Beppu Itsukushima Shrine and Beppu Benten Pond [Yamaguchi]

【summary】

This small unmanned shrine is located on the shore of Beppu Benzaiten Pond. It was built 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】

【premises】

Legend has it that when the local people settled the area in the past but were troubled by the lack of water, they prayed to Suwa-daimyojin and were told to “worship Benzaiten and ask for water with a green bamboo pole” and soon after, clear water gushed out.

【scenery】

The spring water of “Beppu Benten Pond” located 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 of the pond and is clear and beautiful emerald green, and if you bring a plastic bottle, you can take it home. You can enjoy rainbow trout fishing at the Mine City Trout Farm Fishing Pond, which is located next to the park.

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.

Oshinohakkai [Yamanashi]

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