Okazaki Shrine

Okazaki Shrine is a shrine in the Okazaki area of Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, famous for rabbits as its symbolic guardians. It was established in 794 (Enryaku 13) as one of the protective shrines associated with the founding of Heian-kyo, and because it lies to the east it was called ‘Higashi Tenno.’ Enshrined deities include Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Kushinadahime-no-Mikoto, and the Ya-hashira no Mikogami (eight offspring deities). Because the two main deities are said to have had many children, and because the area once had many wild rabbits (rabbits being highly fertile), the shrine has strong associations with fertility, safe childbirth, and childrearing; people also bring maternity belly bands for prayers. Instead of komainu lion-dogs, the shrine features komausagi (rabbit guardians) and maneki-usagi statues. It is also known for matchmaking, and some couples hold wedding ceremonies here, making it especially popular with women. It lies northwest of Heian Shrine: right in front of the city bus stop ‘Okazaki Jinja-mae,’ about a 20-minute walk from Higashiyama Station (subway). Nearby are Heian Shrine, Kyoto City Zoo, the National Museum of Modern Art, and the Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art.