Complete Guide to Ube Shrine | History, Benefits, and Visiting Information for Inaba Province’s Ichinomiya
About Ube Shrine
Ube Shrine is the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Inaba Province, located in Miyashita, Kofu-cho, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture. Founded in 648 AD (the 4th year of the Taika era during the reign of Emperor Kotoku), it is a venerable shrine with over 1300 years of history, attracting many worshippers from both the local area and across Japan.
Located at the southwestern foot of Mt. Inaba, and situated in a scenic spot mentioned in the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu (One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each), Ube Shrine has been revered by the imperial court since ancient times as a Shikinaisha (a shrine listed in the Engishiki, an ancient Japanese legal text). Its former rank was Kokuhei Chusha (a national shrine of the second rank), and it is currently designated as a Beppyo Jinja (a shrine listed in the special register) of the Association of Shinto Shrines.
About the Enshrined Deity, Takenouchi no Sukune no Mikoto
Japan’s First Minister
The enshrined deity of Ube Shrine is Takenouchi no Sukune no Mikoto. This legendary figure, appearing in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, is a deity who was the first in Japan to receive the title of “Minister,” and can be considered the ancestor of prime ministers.
He is said to have served five emperors—Keiko, Seimu, Chuai, Ojin, and Nintoku—and oversaw important national affairs. Due to his loyalty and exceptional abilities, he is also worshipped as a god of national peace and politics.
Legend of 360 Years of Longevity
Takeuchi no Sukune is a god of longevity, said to have lived to be over 360 years old. Because of this astonishing longevity, he has long been revered as a deity granting long life and good health. Within the shrine grounds, there is a water basin believed to have effects on longevity and beauty, and is popular with worshippers.
A Shrine for Good Fortune Featured on Banknotes
The First Shrine in Japan to be Featured on Banknotes
One reason Ube Shrine became nationally famous is that in 1899 (Meiji 32), it became the first shrine in Japan to be featured on banknotes. The portrait of Takenouchi no Sukune and the shrine’s main hall were depicted on the one-yen note.
Since then, the shrine buildings and enshrined deities have been featured on banknotes several times, leading to its widespread recognition as a “shrine associated with money.” Because of this, it is believed to have divine power for business prosperity and increased wealth, attracting fervent devotion from business owners and those involved in commerce.
Benefits of Business Prosperity and Increased Wealth
Due to its connection with banknotes, Ube Shrine is known as a “shrine associated with money,” attracting worshippers from all over Japan who pray for business prosperity, increased wealth, and good fortune. Many business owners and sole proprietors visit the shrine, especially to pray for business success and prosperity. It is particularly crowded during the New Year’s holiday and the end of the fiscal year.
Main Benefits of Ube Shrine
Ube Shrine is believed to offer the following benefits:
- Increased Financial Fortune and Business Prosperity: Due to its auspicious association with being featured on banknotes.
- Longevity and Good Health: The divine virtues of Takenouchi no Sukune, who lived to be 360 years old.
- National Peace and Good Fortune: Due to his achievements as a minister serving five emperors.
- Protection from Evil and Protection from Misfortune: As the guardian deity of Inaba Province since ancient times.
- Academic Success and Passing Exams: Thanks to the wisdom of Takenouchi no Sukune.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
Shrine Buildings and Approach
The grounds of Ube Shrine are enveloped in a solemn atmosphere, with the main hall and worship hall in the center. The Taiko Bridge with its beautiful red railings is one of the distinctive features of Ube Shrine and a popular spot for many visitors to take commemorative photos.
As you proceed along the approach to the shrine, you’ll find a series of stone steps that evoke a sense of history, and the entire shrine grounds are filled with a sacred atmosphere. The carrying of the stone steps during the annual festival is particularly impressive and captivates many spectators.
Fukutoku Turtle
Within the shrine grounds is a turtle-shaped stone called the “Fukutoku Turtle.” It is believed that touching this turtle will bring good fortune, making it a popular power spot for visitors. The combination of the turtle, a symbol of longevity, and Takeuchi no Sukune, the god of longevity, is especially popular with visitors praying for long life.
Sori-seki (Twin Sandal Stone)
On the mountain behind the shrine grounds is the “Sōri-seki” (Twin Sandal Stone), where Takeuchi no Sukune is said to have hidden. This sacred site can be considered the origin of the faith at Ube Shrine, and people can be seen quietly paying their respects.
Kofu Shrine
To the left of the shrine grounds is the Kofu Shrine, a subsidiary shrine. This shrine enshrines the “Kami Shrine,” and there is a theory that it is related to the origin of the name of Ube Shrine. In ancient times, it was called “Uhe” Shrine (with a clear pronunciation), but there are various theories about the meaning of the name.
Chokokan Museum
Near the shrine office is the Chokokan Museum, which exhibits the history and treasures of Ube Shrine. Valuable materials for understanding the shrine’s long history are preserved here, making it a must-see spot for history-loving visitors.
Annual Grand Festival and Imperial Procession Festival
Ube Shrine Annual Grand Festival (April 21st)
The annual grand festival, held every year on April 21st, is one of the most important festivals in this region. The “Kirin Shishimai” (Kirin Lion Dance), a tradition passed down for approximately 350 years, is performed, attracting many worshippers and tourists.
The Kirin Lion Dance is a lion dance characterized by a single horn, mainly seen in the Inaba region (around eastern Tottori Prefecture), and is known for its solemn and dignified performance. It is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Tottori Prefecture and is carefully preserved as a valuable cultural heritage of the region.
Miyuki-sai Festival
The Miyuki-sai Festival, held on the weekends before and after the annual grand festival, features one of the nation’s largest portable shrines. The powerful procession up and down the stone steps during the departure and return to the shrine is a highlight of the festival.
There are many other highlights, including a procession of warriors in magnificent armor and a dance recreating the Sankin-kotai (alternate attendance) system of the Tottori Domain. The dance of shrine maidens in vibrant red and white costumes adds color to the festival, creating a wonderful celebration that blends tradition and splendor.
About Prayers
Prayer Reception
Ube Shrine accepts prayers for various wishes. Prayers can be offered for various milestones and wishes in life, such as business prosperity, family safety, protection from evil, traffic safety, and academic success.
Prayer reception hours are generally from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but may vary depending on the day. It is recommended to check the prayer calendar on the official website in advance. For group prayer requests, it is recommended to contact the shrine beforehand.
First Shrine Visit, Shichi-Go-San, and Exorcism
Life milestone ceremonies can also be performed at Ube Shrine. Prayers for traditional life rituals such as first shrine visits, Shichi-Go-San, exorcisms, and 60th birthday celebrations are popular. Especially as a shrine dedicated to the god of longevity, prayers for longevity celebrations such as 60th and 70th birthdays hold special significance.
Shrine Office and Goshuin (Shrine Seals)
Shrine Office Hours
The shrine office is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, offering amulets, talismans, and goshuin (shrine seals). Ube Shrine offers a variety of original amulets, each catering to different blessings such as increased wealth, business prosperity, and longevity.
Goshuin (Shrine Seals)
Goshuin are available at the shrine’s office, and you can receive a dignified goshuin befitting the shrine’s status as the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Inaba Province. They are popular as a memento of your visit and also among goshuincho (stamp book) collectors.
Annual Events and Festivals
Ube Shrine holds various festivals throughout the year:
- January: New Year’s Day Festival, Tondo Festival
- February: Setsubun Festival, Kinensai Festival
- April: Grand Festival (April 21st), Gokosai Festival
- June: Great Purification Ceremony
- November: Niiname-sai Festival
- December: Great Purification Ceremony, Joya-sai Festival
The Grand Festival and Gokosai Festival in April are particularly grand, attracting many worshippers and tourists from within and outside the prefecture.
Access
Location
Address: 651 Miyashita, Kofu-cho, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture 680-0151
Access by Public Transportation
- From JR Tottori Station: Approximately 20 minutes by bus, get off at “Miyashita” bus stop, approximately 5 minutes on foot
- Route Bus: Use the Hinomaru Jidosha Bus “Kofu/Iwami Line”
Access by Car
- Tottori Expressway: Approximately 15 minutes from Tottori IC
- National Route 29: Approximately 20 minutes from Tottori city center
- Parking: Free parking available for visitors on the temple grounds (limited spaces, so congestion is expected during festivals)
Visiting Hours and Etiquette
Visiting Hours
While you are generally free to visit the shrine grounds, the reception hours for receiving amulets and talismans are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the reception hours for prayers are from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (may vary depending on the day). Early morning and late evening visits are possible, but you cannot receive amulets or talismans when the shrine office is closed.
Etiquette for Visiting
When visiting Ube Shrine, follow the general etiquette for visiting a shrine:
- Bow before passing through the torii gate
- Cleanse your hands and mouth at the water basin
- Walk along the path, avoiding the center
- Bow twice, clap twice, and bow once in front of the main hall
- Visit the subsidiary shrines within the grounds
- When leaving, turn around and bow once after passing through the torii gate
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Inaba Manyo Historical Museum
Near Ube Shrine is the Inaba Manyo Historical Museum, where you can learn about the history of the Inaba region and its connection to the Manyoshu (Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves). Visiting Ube Shrine in conjunction with this area will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s history.
Tottori Sand Dunes
The Tottori Sand Dunes, a representative tourist attraction in Tottori City, are about a 30-minute drive from Ube Shrine. They are one of the largest sand dunes in Japan and are designated as a national natural monument.
Uradome Coast
The Uradome Coast, with its beautiful coastline along the Sea of Japan, is also about a 40-minute drive from Ube Shrine. You can enjoy the spectacular scenery of the ria coast and appreciate the natural beauty created by the winds of the Sea of Japan.
History of Ube Shrine
From its Founding to Ancient Times
Ube Shrine is said to have been founded in the 4th year of the Taika era (648 AD) during the reign of Emperor Kotoku. It is said that the shrine was built to commemorate the virtues of Takenouchi no Sukune, who passed away in this area.
During the Heian period, the shrine was listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho (a list of shrines compiled in the Heian period) as “Ube Shrine, Hōmi District, Inaba Province, Myōjin Taisha (a major shrine),” indicating its importance to the imperial court. As the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Inaba Province, it enjoyed the deep reverence of the provincial governor and flourished as a center of local faith.
Medieval to Early Modern Period
During the medieval period, despite the effects of war, the shrine was preserved through the faith of the local people. During the Edo period, it received protection from the Tottori Domain, and the domain lord even visited, positioning it as an important shrine for the domain.
Traditional events such as the Kirin Shishimai (Kirin Lion Dance) were established during this period and continue to be passed down to the present day.
Modern Period
With the separation of Shinto and Buddhism during the Meiji era, the shrine’s structure was formalized. In 1871 (Meiji 4), it was ranked as a Kokuhei Chūsha (a national shrine of the second rank), and in 1899 (Meiji 32), it received the honor of being the first Japanese shrine to be featured on banknotes.
After the war, it became a special shrine of the Association of Shinto Shrines, and to this day, it continues to welcome many worshippers as a representative shrine of the Inaba region.
Cultural Properties of Ube Shrine
Kirin Lion Dance
The Kirin Lion Dance, performed at the annual festival of Ube Shrine, is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Tottori Prefecture. This lion dance, characterized by its single horn, has a history of approximately 350 years as a unique traditional performing art of the Inaba region.
Shrine Buildings and Structures
The shrine buildings of Ube Shrine have been rebuilt several times throughout its long history, but they maintain the style of traditional shrine architecture. The entire shrine grounds exude a historical atmosphere, giving visitors a sacred feeling.
Service and Job Opportunities at Ube Shrine
Ube Shrine offers positions such as Shinto priests, shrine maidens, administrative staff, and shrine grounds management. Especially during the New Year period, they sometimes recruit shrine maidens, offering valuable experience through service at a traditional shrine.
Recruitment for positions is conducted irregularly, and details can be found on the official website. Those interested in serving at the shrine are advised to check the information regularly.
Group Visits and Sightseeing
Group visits by tour bus are accepted, and arrangements can be made by contacting the shrine in advance. For school trips, company trips, or community group trips to Ube Shrine, contacting the shrine beforehand will ensure a smooth visit.
Frequently asked questions and answers are posted on the official website, so group representatives should check them in advance.
Summary
Ube Shrine is a historic shrine with over 1300 years of history, known as the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Inaba Province, and is renowned for its blessings of longevity, financial fortune, and business prosperity. It is nationally famous as the first shrine in Japan to be featured on banknotes, and attracts many visitors as a sacred site dedicated to Takenouchi no Sukune no Mikoto.
The annual Grand Festival and Imperial Procession in April offers plenty to see, including the traditional Kirin Lion Dance and the impressive procession of the portable shrine up the stone steps. The shrine grounds also feature power spots such as the Fukutoku Turtle and the Twin Sandal Stone, making it a popular destination for visitors.
Located in Miyashita, Kofu-cho, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture, Ube Shrine boasts excellent transportation access, and is surrounded by tourist attractions such as the Tottori Sand Dunes and Uradome Coast. When visiting Tottori, be sure to pay your respects at Ube Shrine and receive blessings for longevity and good fortune.
