Kibitsu Shrine to Hold Special Worship Event Commemorating 600th Anniversary of Main Shrine and Worship Hall
岡山市北区の吉備津神社は、令和7年6月22日に本殿・拝殿再建600年を記念した特別参拝を開催する。同神社は『桃太郎伝説』の舞台として知られており、大吉備津彦命を主祭神として祀っている。桃山時代の代表的な建築様式を持つ本殿と拝殿は、国宝に指定されている。
Kibitsu Shrine, located in Kita Ward, Okayama City, announced it will hold a special worship event on June 22, 2025, commemorating the 600th anniversary of its main shrine and worship hall reconstruction. Known as the setting of the “Momotaro Legend,” the shrine enshrines Okibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto as its principal deity. Its main shrine and worship hall, built in the characteristic Momoyama architectural style, are designated as National Treasures.
今回の特別参拝では、普段は立ち入ることが許されていない本殿内部での参拝が特別に許可される。参加者は神職による特別な祝詞を受けながら、厳かな空間を体感できる。また、御札奉製の体験や巫女による伝統的な舞の奉納、古くから吉凶を占う「鳴釜神事」などが実施される。
In this special worship event, participants will be granted exclusive access to the inner sanctum of the main shrine, usually off-limits to the public. They will experience a solemn atmosphere while receiving special prayers from Shinto priests. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in creating sacred amulets, witness traditional dances by shrine maidens, and experience the ancient divination ritual known as “Narukama Shinji,” which is usually not open to the public.
吉備津神社は『桃太郎伝説』以前から地域信仰の中心として栄え、歴史的・文化的価値も非常に高い。当日は神職による神社の歴史や桃太郎伝説、建築様式の解説も聞くことができる。特別参拝の参加定員は10名で、参加費は1人あたり3万円となっている。
Kibitsu Shrine has been a central place of local worship since long before the Momotaro Legend, holding significant historical and cultural value. On the day of the event, participants will hear detailed explanations about the shrine’s history, its connection to the Momotaro Legend, and architectural features from the shrine priests. Limited to only 10 participants, this event offers a rare chance to deeply engage with the shrine’s history and traditions.The special worship event will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with a participation fee of 30,000 yen per person.
