Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Eighteen-Stair Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of good fortune and protection. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a rectangular main hall and several smaller shrines. The Eighteen Stairs, which give the shrine its name, are believed to have been built during the Edo period (1603-1867). According to legend, the stairs were originally built as a bridge between the mortal world and the spiritual realm, and are said to be an important pathway for devotees seeking good fortune and protection.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hiko-mikoto
- Kami enshrined
- Hiko-mikoto, Tsukiyomi no Okami
- Coordinates
- 36.097093, 139.8550093
Visitor tip
For those visiting, it is recommended to approach the shrine's main hall at dawn or dusk, when the light casts a warm glow on the Eighteen Stairs.
Cultural notes
In addition to its association with good fortune and protection, the shrine also has connections to the region's rice-cultivating traditions. The Eighteen Stairs are said to be an important symbol of the cycle of growth and harvest, and many devotees visit the shrine during the autumnal equinox (September 22nd or 23rd) to pray for a bountiful harvest.
Historical note
The shrine was renovated in 1888 during the Meiji period (1868-1912), when many traditional Shinto shrines were modernized.