About Fujinomori Shrine
Fujinomori Shrine is an ancient shrine located in Fukakusa, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City. It is widely revered as the guardian deity of victory, learning, and horses. It is said to have been founded in 203 AD (the 3rd year of Empress Jingu’s regency), before the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo, making it a prestigious shrine with over 1800 years of history.
Deities and Benefits
The main deities are Susanoo-no-Mikoto and twelve other gods. It is particularly known as the god of victory, learning, and horses, and is constantly visited by people involved in horse racing and students preparing for exams.
Highlights
Hydrangea Garden
Fujinomori Shrine is affectionately known as the “Hydrangea Garden,” and there are two hydrangea gardens within its grounds. Every year from early June to early July, approximately 3,500 hydrangea plants of 40 varieties bloom in vibrant colors.
Hydrangea Garden Opening Period
- Opening Period: Early June to early July (may vary depending on blooming conditions)
- Admission Fee: 500 yen
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Enjoy a variety of hydrangeas, including Western hydrangeas, lacecap hydrangeas, and oakleaf hydrangeas. A rest area is also provided within the garden.
Kakeuma Shinji (Horse Racing Ritual)
The Kakeuma Shinji, performed annually at the Fujimori Festival on May 5th, is a representative ritual of Fujimori Shrine. This magnificent ritual features riders performing acrobatic feats such as horseback riding, handstands, and wisteria hanging while galloping. It is designated as a Kyoto City Registered Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Main Techniques
- Handstand: Performing a handstand on horseback
- Wisteria Descent: Hanging sideways with one leg resting on the saddle
- Arrow Picking: Picking up targets on the ground while galloping
This ritual is considered a remnant of martial arts training that has continued since the Heian period, and it continues to convey the faith of the shrine as a center of equestrianism.
Fuji no Mizu (Fuji Water)
Within the shrine grounds, sacred water called “Fuji no Mizu” springs forth. It is revered as a miraculous water that bestows good fortune and wisdom, and many worshippers take it home. It is especially popular with horse racing fans and students preparing for exams.
Points to Note When Visiting
Benefits
- Victory Luck: Success in competitions such as horse racing, bicycle racing, and boat racing; passing exams
- Academic Success: Academic achievement; granting wisdom
- Protection of Horses: Safety of racehorses; improvement in equestrian skills
- Exorcism: Protection from evil; warding off evil
Recommended Items
Victory Charm (Kachimamori): A representative charm that grants victory luck. With its elegant design based on purple, it’s popular not only with horse racing fans but also with students taking exams.
Horse Charm: A charm praying for the safety and health of horses. Seeked by racehorse owners and equestrian enthusiasts.
Academic Success Charm: Due to the belief in the shrine as a god of learning, it is given to students praying for success in exams and academic achievement.
Proper Worship Etiquette
- Bow before passing through the torii gate
- Purify your body and mind at the water basin
- Bow twice, clap twice, and bow once at the main hall
- Drink the Fuji Water (optional)
- Visit the Hydrangea Garden (June-July)
Access
Access by Train
Keihan Railway
- Get off at Sumizome Station on the Keihan Main Line, approximately 7 minutes on foot
- Get off at Fujimori Station on the Keihan Main Line, approximately 5 minutes on foot
JR
- Get off at JR Fujimori Station on the JR Nara Line, approximately 15 minutes on foot
Access by Car
- Approximately 20 minutes from Kyoto Minami IC on the Meishin Expressway
- Parking: Available (free, approximately 50 spaces)
- Public transportation is recommended during the hydrangea garden’s opening season due to congestion
Address and Basic Information
- Address: 609 Fukakusa Toriizaki-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 612-0864
- Phone: 075-641-1045
- Visiting Hours: Grounds are freely accessible (Shrine office: 9:00-17:00)
- Admission Fee: Free (Hydrangea Garden: Fee applies)
- Official Website: http://www.fujinomorijinjya.or.jp/
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Fushimi Inari Taisha (approx. 10 minutes by car) and Fushimi Momoyama Castle (approx. 15 minutes on foot). Visiting in conjunction with a tour of Fushimi’s sake breweries is also recommended.
Summary
Fujinomori Shrine is an ancient shrine that attracts deep devotion as a god of victory and learning. It is a fascinating shrine with two major attractions: hydrangeas in June and the Kakeuma Shinto ritual in May. It’s popular not only with horse racing fans and students preparing for exams, but also with flower lovers. Be sure to visit when you’re sightseeing in Kyoto.
