Kibitsu Shrine

Kibitsu Shrine, on the outskirts of Okayama city, is a must stop for anyone in Okayama. Rebuilt in 1425, the Kibitsu Shrine is recognized as a Japanese National Treasure. It’s exact date of founding is undetermined due to the lack of accurate record keeping, but artifacts discovered around the shrines grounds date back to the 12th century, so one can assume that the temple was established beforehand. In it’s extensive history, Kibitsu shrine has established an impressive reputation among locals and tourists to Okayama as well.

Kibitsu Shrine is famous for having a rather interesting tale. Prince Kibitsuhiko, or Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto, was the son of Emperor Korei, of whom according to legend, began the battle with a demon named Ura, whom used to haunt the area and strike fear into the locals. A moss covered stone at the shrine, surrounded by a small bamboo fence (to prevent people from sitting on it) was speculated to be where the Prince had let his arrows -which he later used to kill Ura- rest.