JINJA HONCHO - Association of Shinto Shrines

The Enshrinement of Amaterasu-Omikami at Jingu

Amaterasu-Omikami was formerly worshiped in the Imperial Palace, but following an epidemic, the 10th Tenno decided to move her symbol, the sacred mirror, that she might be worshiped more respectfully and thus end the disaster. It was the 11th Tenno who ordered his princess, Yamatohime-no-mikoto, to seek the most appropriate place to permanently enshrine and worship Amaterasu-Omikami.

It is said the princess traveled the land searching for this special place until she received a revelation by the banks of Isuzugawa River. This is the origin of Naiku.

In the era of the 21st Tenno, some 1,500 years ago, Toyo’uke-no-Omikami was, in accordance with another revelation from Amaterasu-Omikami, summoned from the north of Kyoto prefecture and enshrined in her present resting ground. This is the origin of Geku. Toyo’uke-no-Omikami joins Amaterasu-Omikami in Jingu as her provider of companionship and sacred foods. She blesses us with abundant harvests and is the guardian of well-being, providing cloth, food and shelter.