高忍日賣神社, Shinto shrine in Japan
Takao Shi Hime Jinja is a small Shinto shrine in Matsumae with a simple wooden structure set in a quiet courtyard surrounded by trees. The grounds feature a traditional torii gate entrance, an offering box, a bell tower, stone lanterns, and a sacred well for hand cleansing before prayer.
The shrine was established many centuries ago and was visited and honored by emperors and famous warriors such as Minamoto no Yoritomo. Throughout history, it remained a respected gathering place where the community came together for ceremonies and trade flourished.
This shrine is the only place in Japan dedicated to the ancestors of midwives and caregivers for children. Visitors come here to honor those who assisted with childbirth and supported families in raising their young.
The shrine is open daily from morning until late afternoon and can be visited freely, though it may close during special ceremonies. The walk from the nearest train station or bus stop takes about ten minutes, and parking spaces are available nearby for those arriving by car.
The shrine preserves rare myths not found in well-known texts such as the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, including a legend about a goddess visited by crabs during difficult labor that were swept away by divine helpers. These special stories are rarely encountered elsewhere in Japan, making the site historically distinctive.
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