Ikari Shrine
About Ikari Shrine
Considered the oldest shrine in Hiroshima, with history dating back to around the 8th century.
Nestled between some tall modern buildings sits Ikari Shrine - considered the the oldest shrine in Hiroshima. It is thought to have been a place of worship for over 1250 years, back into the early 8th century during Japan’s Nara Period.
Once situated on a large sandbank in the Hiroshima delta, this was a common area to secure boats. A shrine was established to Owatsumi, a sea deity, in order to ask for their protection. The name of the shrine comes from ikari - the Japanese word for anchor.
The main hall has recently been reconstructed, but several statues - including the guardian lion-dog - date back to the early 1800s. Several of the trees on the shrine grounds, including the cherry trees, survived the atomic bombing.
The shrine is particularly beautiful during spring and the cherry-blossom season, when it has evening illumination events. Other festivals are held during the year, including the autumn festival when kagura dance performances and held.
It is one of the stops on the Futabanosato Historical Walking Trail.