Ninomiya Shrine

Ninomiya Shrine is a venerable shrine in Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, and one of the Ikuta Lineage Shrines (Ikuta Ejin Hassha). It enshrines Masakatsu Akatsukachi Hayahi Ame-no-Oshiho-mimi-no-Mikoto. The deity’s name is interpreted as meaning, “Truly to win; I will surely win and never be defeated; the speed of advancing in victory is like the rising sun,” and the shrine is known as a shrine of good fortune in victory. Locals affectionately call it “Masakatsu-san.” Access is about a 10-minute walk from JR Kobe Line Sannomiya Station and from Hankyu Railway / Hanshin Railway Kobe-Sannomiya Station. The Ikuta Ejin Hassha are associated with the “Eight Shrine Pilgrimage” (Hassha Meguri), a pilgrimage popular since the Edo period. Ninomiya Shrine is the second shrine in the sequence, and many visitors tour the shrines while collecting goshuin (temple/shrine stamps). The shrine is also known for being visited by fans of the hugely popular Johnny’s group “Arashi,” due to the name “Ninomiya.” In contrast to the bustle around Ikuta Shrine, the area around Ninomiya Shrine has a nostalgic downtown atmosphere and a calm, quiet feel—nice for a leisurely stroll.