Motoise Kono Shrine

Motoise Kono Shrine (元伊勢籠神社, Motoise Kono Jinja), located at the northern entrance of the Amanohashidate Sandbar, is one of the most historically significant shrines in Kyoto’s Tango region. According to ancient tradition, the shrine originally enshrined the Sun Goddess Amaterasu and Toyoukehime, the goddess of food, clothing, and shelter, before these deities were later transferred to the Grand Shrines of Ise. Because of this deep connection, Kono Shrine earned the name "Motoise," meaning "Original Ise," signifying its role as a spiritual predecessor to one of Japan’s most sacred Shinto sites. With a history spanning over 2,000 years, the shrine has long been a center of worship and pilgrimage, playing a central role in regional Shinto traditions.

The main hall of Motoise Kono Shrine is built in a style that closely resembles that of Ise Shrine, featuring distinctive architectural elements such as ten katsuogi (decorative roof logs) and jewel-shaped ornaments known as magatama. The simple yet elegant structure reflects ancient Japanese aesthetics and sacred design principles. Surrounding the main sanctuary are several smaller auxiliary shrines dedicated to important deities, including Amaterasu, Sarutahiko (protector of travelers), Ebisu (god of prosperity), and Inari (deity of agriculture and fertility). The peaceful atmosphere, combined with its rich historical and mythological significance, makes Motoise Kono Shrine a deeply spiritual destination for visitors exploring the Amanohashidate area.