Honjō Shrine

Overview

Honjo Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Gifu, Gifu Prefecture. It was once a single larger shrine that was later divided into three separate shrines, of which the present Honjo Shrine is one. The other two, Yakumo Shrine and Rokujo Shrine, stand nearby and are cherished as local guardian shrines. Though set within the city, it keeps a calm precinct and remains a familiar place of worship woven into everyday community life, drawing a steady stream of visitors.

Highlights

• ●The main shrine that preserves the story of one shrine split into three
• ●Its connection to the nearby Yakumo and Rokujo Shrines
• ●A quiet precinct despite its setting in central Gifu
• ●A familiar place of worship cherished as a local guardian shrine

History

Originally maintained as one larger shrine, it is said to have been divided over time into three: Yakumo Shrine, Rokujo Shrine, and Honjo Shrine. Each stands close to the others, preserving to this day the memory of a single former sphere of faith. The name is sometimes also written with alternative kanji as 本庄神社. For details on its founding date and enshrined deities, please consult on-site information or official sources.

Map

35.4082, 136.7320 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Head from Gifu Station into the city center and visit Honjo Shrine
2. 2Include the nearby Yakumo Shrine and Rokujo Shrine as well
3. 3Stroll the surrounding streets while sensing traces of the former single shrine
4. 4Round off the trip with local cuisine or a cafe in central Gifu

Did you know?

💡 The origin story of a single shrine dividing into three is a distinctive feature here. Visiting it together with Yakumo Shrine and Rokujo Shrine lets you sense the traces of a once-larger sphere of worship, making it an intriguing stroll for tracing the local history of Gifu City.

Nearby spots