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Kehi Jingu Shrine: Guardian of Hokuriku

Discover Kehi Jingu Shrine in Tsuruga: a historic Shinto shrine with a famous torii gate, sacred spring water, and tranquil atmosphere.

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Kehi Jingu Shrine, affectionately known as 'Kei-san' by locals, has been an integral part of the Hokuriku region for over 1,300 years. Founded in 702 AD, this Shinto shrine is renowned for its impressive wooden torii gate, sacred water, and unique matchmaking charms.

A brief summary to Kehi Jingu Shrine

  • 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 the crowds arrive.
  • Take a moment to drink or touch the sacred 'Chomeisui' water for good health and longevity.
  • Look for the statue and stone monument commemorating Matsuo Basho's visit and poetry.
  • Explore the shrine grounds to discover the various smaller shrines and cultural properties.
  • Check the shrine's calendar for festivals and events to experience local traditions.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From JR Tsuruga Station, Kehi Jingu Shrine is approximately a 15-minute walk. Exit the station and walk straight along the main street. You'll pass shops and local businesses as you head towards the large, vermilion torii gate that marks the entrance to the shrine. The shrine is located in the northeastern part of downtown Tsuruga City.

  • Public Transport

    From JR Tsuruga Station, take the Tsuruga Excursion Line Bus (Tourism Route) or the community bus 'Matsubara Line' to the 'Kehi Jingu' or 'Kehi Jingu-mae' bus stop. The bus ride takes about 3-5 minutes. The fare for the Gurutto Tsuruga Shuyu Bus (Tourism Route) is ¥200 per ride or ¥500 for a 1-day pass. The community bus fare is approximately the same.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from JR Tsuruga Station to Kehi Jingu Shrine takes approximately 5 minutes. Taxi fares in smaller cities and rural areas of Japan generally have a flag-down fare starting around ¥500-¥600. The distance-based fare is approximately ¥90 for each 280-meter segment. Expect to pay around ¥950 - ¥1200 for the short trip.

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Discover more about Kehi Jingu Shrine

Kehi Jingu Shrine, a venerable Shinto shrine in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, has been the chief guardian shrine of the Hokuriku region since its establishment in 702 AD. Known to locals as 'Kei-san,' this revered site attracts visitors with its rich history, cultural significance, and tranquil atmosphere. The shrine's most iconic feature is its magnificent vermilion-painted wooden torii gate, considered one of Japan's three greatest wooden torii gates, standing at an impressive 11 meters tall. Constructed from juniper wood that washed ashore from Sado Island, the gate serves as a symbolic gateway from the mundane to the sacred. Designated as an Important Cultural Property, it stands alongside Nara's Kasuga-Taisha Shrine and Hiroshima's Itsukushima Shrine as a testament to traditional Japanese architecture. Within the shrine grounds, visitors can discover the 'Chomeisui' or 'water of long life,' a sacred spring that has flowed continuously since the shrine's founding. Believed to possess mystical properties that promote good health and longevity, the water is drawn from a stone turtle statue. Legend has it that one of the shrine's deities, Takeuchi no Sukune no Mikoto, lived for over 250 years, thus imbuing the water with its life-extending qualities. Kehi Jingu Shrine also enshrines seven Shinto deities, with Izasawake no Mikoto, a god of food, as the primary deity. The shrine is believed to bestow blessings of household peace, maritime traffic safety, safe childbirth, good health, and long life. Visitors can find unique matchmaking omamori (protection charms) shaped like clamshell halves and romantic fortunes containing old-fashioned love poems. The shrine's connection to the renowned poet Matsuo Basho further enhances its cultural allure. Basho visited Kehi Jingu in 1689 during his 'Narrow Road to the Interior' journey, and a statue and stone monument commemorate his visit and poetry inspired by the shrine's moonlit white sands. Throughout the year, Kehi Jingu Shrine hosts various festivals and events, including the O-taue Rice-planting Festival in June, the Sosansai Festival in July, and the Tsuruga Festival in September. These celebrations offer visitors a glimpse into the local traditions and vibrant community spirit.

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