Komushi Shrine

Overview

Komushi Shrine stands in the Atsue area of Yosano, in Yosa District, northern Kyoto Prefecture. It is a Shikinaisha, a shrine listed in the Heian-era Engishiki register, and was ranked among the prestigious Myojin Taisha; under the modern system it was classed as a village shrine. Set on the eastern plateau of the Kaya Valley along the middle reaches of the Noda River, at the western foot of the Oe-yama range, it quietly preserves the memory of faith nurtured in the heart of ancient Tango.

Highlights

• ●An ancient shrine that still conveys the high rank of Shikinaisha and Myojin Taisha
• ●A tranquil setting at the western foot of the Oe-yama range, overlooking the Kaya Valley
• ●Located in the heart of ancient Tango amid national historic kofun such as Hirukoyama and Tsukuriyama
• ●The rare and memorable name Komushi

History

Its standing as a Shikinaisha and Myojin Taisha, honored in imperial rites, tells of a site revered from ancient times. The surrounding Kaya Valley is dotted with burial mounds and remains, including the nationally designated Hirukoyama and Tsukuriyama kofun. This valley is thought to have been the most advanced and earliest-developed area of ancient Tango, and Komushi Shrine lived on within that cultural sphere.

Map

35.5007, 135.1087 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Drive to Atsue in Yosano and first pay your respects at Komushi Shrine
2. 2Tour the national historic kofun scattered through the Kaya Valley, such as Hirukoyama and Tsukuriyama
3. 3Take in the rural scenery of the Kaya Valley spreading from the western foot of the Oe-yama range
4. 4Return to central Yosano and end the day sampling local food and specialties

Did you know?

💡 The unusual name Komushi, meaning small insect, lingers in visitors' memories. That such a small rural shrine was granted the high rank of Myojin Taisha shows how deeply it was esteemed in ancient times.

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