By ando 
Basic Information
Location: 608 Mihonoseki, Mihonoseki-cho, Matsue-shi, Shimane-ken
Enshrined kami: Mihotsuhime no Mikoto, Kotoshiro-nushi no kami (Ebisu-sama)
Main Benefits: Business prosperity, maritime safety, matchmaking, academic success
Features: The head jinja of over 3,000 “Ebisu shrines” nationwide. It is known as a counterpart to Izumo Taisha.
Is Visiting Izumo Taisha Alone ‘One-Sided Worship’? The Mystery of the Unknown ‘Dual Pilgrimage’
While Izumo Taisha is famous in Shimane, did you know that visiting Izumo Taisha alone is actually called “katamairi” (one-sided worship)? Okuninushi no kami (Daikoku-sama), the enshrined kami of Izumo Taisha, is considered the “father,” while Kotoshiro-nushi no kami (Ebisu-sama), the enshrined kami of Miho jinja, is considered the “son.”
It has been traditionally believed that by performing “Ebisu-Daikoku Ryomairi” (dual pilgrimage), visiting both of these father and son kami, the blessings are truly completed, and a deeper power of matchmaking is bestowed. If Izumo Taisha is the “guardian of the west,” then Miho jinja is the “guardian of the east.” This route, visiting both jinja, is said to balance the yin and yang of the Shimane Peninsula, making it the ultimate path to good fortune.
Behind the ‘Transfer of the Land’: The Kami Who Vanished into the Sea and the Legend of the ‘Aofushigaki’
Miho jinja holds an important episode related to the “Kuni-yuzuri” (Transfer of the Land), a climax in Japanese mythology.
When the heavenly messenger urged Okuninushi no kami to transfer his land, Okuninushi no kami replied, “Please ask my son, Kotoshiro-nushi no kami.” At that time, Kotoshiro-nushi no kami was fishing in the sea off Mihonoseki.
Upon hearing the messenger’s words, Kotoshiro-nushi no kami readily agreed to transfer the land. It is said that he then transformed his boat into an “Aofushigaki” (blue woven fence) and hid inside it. The “Aofushigaki Shinji,” a ritual reenacting this legend, is still performed annually in April as a mystical ceremony.
Is Ebisu-sama a ‘Kami of Music’? 846 Donated Musical Instruments
Standing in the haiden (worship hall) of Miho jinja, you’ll be surprised by its unique structure, which lacks walls and ceilings. This design allows the sounds of the surrounding waves and wind to echo throughout the jinja grounds.
Unexpectedly, Ebisu-sama has a great fondness for “narimono” (musical instruments). For this reason, many instruments have been donated over the centuries, numbering 846 in total. These are designated as important tangible folk cultural properties of Japan, and some include rare items such as “Japan’s oldest music box.”
Even today, daily morning and evening performances of dance and musical instruments are offered by miko (shrine maidens), and their melodies purify the hearts of visitors.
The Magic That Appears Only on Rainy Days: The Hidden Story of ‘Aoishidatami-dori’ Street
In front of the jinja gate lies “Aoishidatami-dori” (Blue Stone Pavement Street), which strongly retains the atmosphere of the Edo period. This area once prospered as a port of call for Kitamae-bune (northern-bound ships), but it actually has a mysterious trick.
Normally, it looks like an ordinary stone pavement, but when wet with rain, the color of the stones changes to a deep “blue,” transforming into a fantastical scene as if you are walking underwater. While beautiful on sunny days, locals unanimously agree that “Mihonoseki is most beautiful on a rainy day.”
Pilgrimage Information: Mihonoseki Appearing in Anime and Manga
Miho jinja and its surroundings have also gained attention as settings for many anime and manga.
‘Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-‘
In this travel-themed work, Miho jinja is prominently featured in “Trip 13: Izumo/Mihonoseki – Master and One-Sided Worship.” The importance of “Ryomairi” (dual pilgrimage) is discussed in the story, making it an essential pilgrimage spot for fans. Replicas of original drawings are sometimes displayed in nearby rest areas.
‘Noragami ARAGOTO’
Due to its connection with “Ebisu,” a character in the series, Miho jinja, as his head jinja, is affectionately known as a sacred site among fans.
‘Shinohayu the dawn of age’ (Saki -Saki- Achiga-hen Episode of Side-A spin-off)
In this series from the mahjong manga ‘Saki,’ the townscape of Mihonoseki is depicted in detail as the hometown of the protagonist, Hayuru Shiro. Visitors can enjoy views such as the torii of Miho jinja and Aoishidatami-dori, which appear exactly as they do in the anime.
Miho jinja is not just a power spot; it is a very rich sacred site where mythology, music, and modern pop culture intersect. When visiting Izumo, be sure to extend your trip and experience the “Ryomairi.”
Related Links and References
[1] Ebisu Daikoku Ryomairi | Mihonoseki Official Tourism Guide
[2] Walk Matsue City and Mihonoseki with a Guide ~Connect with Fate through “Ryomairi” with Izumo Taisha~ | Shimane Tourism Navi | Official Tourism Information Site of Shimane Prefecture
[3] Matsue Tourism Association – Matsue Meguri | Matchmaking in Matsue | Miho jinja
[4] Donated Instruments of Miho jinja | Legends of Japanese Music
[5] ‘Kami of Music – Miho jinja Donated Narimono’ | Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
[6] YouTube
[7] Land of Myths Mihonoseki | Fukumakan Shimane Mihonoseki
[8] YouTube
[9] Noragami ARAGOTO Stage Exploration (Sacred Site Pilgrimage) Shimane Edition – Fujiyoko Junrei Nikki
[10] ‘Shinohayu the dawn of age’ Sacred Site Pilgrimage [Mihonoseki-cho, Matsue-shi, Shimane-ken]: ~Anime pilgrimage~ Kamakura Min Monogatari