Enshrined in the center of Tsuruga City, this ancient shrine is mentioned in the "Kojiki" and "Nihon Shoki" and is affectionately known as "Kei-san." A vermilion O-Torii (Grand Gate), an Important Cultural Property of Japan, towers over the approach, and the "Shisha-no-miya" (Four Shrines) stand around the main hall. During the "Tsuruga Festival" every September, the grounds are lined with stalls and visited by many people.
Kehi Jingu Shrine, the chief guardian of the Hokuriku road and the Ichinomiya (supreme shrine) of Echizen Province, has been revered as a shrine located at the gateway descending from Kyoto to the Hokuriku road. Locally, it is affectionately called "Kei-san." Stop by at the start of your drive to pray for a safe trip.
The Symbol: The Grand Torii, One of Japan's Three Great Torii
The existence that can be called the symbol of Kehi Jingu Shrine is the O-Torii on the approach that appears after passing through the shopping street along National Route 8. Built in Taiho 2 (702) and rebuilt at its current location in Shoho 2 (1645), it is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
The height is 36 shaku (approx. 10.9m) and the distance between pillars is 24 shaku (approx. 7.3m). The framed motto on the front is by the hand of Prince Arisugawa Takehito, and it was the only structure to escape the flames of war during the Tsuruga air raid in 1945. Along with Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara and Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima, it is sometimes counted as one of "Japan's Three Great Torii."
Shisha-no-miya Located to Surround the Main Hall
The main deity of Kehi Jingu Shrine is Izasawake no Mikoto, known as the god of maritime safety, prosperity of fisheries, and industrial development. Around the main hall, the "Shisha-no-miya" consisting of Todon-gu, Soja-gu, Heiden-gu, and Seiden-gu are arranged.
In front of the middle torii stands a statue of Matsuo Basho. Basho, who visited during his journey of "Oku no Hosomichi" (The Narrow Road to the Deep North), was impressed by the white sand in front of the shrine illuminated by moonlight and its history, composing the haiku: " Tsuki kyoshi / Yugyo no Moteru / Suna no ue" (Moonlight so clear / Sands carried here by the Yugyo Shonin / Spread before the shrine). This haiku is engraved on the pedestal of the Basho statue. Known as a power spot within the grounds is the Chomeisui (Longevity Water). It is said to be water that gushed out when the shrine was repaired in Taiho 2 (702). Try tasting the sacred water flowing from the mouth of the stone turtle statue, a symbol of longevity.
SPOT INFORMATION
Facility Name
Kehi Jingu Shrine
Address
914-0075
11-68 Akebono-cho, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture
