Kototama Hachimangu Shrine

Overview

Kototama Hachimangu Shrine is a Jinsha (Shinto shrine) located west of the old Tokaido road's "Hisaka-juku" in Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture. It's the Ichinomiya of Totomi Province. Long revered as the "god of Kotodama" (the spiritual power of words), it's said to grant wishes as spoken. The shrine's name, "Koto no Mama," means "as you say it," reflecting its long history of fulfilling people's wishes. Its deep-rooted faith is evident in its appearances in waka (Japanese poetry) and writings from the Heian and Kamakura periods, repeatedly mentioned as a wish-granting shrine. While not expansive, the grounds are filled with a tranquil atmosphere, featuring numerous ancient trees, including the sacred cedar. This cedar is said to have been planted by Sakanoe Tamuramaro and is designated as a prefectural natural monument. Kototama Hachimangu Shrine is also famous as a power spot, attracting many worshippers in recent years. Why not take a stroll through the serene and sacred atmosphere of the grounds, feeling the powerful energy of the sacred trees and refreshing your mind and body? Access to Kototama Hachimangu Shrine is via a 20-minute bus ride from JR Kakegawa Station to "Hachimangu-mae," followed by a 7km taxi ride. From the Tomei Expressway, it's about a 20-minute drive from Kakegawa IC. Ample parking is available, making access by car convenient.