In the story most closely associated with the Kibitsu Shrine, a boy, Momotaro, comes to Earth in a giant peach and defeats a demon with the help of a dog, pheasant and monkey. The story is famous in Japan, echoed in the peach-shaped “Momomamori” romance amulets sold in the shrine’s shop. It was inspired by the slightly more realistic legend of Prince Kibitsuhiko no Mikoto, who defeated an evil prince by shooting arrows from this spot. Visit the shrine for its stories and distinctive architectural style, not replicated anywhere else in Japan.
Reach the Kibitsu Shrine on a bike tour through the Kibi Plains, which also provides opportunities to visit others sites related to its legend, including the ruins of Demon’s Castle.
Near the main gate, spot the enormous stone said to be where the prince stored his arrows. Walk up the tree-lined stairway to the main shrine, which was rebuilt in 1425. Its four dormer gables make it both unique and imposing. Visit the shrine itself and make a walking tour of the complex.
Start in the 1,200-foot (360-meter) corridor. In spring and summer, it blooms with cherry blossoms, peonies and azaleas, followed by glorious hydrangeas. Breathe in the flowers’ sweet aroma that can be refreshing on hot days.
Walk past smaller auxiliary shrines or follow English instructions to learn how to pray to an oracle.
Watch children practice their archery or sit quietly beneath the trees and think about the legendary history of the site.
The Kibitsu Shrine is west of central Okayama, but still easily accessible via public transportation. Reach the shrine in 25 minutes by subway from Okayama Station the subway station is a 10-minute walk from the shrine itself. Drive here from central Okayama in about 20 minutes. Given its position on the Kibi bicycle path, the spot is extremely easy to access on a bicycle. Bikes are perfect for exploring other nearby sites as well.
The shrine is open to visitors daily from early morning to early evening. The shop opens later and closes earlier than the shrine itself.
