Takeisao Shrine

Takeisao Shrine sits at the summit of Mount Funaoka and displays traditional nagare-zukuri architecture with sloped roofs covered in hinoki thatch. The complex contains multiple structures arranged to create distinct spaces for worship and ceremonial purposes.

The shrine was founded in 1870 to honor a 16th-century military leader who played a crucial role in Japan's unification. This establishment occurred during a period when Japan was modernizing and reinvigorating traditional sacred sites.

The shrine serves as one of four cardinal protectors of Kyoto, drawing visitors who come to experience traditional veneration of Oda Nobunaga. Annual observances in October bring people together to honor the daimyo's connection to this sacred place.

The shrine is accessible via multiple mountain trails that offer varying views of the city while ascending to the main complex. Routes differ in difficulty, allowing visitors to choose a path suited to their fitness level.

The worship hall displays portraits of eighteen loyal warriors who served under the honored military leader, preserving their historical presence at this location. These portraits make visible the personal dimension of military history that visitors often overlook.

Location: Kita-ku

Inception: 1870

Address: 京都府京都市北区紫野北舟岡町49

Website: http://kenkun-jinja.org/english

GPS coordinates: 35.03861,135.74306

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:02