Minatogawa Shrine in Kobe
-
Minatogawa-jinja Shrine in Kobe
-
Minatogawa Shrine in Kobe
-
Minatogawa-jinja Shrine Main Gate, Kobe
-
Minatogawa-jinja Shrine Main Gate, Kobe
-
Donation Wall Minatogawa-jinja Shrine, Kobe
-
Minatogawa-jinja Shrine in Kobe
-
Komainu Guardian Lion Minatogawa-jinja Shrine, Kobe
This post can contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links.
Facts & Figures
The Minatogawa Shrine in Kobe is ideal for tourists and visitors looking to enjoy a peaceful and quiet Buddhist or Shinto experience without interruptions from the crowd of travelers. It was built at the same place where the Battle of Minatogawa occurred.
Explore Ryokans in Kobe >
Ryokans are the perfect way to discover old Japanese culture and traditions.
Important cultural properties and treasures are displayed in the museum like Kusunoki Masashige's bellyband, calligraphies, paintings, swords and his hand-copied Buddhist sutras. The Minatogawa Shrine is part of Fifteen Shinto Shrines of the Kenmu Restoration. The place was designed and constructed to look like a classic Shinto shrine. The long walkway leads to the public Hall or Haiden and is surrounded by numerous stone lanterns or Toro, as well as the lion-dog statue (komainu) that guards the entrance of the shrine. The interior of the shrine contains a beautiful mix of traditional paper lanterns, which are also known as Chochin while the ceiling is decorated with panels of ancient artwork, which is hard to find even in the more popular shrines. The shinto shrine is also popular for wedding and shichi-go-san ceremonies.
- Minatogawa Shrine:
- Opening Hours - 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (Treasure Museum)
- Closed - on Thursdays
- Admission fee - 300 yen (Adults), 200 yen (High school and University students), 100 yen (Elementary and Junior High School students)
My tips for local activities
How about exploring the amazing food scene of Kobe on a personalized food tour with a local guide? Check out this page > for more details.
History
The Minatogawa Shrine was built in 1872 by the order of the Meiji Emperor to commemorate the battle of Minatogawa. The Shinto shrine is dedicated to Kusunoki Masashige (1294-1336), a famous warrior, samurai and military commander in the 14th century.
Location
Minatogawa Shrine is located in Chuo-ku (ward) near Kosoku-Kobe Station (north side).
Address: 3-1-1 Tamon-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe
How to get to Minatogawa Shrine?
- 3min from JR Kobe Station served by JR Kobe Line
- 3min from Okurayama Subway Station served by Seishin-Yamate Line
- 5min from Harborland Subway Station served by Kaigan Subway Line
Sightseeing spots
Top:
Treasure Museum - many important cultural properties and treasures related to Kusunoki Masashige are on display
Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)
January
New Year Celebrations (1st - 3rd)
Minatogawa Shrine and Ikuta Shrine in Sannomiya are the most popular places to visit during the New Year Celebrations.
February
Setsubun Festival (3rd)
20000 bags of beans are scattered to the thousand of visitors of the shrine on the day. People believe that scattered beans bring good luck:)
May
Kobe Matsuri Festival (19th)
Enjoy stage dance performances and many parades at the Flower Road.
Where to stay in Kobe?
Day trips from Kobe:
My 100 Best Moments in Japan
I have visited Japan nearly every year since 2004. This is my collection of the 100 best moments in my favorite country. Enjoy the pictures and I hope you will start your own journey soon.
Find out more >
Books about Japan
Reading books is a great source of inspiration for me. Check out my recommended list of books about the fascinating country Japan.
My Book recommendations >
