Inaba Shrine, Kogane Shrine, and Kashimori Shrine, three shrines scattered throughout central Gifu City, are dedicated to the father, mother, and son, respectively.

The "Sansha-mairi" (pilgrimage to the three main shrines) has been practiced since the Edo period (1603-1868), as it is believed that visiting the three shrines will bring various blessings such as marital bliss, childbirth, and increased financial fortune as it corresponds to the relationship between husband and wife and parent and child.

This time, I will introduce the highlights and history of each shrine.

What is "Sansha Mairi"?

First, let me briefly explain about “Sansha Mairi”.

It is said that by visiting the three shrines, Inaba Shrine, Kogane Shrine, and Kashimori Shrine, all located within 3 km of Gifu Station in the northern area, one can expect family happiness and family ties, as well as childbirth and money luck.

*Pamphlets are available at JR Gifu Station or the Kashimori Shrine Office (finished when stock runs out).

There is no particular order in which to visit the shrines, but if possible, I recommend that you visit Inaba Shrine, then Kogane Shrine, then Kashimori Shrine. The reason for this is that each shrine enshrines a father, mother, and son. Even today, when greeting people, it is the patriarch or a superior person first.

However, I am sure there will be accessibility reasons, etc., so you are free to do so!

Also, after visiting the three shrines, there are no limited items or special red stamps, but each shrine has a lot of atmosphere and highlights, so after visiting the three shrines, you will feel refreshed and satisfied. There is no doubt that it will be a feeling!

History of "Inaba Shrine"

Let's start with Inaba Shrine.

Inaba Shrine, located near Mt. Kinka, is a shrine that can be said to be the central symbol of Gifu City.

Five gods are enshrined, including the mother and grandfather of Inishiki-irihiko no Mikoto (hereafter referred to as Mikoto).

Mikoto is the eldest son of the 11th Emperor Suinin, and his younger brother is the 12th Emperor Keiko. Why did Mikoto, who was in the country of Inaba (Izumo) at the time, come to be enshrined here?

During the reign of his younger brother, Emperor Keiko, who ruled the capital, he was troubled by a plague that had spread to the capital, and was told by a shrine maiden that he should bring back Kinseki (gold stones) from Oshu (present-day northeastern Japan).

Mikoto accepted the mission. He went to Oshu with his son and other vassals, and when they passed by the present location with the gold stones, they were involved in a conflict with a large army sent by the Emperor due to a plot by a vassal who coveted the credit of bringing back the gold stones.

Then the gold stone becomes a mountain overnight. It is now known as Mt. Kinka, and it is said that the father and son hid themselves in that mountain.

After that, Emperor Keiko, who knew the truth, built a shrine in memory of Mikoto, which was the beginning of Inaba Shrine. Originally, it was enshrined in a place called Maruyama, a corner of Mt. Kinka, located north of the current location.

During the Sengoku period, Saito Douzan moved the castle to its current location when he built Gifu Castle.

It is said that many people visit the shrine every day, and you can still feel the virtue and popularity of these individuals.

Kokuryu Shrine, which has been enshrined since ancient times, is also popular

In addition, there are several subsidiary shrines and secondary shrines in the precincts. Among them, "Kokuryu Shrine" is an old shrine that existed before Inaba Shrine was moved here, and is particularly popular due to its benefits.

The dragon god is enshrined here, and it is said that the speed at which your wishes come true is fast because he acts quickly. Also, many people come to pay their respects because of the benefits.

The votive tablet has a unique design with two dragons facing each other and wearing a hat (1,000 yen).

The amulets are also cool! The " Kokuryu Fukunaru Mamori (1,500 yen)" comes in two metal plates and is supposed to be rung when you visit the shrine. It sounded wonderful, too!

There are three types of goshuin stamps for Inaba Shrine (300 yen each). In recent years, when it comes to goshuin at shrines, there has been an increase in the number of colorful and elaborate goshuin, but at Inaba Shrine, the design has been simple since the old days, with the intention of not disturbing the original form as much as possible.

In addition, Kaede Inari Shrine is dedicated to Oinari-san. You can see the bright red torii.

There is also a spot where a small waterfall flows ......

There are also many other places of interest at the entrance, such as Gifu Zenkoji Temple, which will open its doors to the public in 2022, and a store popular for its thin-skinned taiyaki (sea bream shaped sweets)! Please visit the shrine and take your time to stroll around.

【Inaba Shrine】
Address: 1-13 Inanaba-dori, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture
Tel: 058-262-5151
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Access: 10 minute bus ride from Meitetsu or JR Gifu Station, get off at Inanaba-dori and walk 10 minutes
Parking: Available (30 cars for free)
web ：https://www.inabasan.com/
instagram :https://www.instagram.com/inaba_jinja/

"Kogane Shrine" with a golden torii gate

Next is the introduction of Kogane Shrine. It is called "Kogane" with the letter "金 (Kin)," which means gold. It is about a 10-minute walk from Gifu Station and is enshrined in the center of the town, so it is easy to stop by on your way home from shopping.

And this rare golden torii is called "Kogane Otorii" and was repainted in 2015. At Kogane Shrine, not only the torii, but also the goshuin and amulets are all gold.

History of "Kogane Shrine"

First, let me introduce the history of Kogane Shrine.

The main enshrined deity is "Nunoshi-hime no Mikoto", the wife of "Inishiki-irihiko no Mikoto", the deity enshrined at Inaba Shrine.

The shrine is quite old, having been founded before 135 A.D.

Nunoshi-hime no Mikoto was originally in the capital, but she grieved over the defeat of her husband in this area. Afterwards, while comforting her husband's spirit in this area, she used her private funds to develop the town and contributed to the development of industry and agriculture, which led her to be deeply revered and adored like a mother.

She therefore came to be worshipped as a merciful goddess and eventually as a god who brings treasures.

There is also a limited goshuin and amulet associated with "gold"!

At Kogane Shrine, there are various original gifts such as goshuin (red stamps), goshuin books, and amulets related to "gold"!

The picture is a gorgeous goshuin (500 yen) of the year's zodiac drawn on a gold mount.

Also, from May 2017, it is called "Premium Kogane Day", and a goshuin written in gold letters (left photo / 300 yen) is given only on the last Friday of every month. 

The goshuin book is also dazzling gold (left 1,500 yen / right 3,000 yen, large)

As you can see, the talismans are also gold! It is usually made of wood, but there is also a special divine talisman made of golden paper, "Special gold divine talisman / 2,000 yen". Not only at home, but also for those who are in business or self-employed, just enshrining it will make it gorgeous and you can expect benefits!

Amulets and omikuji are also all gold!

Worship behind the main shrine

Surprisingly, it is not well known that many gods are enshrined behind the main shrine. If you go from the side of Kinsho Inari Shrine to the back, you will find several subordinate shrines.

It's a very quiet place, and there are rare food gods and the graves of the ruling families who ruled this area.
If you have time, please visit this place as well.

【Kogane Shrine】
Address: 5-33 Kanamachi, Gifu City
Tel: 058-262-13164
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Access: 10 minute walk from Meitetsu and JR Gifu Stations
Parking: Available (35 cars free of charge *check in advance as there may be fewer spaces during events)
Web ：https://koganejinjya.com/

Worship the god of children
Kashimori Shrine

The third and last shrine is Kashimori Shrine. It is located about 10 minutes on foot from Kogane Shrine.

Inaba Shrine and Kogane Shrine are relatively well known, but we guess there are many people who don't know about this one. Although it is a small shrine, it is a very quiet and calm shrine to visit.

The deity enshrined at the shrine is Ichihayao no Mikoto, son of the couple of Inaba Shrine and Kogane Shrine.

Since it corresponds to a child, many people especially visit to pray for fertility, and it is popular as the god of children.

This area is also said to be the birthplace of Rakuichi Rakuza, where Nobunaga greatly developed the market (there are various theories).

* Rakuichi Rakuza: An economic policy issued during the Warring States period.

This "Misono no Enoki" is located on the corner of the road in front of the torii gate. At that time, it was planted at the entrance of the nearby market as a deity that protects the market, but it was moved to the current location due to road construction at the beginning of the Meiji era. The current Enoki is the second generation, and it is also a designated ruins of Gifu City.

Highlights of the precincts

Tateisao Shrine that enshrines Nobunaga

And a must-see for Nobunaga fans! This shrine is commonly known as "Nobunaga Shrine", which was built by the branch spirit of Tateisao Shrine in Kyoto. It's been about 30 years, but it's the newest shrine at Kashimori Shrine. It seems that you can feel Nobunaga up close.

The wood carving of the red dragon is cool!

After you go past the red torii gate, you'll come to a second torii gate. If you look closely at this plaque, you can see a rare red dragon carved out of wood. It's cool!

A rare trefoil pine tree that is said to bring good luck

"Daio-matsu" (on the right in the photo) stands opposite the main shrine. Normally, pine needles are bifurcated, but the pine tree here is unusual in that it is divided into three. Since it represents father, mother, and child, it has long been considered a lucky pine tree, as it symbolizes prosperity in the family, and when worn, it is said to bring good luck in marriage and childbirth.

Komatsume-iwa where Tenma is said to have sat

"Komatsume-iwa" is enshrined on the left side of the main hall. If you look up, you can see the rocks standing up with a powerful aura.

It is said that these are claw marks made by the horse when the deity "Ichihayao no Mikoto" rode on his horse to meet his father Mikoto and mother Nunoshi-hime, and came down to this mountain to rest.

Since ancient times, many people have come to visit Komatsume-iwa to pray for their children's growth.

The presence of Daio-matsu and Komatsume-iwa stands out even from a distance, so be sure to check them out.

【Kashimori Shrine】
Address: 1-83 Wakamiya-cho, Gifu City
Phone: 058-246-0125
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Access: Take Route N (for Nagarabashi) or the city loop left-turn bus from JR Gifu Station (platform 11, 12, 13) or Meitetsu Gifu Station (platform 4) Get off at "Yanagase" bus stop. Get off at "Yanagase" bus stop. 3 min. walk.
Parking: Available (2 cars on the premises)

How was Sansha-mairi? You can enjoy a one-day visit to the shrines while having lunch or tea, so please visit the shrines while strolling through the streets of Gifu!