Ichinomiya Shrine is the former provincial shrine (ichinomiya) of Tosa Province, now Kochi Prefecture. As the highest-ranking shrine in the ancient province, it served as the spiritual center for the region and was closely tied to the provincial government during the Heian period.
- Religion
- shinto
- Founding
- Heian period
- Shrine rank
- Former Ichinomiya
- Coordinates
- 33.3712594, 132.7019329
Visitor tip
Visit during the New Year period to experience traditional hatsumode ceremonies alongside local worshippers.
Cultural notes
The ichinomiya system was established during the Heian period as part of the imperial court's efforts to organize and rank provincial shrines, with each province having one designated ichinomiya that served as its spiritual headquarters.
Historical note
Established as the premier shrine of Tosa Province during the ancient provincial system, Ichinomiya Shrine held the prestigious rank of ichinomiya, meaning it was the first shrine that provincial governors were required to visit when taking office. The shrine maintained its important status throughout the medieval period as a center of regional worship.