Shimokawa Hikoboshi Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Shimokawa district of Iwate Prefecture, Japan. Dedicated to Hikoboshi, the god of lovers and those searching for their partners, the shrine attracts many couples and individuals seeking good fortune and matchmaking. Visitors can admire the unique shrine architecture, which features a traditional torii gate and a moss-covered shrine hall.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hikoboshi
- Kami enshrined
- Hikoboshi
- Coordinates
- 38.9544967, 141.129255
Visitor tip
Visit during the Kinro Kansha no Hi festival on November 23rd, when couples tie a ribbon around the shrine's torii gate for good luck and matchmaking.
Cultural notes
According to legend, Hikoboshi, a kami of the underworld, was forced to pull a carriage every night across the River Styx to reunite with his beloved, Otohime. Locals believe that couples who visit this shrine can gain insight into their own love lives and find happiness.
Historical note
The shrine was originally built in the Edo period (1603-1867), but its current structure dates back to the Meiji period (1868-1912).