KyotoTravel

Touch the Legend of Urashima Taro at This Ancient Shrine Connected to the Jeweled Box

About this spot

An ancient shrine said to have been founded in 825 (Tencho 2), dedicated to Urashimako, the inspiration for the Urashima Taro legend. As shrine treasures, the "Urashima Myojin Engi Emaki" (illustrated scroll) from the Muromachi period and a tortoiseshell-patterned comb box said to be the jeweled box are preserved and passed down, making this a precious place where you can encounter the original landscape of Japanese fairy tales. Upon request, the shrine priest may tell the story of the illustrated scroll, and listening to the tale of the Dragon Palace and the jeweled box in the very place where the legend was born is truly special. The shrine grounds are enveloped in quiet groves of cedar, far from the bustle of tourist crowds, with a calm atmosphere perfect for the two of you to visit at leisure. It's a fitting finale to a seaside journey, where you can linger in the afterglow of the story.

Tips

About 15 minutes by car from central Ine, or directly below the "Urashima Shrine" bus stop on Tango Kaichi Bus. Buses are infrequent, so confirm return times beforehand for peace of mind. If you'd like the priest to tell the story of the illustrated scroll, advance notice is recommended (contributions accepted). Entry is free, and the grounds are mostly level, so comfortable walking shoes are fine.