Beppu Itsukushima Shrine and Beppu Benten Pond [Yamaguchi]

【Beppu Itsukushima Shrine summary】

Beppu Itsukushima Shrine is a small unmanned shrine located on the shore of Beppu Benzaiten Pond. It was founded between 806 and 810 A.D. (Daidou 1-5 A.D.). It was originally called Benzaiten Shrine, but in 1871 the name was changed to Itsukushima Shrine after three water deities were invited from Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima. The three water deities are, of course, the three Munakata goddesses, and Benzaiten is their youngest child, Princess Ichikishimahime no Mikoto.

Perhaps they prayed that the gods would dwell in this mystical pond that has been providing blessings without withering since ancient times, and that the blessings would continue for eternity.

嚴島神社【広島県】

【Beppu Itsukushima premises】

Legend has it that when the people who settled this area in the past were troubled by the lack of water and prayed to Suwa-daimyojin, they were told to “worship Benzaiten and ask for water with a green bamboo pole”, and soon after, clear water gushed out. The deity Benzaiten is located at the root of the sacred tree.

The water closet is magnificent, and the water we received was very tasty.

The shrine itself is small. The shrine is relatively new and seems to have been rebuilt in recent years. However, the torii gate in front of the shrine gives a sense of considerable age.

【Beppu Benten Pond】

The spring water of “Beppu Benten Pond” in the precincts of the temple is crystal clear at 14.5 degrees Celsius and was selected as one of the 100 best waters in Japan on July 20, 1985 by the Environment Agency.

The water springs from the center and is clear and beautiful emerald green, and if you bring a plastic bottle or other container, you can take it home. Visitors can enjoy fishing for rainbow trout at the Mine City Trout Farm Fishing Pond, which is located next to the park.

Oshinohakkai [Yamanashi]

Oshinohakkai in Yamanashi Prefecture is also famous for its crystal clear ponds. This place is also registered as a World Heritage site along with Mt. Fuji, and is definitely worth a visit.

【Beppu Itsukushima Shrine Nearby attractions】

Akiyoshido Cave

【Beppu Itsukushima Shrine Access】