Overview
Kokage Shrine stands in Kandori, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture; its formal name is written with an old-form character as Kokage Shrine (Sanei). It is popularly known as Kokage-san Shrine. Regarded as the head shrine of all the Kokage shrines across Japan, it has long been revered as a guardian of sericulture and silk. Once also called Kokage-san Sōrin-ji or Kokage Myōjin, it was ranked a village shrine under the modern shrine ranking system. Nestled in the Kandori village at the foot of Mount Tsukuba, it is a place where you can trace the roots of Japan's silk-raising culture.
Highlights
- ●Its standing as the head shrine of all Kokage shrines in Japan
- ●A history of faith as guardian of sericulture and silk
- ●Heritage preserved in old names like Kokage-san Sōrin-ji and Kokage Myōjin
- ●A quiet sacred grove in Kandori village at the foot of Mount Tsukuba
History
Kokage Shrine has long been known as a shrine to the deity of sericulture, going by old names such as Kokage-san Sōrin-ji and Kokage Myōjin. It is positioned as the head shrine of the many Kokage shrines found throughout Japan and has drawn deep faith from silk farmers and those in the silk trade. Under the modern shrine ranking system it was designated a village shrine. In the era when sericulture supported daily life across Japan, this shrine remained a center of prayer for the healthy growth of silkworms and an abundant harvest of cocoons.
Access
The shrine sits in Kandori, Tsukuba City, on the southern foot of Mount Tsukuba. From Tsukuba Station on the Tsukuba Express, take a local bus or taxi toward Mount Tsukuba. The Kandori district lies along the Mount Tsukuba sightseeing route and is also easy to reach by car. Please check official sources for the latest information on parking and transport before visiting.
Best season
The fresh greenery of spring and the autumn foliage at the foot of Mount Tsukuba make for especially pleasant visits. As a shrine deeply tied to mulberry and silkworms, a visit in early summer, when sericulture traditionally begins, brings its background of faith closer to home. It is reassuring to confirm the dates of events and festivals through official information before you go.
Map
36.1909, 140.1077 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1From Tsukuba Station, travel toward Mount Tsukuba by bus or taxi
- 2Visit Kokage Shrine in Kandori and learn its history as the head shrine of sericulture faith
- 3Stroll and enjoy the rural scenery at the foot of Mount Tsukuba
- 4Round off the day together with Mount Tsukuba sightseeing and nearby sights
Did you know?
💡 The sound kokage may bring to mind the shade of trees, but the shrine's name comes from kaiko (silkworm) and means a guardian of sericulture. As the head shrine of all the Kokage shrines in Japan, it lets visitors trace the wellspring of the country's silk-culture faith.
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