Kehi Jingu Shrine: Guardian of Hokuriku

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Discover Kehi Jingu Shrine in Tsuruga: A historic Shinto sanctuary, home to one of Japan's largest wooden torii gates and sacred 'water of long life'.

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Kehi Jingu Shrine

Kehi Jingu Shrine, affectionately known as 'Kei-san' by locals, is a significant Shinto shrine in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, with a history dating back to 702 AD. It's renowned as the chief guardian shrine of the Hokuriku region and is famous for its iconic wooden torii gate, considered one of Japan's three greatest.

A brief summary to Kehi Jingu Shrine

11-68 Akebonocho, Tsuruga, Akebonocho, Fukui, 914-0075, JP
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Monday 5 am-5 pm
Tuesday 5 am-5 pm
Wednesday 5 am-5 pm
Thursday 5 am-5 pm
Friday 5 am-5 pm
Saturday 5 am-5 pm
Sunday 5 am-5 pm

Local tips

Visit early in the morning to experience the shrine's peaceful atmosphere before it gets crowded.
Don't miss the chance to drink from the Chomeisui Spring, the 'water of long life', believed to bring good health.
Check the shrine's calendar for festivals and events to witness local traditions and celebrations.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From JR Tsuruga Station, take the Tsuruga Excursion Line Bus (Tourism Route) to the Kehi Jingu bus stop. The ride takes approximately 3 minutes. The fare is around ¥200.
Walking

Kehi Jingu Shrine is approximately a 15-minute walk from JR Tsuruga Station. Head east from the station and follow the Tsuruga Symbol Road, which features bronze statues of figures from popular anime series. The shrine will be on your left.
Taxi

A taxi from JR Tsuruga Station to Kehi Jingu Shrine takes about 5 minutes and typically costs between ¥700 and ¥900. Taxis are readily available at the station.
Driving

Kehi Jingu Shrine is about 10 minutes from the Tsuruga Interchange (IC) on the Hokuriku Expressway. Free parking is available near the torii gate and east of the main shrine building, with space for approximately 60 cars. Parking at Tsuruya Parking Lot will cost ¥100 (incl. tax) for each 30 min.

Discover more about Kehi Jingu Shrine

Kehi Jingu Shrine, a revered spiritual site in Tsuruga, has been an integral part of the Hokuriku region for over 1300 years. Founded in 702 AD, the shrine is dedicated to seven Shinto deities and is known as the chief guardian shrine of the Hokuriku region. Locals affectionately call it 'Kei-san'. The shrine's most striking feature is its 11-meter-tall vermilion-painted wooden torii gate, designated as an Important Cultural Property. It stands as one of Japan's three greatest wooden torii gates, alongside those at Nara's Kasuga-taisha Shrine and Hiroshima's Itsukushima Shrine. Constructed from juniper wood that washed ashore from Sado Island, the gate symbolizes the entrance to a sacred space. Within the shrine grounds, visitors can discover the Chomeisui Spring, also known as the 'water of long life'. This sacred spring is believed to have originated in 702 AD during the shrine's construction and is said to bring long life and protection against illness. The shrine also features a statue and stone monument commemorating a visit by the renowned poet Matsuo Basho in 1689. Kehi Jingu Shrine hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the O-taue Rice-planting Festival in June, the Sosansai Festival in July, and the Tsuruga Festival in September. These festivals offer visitors a glimpse into local traditions and celebrations. The shrine is open daily, and admission is free, making it accessible for all to experience its spiritual and cultural significance.