Year of the Snake: Japanese Snake Shrines

Embrace the Year of the Snake and discover Japan's revered snake shrines, where spiritual journeys and the promise of financial success and rebirth intertwine.

Legend has it that a Kyoto blacksmith, seeking to forge a sword fit for the emperor, came across the Kanahebisui Shrine. Struck by the pure waters and the chorus of frogs, he fashioned a snake to frighten them away, thus giving rise to the shrine's myth. The shrine is associated with Mizuhanome, the water goddess, and the Buddhist deity Benzaiten.

The Hebi Daru (Snake Waterfall), one of the seven waterfalls atop the Amagi Mountains, is known for its basalt rock formations that resemble snake scales. Visitors are encouraged to complete the stamp rally, visiting all seven waterfalls to receive the blessings of the Seven Gods of Luck.

The shrine, dedicated to the water deity Baizenten, is associated with myths about white snakes that bring health and prosperity.  The main hall houses an eight-armed Benzaiten statue, and seasonal festivals in April and November honor the shrine's divine heritage.

Hebikubo Shrine dates back to the Kamakura period. Its origin story tells of a white snake that requested a home. Today, visitors to the shrine can pet white stone snakes for luck and purchase snake-themed ema and omamori.

Omiwa Jinja, one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, is unique for its lack of a main prayer hall. Instead, Mount Miwa serves as the shrine's sacred site, associated with Omononushi-no-Kami, a deity often depicted as a snake. Worshippers honor this deity by leaving eggs as offerings.

The shrine, founded in 2012, pays homage to Iwakuni's white snakes, which are considered national treasures. The snake motif is prevalent throughout the shrine, from the chozubachi to the omikuji, which are shaped like white snakes.

The Yaegaki Shrine, steeped in the myth of Susanoo and Yamata no Orochi, is a site of romance and legend where visitors can participate in the Mirror Pond's floating paper fortune ritual.

Kinomiya Shrine, popular on Instagram for its ancient camphor trees, black torii gate, and a snake statue on a spiritual rock, is a must-visit. For extra luck, try tossing a coin onto the snake's head!

The Shinobazu no Ike Bentendo Shrine, located in Ueno Park, is dedicated to the goddess of luck. The shrine also features Ugajin, a unique snake-headed deity.

This shrine, featuring large snake statues and enclosures with white snakes, originated from a legend about a storm. Worshippers can leave small snake statues at the shrine for luck.

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