Okayama Kibitsu-jinja Shrine

The date of construction for Kibitsu-jinja Shrine is unknown, but it is estimated that the shrine was established around 1700 years ago. Roughly 600 years ago, the shrine was rebuilt by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The main shrine is built in a special style called Hiyoku-Irimoya-zukuri, in which the two roof tops are lined up in the front and the back. The site is designated as a national treasure along with the haiden (worship hall). In the famous Japanese fairytale "Momotaro," there is a deity named Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto, and this particular deity is enshrined here at Kibitsu-jinja Shrine. The shrine is famous for an event called "Narukamashiniji," which is a type of fortune telling ritual.