Ikuta Shrine

Ikuta Shrine is a religious site in Kobe, Japan that belongs to the Shinto religion. It is in the Chūō Ward of the city and is considered to be one of the oldest shrines in the country.

 History 
Nihon Shoki, a historical text, states that Ikuta Shrine was established by Empress Jingū during the early 3rd century AD to honor the deity Wakahirume. At that time, two other shrines were also founded: Hirota Shrine, which was dedicated to Amaterasu, and Nagata Shrine, which was dedicated to Kotoshiro-nushi (also known as Ebisu).

During the Genpei War, there was fighting in and around Ikuta Shrine. This battle, known as the Battle of Ichi-no-Tani, is commemorated by markers in the forest behind the shrine. However, the shrine's land was much larger in the past, before the city of Kobe was built around it. Because of this, the exact locations of battles and other events can no longer be marked on the shrine's property.

 Festivals and events 
Two Noh plays, named Ebira and Ikuta Atsumori, which depict stories from the Genpei War, are regularly performed near the Ikuta Shrine. These plays are performed every year during Ikuta's Autumn Festival.

 Related pages 
 List of Shinto shrines
 Twenty-Two Shrines
 Modern system of ranked Shinto Shrines

 Sources 

 生田神社, (Japanese)

 Other websites 


Category:Kanpei Chūsha
Category:Myōjin Taisha
Category:Beppyo shrines
Category:Shinto shrines in Hyōgo Prefecture
Category:Shikinaisha in Settsu Province