Demon Slayer.
- The shrine is located northeast of Dazaifu Government Office (大宰府政庁) and Dazaifu Tenman-gū. The Japanese believe the northeast direction is where the door that separates the demon and human worlds is located. So, the shrine or temple erected in the direction plays a role in protecting people from evil. The rule is the same as that of the Demon Slayer Corps in the anime.
- Kamado Shrine’s practitioners wear checkered clothing, the same as Tanjirō.
The Four Seasons at Kamado Shrine
- Kamado Shrine’s cherry blossom season is between late March and early April.
- The rhododendrons will bloom in mid-April.
- The autumn foliage season at Kamado Shrine is from mid to late November.
- The nighttime light-up usually takes place from sunset to 9 pm in the second half of November and early December.
If you wonder why there are so many maple trees on the grounds of Kamado Shrine, it is due to a special ritual of the shrine. In many Asian cultures, it is believed that there are specific ages when people tend to get unlucky and are affected by evil spirits.
In Japan, those who have reached the age visit shrines to receive purification and help them ward off bad luck. At Kamado Shrine, it is a custom that one would plant a maple or a ginkgo tree in the precinct after the purification ritual. The practice is called Momiji-age (紅葉上げ). Thanks to these pilgrims, we can enjoy the scenery created by over 300 maple and ginkgo trees!
Kamado Shrine’s Opening Hours and Access Information
- Kamado Shrine’s shrine office is open from 8:30 am to 6 pm.
- Kamado Shrine is 2km from Nishitetsu’s Dazaifu Station. It will take you 40 minutes on foot or 15 minutes by bicycle to get there.
- By the community bus Mahoroba-gō (まほろば号) and get off at Uchiyama/Kamado Jinja-mae (内山/竈門神社前), it will take you 10 minutes to get to Kamado Shrine.
- Refer to HERE for the bus timetable.
- You can also use one of Japan’s Transport Apps to plan your visit.
Discover Other Attractions in Dazaifu
Among the popular tourist destinations near Fukuoka City, Dazaifu tops the list. The city that is filled with cultural and historical spots is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. Apart from Dazaifu Tenman-gū and Kamado Shrine, there are a couple more beautiful gardens in the city and hiking trails leading to panoramic views!
For more information, refer to our article on Dazaifu!
