Takeda Shrine

Takeda Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Lord Shingen Takeda. Shingen was born in 1521 at Sekisuiji Yōgai Castle, located behind the present shrine, and died at age 53. He became the ruler of Kai Province at just 21 and for more than 30 years worked not only on battles with neighboring provinces but also on flood control projects and the promotion of agriculture and commerce, earning deep trust from the people of Kai. Even nearly 500 years after his birth, he remains a local hero honored with pride. Takeda Shrine is revered not only as a guardian shrine of Kai Province but also as a place that grants “victory luck,” attracting worshippers nationwide. The blessings are said to apply not only to competitions but also to “overcoming illness” and “overcoming one’s inner struggles.” Shingen is also respected as a protector of agriculture, business, industry, and the economy, so many company leaders and politicians visit to pray. During the New Year holidays (the first three days), around 100,000 people come to worship. Access to Takeda Shrine: by train, from JR Chuo Line (Limited Express Azusa or Kaiji) “Kofu Station,” take a Yamanashi Kotsu bus bound for “Takeda Shrine” or “Sekisuiji” for about 8 minutes. By car, it’s about 30 minutes from “Kofu-Showa IC,” and there is a free parking lot.