One Day Itinerary to Hop Shrines and a Temple in Takarazuka in Search of Good Luck for the New Year

In Japan, people visit shrines and temples to attract good fortune during the New Year’s Holidays, and that is called ‘Hatsumoude’ (初詣, the first shrine/temple visit of a year). As Japan has welcomed the year of 2022, and temples and shrines all over the country are literally busy with people wishing for good luck and the safety of a family. Takarazuka City, which is dotted with historical shrines and temples including Kiyoshikôjin Seichô-ji Temple locally called Kôjin-san, is one of the best areas for Hatsumoude. When the time of your visit is right, you can also participate in rituals celebrating the New Year. In this issue, let’s look at 2 shrines and a temple that is only a station or two away from Takarazuka Station (HK56) which is the nearest to Takarazuka Washington Hotel.

Get an adorable lucky charm and pray for good fortune and business prosperity “Takarazuka-jinja Shrine”

“Takarazuka-jinja Shrine” (宝塚神社), located on a hill above the slope, is famous for its panoramic view overlooking the Ikoma and Kongo Mountains. It is also popular as a place for the first sunrise of a year (appreciating the first sunrise of a year is Japanese tradition) and is visited by many worshipers from the first day of a year. The god enshrined is known as a god of good luck in finance, prosperous business, and easy delivery. In addition, since Susanoo-no-Mikoto (スサノオノミコト), the god of evil removing and good marriage is co-enshrined, you can expect for various benefits by praying. Though there are several kinds of charms that can be given after worshiping, Ebisu charm (えびす守, Ebisu Mamori) that look adorable is quite popular. From 9th to 11th of January, the Ebisu Festival is held, and various traditional ritual events such as Danjiri (だんじり, a festival in which large wooden carts in the shape of a shrine or temple that are towed along streets) and Iaigiri (居合斬り, a kind of sword techniques) are dedicated to gods. As local farmers market is held as well as that Fukumochi (a rice cake with a wish for good fortune) is given to visitors, do not miss if you stay in the city during the period.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 4:00PM / Open All Year Round
Address	4-8 Yashirocho, Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture
Access	An 8-minute walk from Sakasegawa Station (HK27) which is 2 stations away on Hankyu Imazu Line from Takarazuka Station (HK56)
URL	https://kanko-takarazuka.jp/english/recommend/culture_detail.php?id=104

Get the seasonal Goshuin at a shrine surrounded by forest, “Iwashizu-jinja Shrine”

“Iwashizu-jinja Shrine” (伊和志津神社), a famous shrine among Goshuin (御朱印, a red ink stamp that each shrine and temple design uniquely) enthusiasts, is a prestigious one said to be founded in the Heian era (794 – 1185). On top of its regular Goshuin, seasonal one and the one given only for those whose birthday is the day of their visit are also available. Each of them uniquely and attractively designed motivates Goshuin enthusiasts to visit again and again. From the New Year’s Day of 2022, you can also ask for the tiger-designed Goshuin since the year of 2022 is a tiger year in the Japanese zodiac. Just like Takarazuka-jinja Shrine, the god enshrined here is Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the one for evil removing and good marriage. As the shrine is in the middle of the city-designated preserved forest, the 9,900 m2 precinct will allow you to enjoy breathing fresh air by strolling. You’ll be fascinated by the beauty of seasonal flowers floating at the fountain of the Chozuya (手水舎, a water fountain with which you are to cleanse your hand and mouth before worshipping).  It is a shrine where you want to long-take your time and get relaxed.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 5:00PM / Open All Year Roud
Address	1-4-3 Isoshi, Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture
Access	A 7-minute walk from Sakasegawa Station (HK27) which is 2 stations away on Hankyu Imazu Line from Takarazuka Station (HK56)
URL	https://kanko-takarazuka.jp/english/recommend/culture_detail.php?id=51

Pray for prosperous business and safety of family at a temple reversing the god of fire and kitchen, “Kiyoshikôjin Seichô-ji Temple”

Walk along the approach called ‘Ryu no Michi’ lined up with souvenir shops and eateries on both sides from Kiyoshikojin Station (HK55) for a while, and you will be welcomed by the gate of “Kiyoshikôjin Seichô-ji Temple” (清荒神清澄寺). The temple called ‘Kôjin-san’ in the Kansai region is loved by many worshipers and reserves two gods; the god of the purification fire that has been revered since ancient times, and the god of the kitchen stove which is considered as the center of a home and a company. In the worship hall, the gods and Buddhas who grant good luck, such as Sampo Kojin-o (三宝荒神王), Daishō Kangiten (大聖歓喜天), and Juichi-men Kanzeon Bosatsu(十一面観世音菩薩, Eleven-Faced Avalokitesvara Heart Dharani Sutra), are deified and visitors expect better fortune in the safety of family, prosperous business as well as removing evil. On January 27th and 28th every year, the Buddhist memorial service is dedicated to world peace and wish for disasters removal. On 28th, you can appreciate Gakaku (雅楽, a type of classical music that has been used for imperial court music and dances) play and Yamabushi (山伏, an itinerant Buddhist monk)  blowing a conch.

Opening Hours	5:00AM – 9:00PM / Open All Year Rourd *The office hours of reception are 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Address	1 Maitanikiyoshi, Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture
Access	A 15-minute walk from Kiyoshikojin Station (HK55) which is a station away on Hankyu Takarazuka Line from Takarazuka Station (HK56) *On Sundays and national holidays, the bus from Takarazuka Station is available
URL	http://www.kiyoshikojin.or.jp/en/