The Chinese zodiac sign for the year 2022 is the tiger. I was thinking that I would like to go to a shrine associated with the tiger, and discovered that there is a "Tora-no-jinja (Tiger Shrine)" in Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture!

Since it is almost the season for Hatsumode (first visit to a shrine in new year), I went ahead of the others.

Torano Shrine is located in Tahara City, Aichi. It is so tucked away in a residential area that one might wonder for a moment where it is located.

About 3 cars can be parked in the gravel space on the left side of the parking lot.

We made our way through the dense trees until we reached the hall of worship. The moment we entered here, we could feel a sudden change in the air.

After walking through the trees, you will see a torii gate.

I will go up the stairs ahead of the torii.
The greenery is so rich that it feels so good to just walk around.

The "hall of worship" is a small, elegant building with a beautiful appearance.
On both sides are guardian dogs with red mouths and white painted fangs and claws.

Although its founding is not clear, the name was changed from "Horikiri-Daimyojin" to the current "Torano-jinja" in the first year of Meiji era (1868). It is said that ships passing offshore lowered their sails and prayed for safe voyage. The deity is Tajikarao-no-mikoto.

Benefits include skill improvement, a bountiful harvest, good luck, and warding off evil.

The "Tohosha" is the last shrine. It is said that fishermen who were adrift at sea were enshrined in gratitude after being saved.

Since we were there, we visited this shrine as well.

There are more stone steps beyond the end of the shrine.
The remains of the shrine are still visible on the mountainside.

It's a little difficult to walk on, so please be careful when you go up.

"Tora-no-jinja" was not a shrine associated with tigers, but it was a very refreshing and relaxing shrine.

Please visit when you go to Tahara.

[Torano Shrine]
Address: 3 Wanayama, Horikiri-cho, Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture

Other Shrines Related to the Year of the Tiger

Owari Shigisan Senjyo-in｜Inuyama

"Owari Shigisan Senjyo-in" is located in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture. On the mountain path, there is a "komainu", which is not a guardian dog. The view from the main hall is also popular, and you can see all the way to Nagoya Station.

[Owari Shigisan Senjyo-in]
Address: 1-13 Kurasodo, Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture

A spot where you want to go for New Year's visit!

We will also introduce recommended shrines for New Year's visits.

"Atsuta Shrine''｜Atsuta

First of all, when you think of New Year's visit to a Shinto shrine representing Nagoya, it is "Atsuta Shrine". It is one of the oldest shrines in the Tokai region, boasting the largest number of worshipers in the Chubu region, with more than 2 million people visiting every year for New Year's visits.

It is very crowded on Sanga-nichi (the first three days of new year), so if you want to go to Atsuta Jingu Shrine, please be prepared for the crowds!

If you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit the temple on New Year's Day from 4:00 to 6:00 a.m., on January 2 and after 5:00 p.m., and on January 6 and after that time.

[Atsuta Shrine]
1-1-1 Jingu, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture 456-8585
Admission to the Treasure Museum is from 9:00 to 16:30 (admission until 16:10)
https://www.atsutajingu.or.jp/jingu/

"Osu Kannon"｜Osu

"Osu Kannon" is also one of the must-visit spots for New Year's visits in Nagoya. The official name is Kitanosan Shinpukuji Hoshoin. It has been popularly called "Osu Kannon" since ancient times.

On the first three days of the month, there is a long line of worshippers that extends past the temple grounds to the shopping street, so if you are going to Osu Kannon, please be prepared to wait in line dressed in warm clothes.

[Osu Kannon]
2-21-47 Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture 460-0011
http://www.osu-kannon.jp/

"Ueno Tenmangu Shrine"｜Imaike

Ueno Tenmangu Shrine is located in Chikusa ward, Nagoya City. As the god of learning, Sugawara no Michizane, is enshrined here, it is believed that praying for success in various exams is a blessing.

In addition, there is a statue of a cow called "Nade-ushi" in the precincts.

This time, we have introduced some of Nagoya's must-see spots, including shrines that are related to tigers.
Please use it as a reference for your first visit to the shrine.