- Culture
- Saga
Takeo Shrine
Takeo Shrine is a shrine in Takeo in western Saga, first built in the year 735. It is a 25-minute walk from Takeo Onsen Station and a 15-minute walk from Takeo hot spring town. There is a camphor tree said to be 3000 years old on the premises of the shrine, as well as a "married couple" cypress formed of two trees next to each other that have joined together. Takeo Shrine is famous as spiritual location and a spot that brings good fortune for marriage.
A giant camphor tree estimated to be 3,000 years old stands in the majestic expanses in front of the bamboo grove behind the main shrine. This sacred tree is 27m tall and has a 26m of outer periphery of the root, and the hollow part at the roots of the tree has an area of around 18.6m2. These features earn the tree the place of 7th largest tree in Japan (as of August 2016, according to a survey by the Ministry of the Environment). The area around the camphor tree has a mystical atmosphere, and you’ll feel like your soul is being purified just by standing next to the tree.
The “married couple” cypress, where two trees nestle up close to each other, is also famous as a source of spiritual energy. The roots of the two trees are joined together, and their branches above are also intertwined. It looks as if the two trees are holding hands. These trees are thought to bring all kinds of good fortune, such as luck in love, finding a partner, business, and finances. It is said that you will receive divine blessings if you tie a bell you got from the shrine to the rope that hangs down from between these two trees, and the rope is decorated with the many bells visitors have offered.
Location
| Name | Takeo Shrine |
|---|---|
| Web Sites | http://takeo-jinjya.jp/english/ |
| Address | 5335 Takeo, Takeo-cho, Takeo-shi, Saga |
| Access | Around 5 minutes from Takeo Onsen Station (JR Sasebo Line) by Yutoku Bus towards Takeo Hoyo Center Get off at Takeo Koko-mae bus stop, and walk for 3 minutes |