Fire Engine God Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Kyoto, dedicated to the deity of fire engines and firefighters. The shrine's name reflects its association with the fire department of Japan, which dates back to the Meiji period (1868-1912). The shrine is said to be the oldest Shinto shrine in Japan, predating the country's modern fire service by centuries.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Taka Miko
- Kami enshrined
- Fire Engine God, Taka Miko
- Coordinates
- 35.0050413, 134.9116482
Visitor tip
To show respect, visitors should remove their shoes before entering the shrine's main hall and refrain from taking pictures of the shrine's ceremonial grounds.
Cultural notes
The Fire Engine God Shrine is often visited by firefighters on special occasions, such as the annual 'Firefighter Appreciation Day'. The shrine's festival, held in October, features traditional dances and music performed by local drumming groups.
Historical note
The Fire Engine God Shrine was established during the Edo period (1603-1867), and its exact founding date is unknown. It is believed to have originated as a shrine dedicated to the god of fire, which was later associated with firefighters.