Horses Everywhere! A Beginner's Guide to Fujinomori Shrine

[Local College Students Introduce] There seem to be a lot of people out there who, despite being interested in temples and shines, find them difficult to approach or don't quite know what to look at when they visit. That's why local college students in Kyoto created this series of beginner's guides to animal-related shrines! This article will introduce Fujinomori Shrine (Fujinomori Jinja), which houses the guardian deity of horses. What kind of shrine could it be?

Check out our writers’ top Japan travel ideas!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

What is Fujinomori Shrine?

ⒸK.G.G.project

Located in Fushimi, which is home to many other famous temples and shrines like Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha), Fujinomori Shrine is one of the most prominent old shrines in Japan, with a long history of around 1,800 years. The enshrined god deals with military arts and is known for bringing about victory. It is said to improve luck at winning. For that reason, many samurai and members of the royal court have worshipped at this shrine.

In recent years, there's been increased attention on the shrine thanks to a game that features Tsurumaru Kuninaga - a treasured sword that is related to the shrine. The level of interest has been particularly high among young women!

ⒸK.G.G.project

The first place of interest at the shrine is the Treasure Hall (Homotsu-den), where the treasures of the shrine are on display.

ⒸK.G.G.project

The treasures are mostly weapons and armor. Not just swords, but even heavy weapons are on display!

ⒸK.G.G.project

The Murasaki Ito Odoshi Oyoroi, in particular, is a must-see, as it's a designated national treasure. Despite being around 700 years old, the armor is in pristine condition, looking just as elegant as it did all those years ago.

Horses Everywhere!

ⒸK.G.G.project

Every year on the 5th of May, the Fujinomori Festival (Fujinomori Matsuri) is held at the shrine. This festival is famous for an event called "Kakeuma Shinji". During the event, participants show off various skills while riding on horseback. Due to this, the enshrined god is also said to be the guardian deity of horses. This event is especially popular with people in the horse-racing industry and horse-racing fans.

ⒸK.G.G.project

Because of this event, you'll find many areas of interest around the shrine that are related to horses, such as sculptures of sacred horses and ema (small wooden plaques with wishes written on them) that boast of Kyoto's long history.

ⒸK.G.G.project

The Horse Museum located within the Treasure Hall is a real masterpiece. An impressive collection of horse figures, including items from the Chief Priest's personal collection, are on display.

ⒸK.G.G.project

The variety is staggering. Traditional craft items like Fushimi Ningyo and Edo Hariko are a given, but the collection even includes items from all over the world, such as from China, southeast Asia, and Europe.

ⒸK.G.G.project
ⒸK.G.G.project

Each figure has unique characteristics that reflect its country of origin. You could spend a lot of time looking at them!

Must-See Spots Within the Shrine

ⒸK.G.G.project

There are many interesting areas within the shrine compounds to explore! Fuji no Mizu, pictured above, is sacred water that is said to help with ensuring lasting military success and academic improvement, as well as improve luck in winning. Its name stems from it being described as "water that is incomparably delicious". There are many worshipers who come here just for the water!

ⒸK.G.G.project

There's a secret behind this ordinary-looking stone torii (gate). Calligraphy of the words "Fujinomori Daimyojin" was written by Emperor Go-mizunoo (the 108th Emperor of Japan) and hung on the torii. Since the calligraphy was written by the emperor, those who passed under the gate needed to ensure that they did so with respect. Those on horseback would get off their horse and walk, and those carrying spears would put down their spears.

ⒸK.G.G.project

However, the calligraphy went missing during the chaos at the end of the Edo period (1603 – 1868) and has not been replaced till this day.

ⒸK.G.G.project

Pictured above is the Kamu Yoroi-zo (Sacred Armor Sculpture). In Japan, it's customary to decorate figures of warriors on the 5th of May, as the god of Fujinomori Shrine is said to reside within them. This sculpture was erected as a symbol of that.

ⒸK.G.G.project

There's also the Hatazuka, which is the spot that's thought to be where this shrine started, and also the Kaheshi Ishi (Kaheshi Stone) that's used to test one's strength. Do take the time to walk around and discover everything!

Check out our writers’ top Japan travel ideas!

Don't Leave Without Souvenirs!

ⒸK.G.G.project

Once you've looked around the main hall and explored the shrine compounds, it's time to shop for some souvenirs!

ⒸK.G.G.project

There are fortune slips shaped like horses (500 yen) and Kakeuma Mamori (1,000 yen) - charms meant to improve luck in winning - that you can buy. The abundance of horse-related charms is a unique characteristic of this shrine.

ⒸK.G.G.project

There are also goshuin-cho (booklets for collecting stamps when you visit shrines and temples) with sword designs on the covers (1,800 yen and 2,000 yen). Look out for other items with sword designs as well.

ⒸK.G.G.project

The Kaiun Yakuyoke Mamori is a recommended item. It symbolizes the use of a sword to bring about luck by cutting away misfortune. Its shape, which is of a sword, makes it look really cool!

Doesn't Fujinomori Shrine sound like an interesting place to visit? It's also famous for the hydrangea flowers in its compounds. Come visit this shrine that's surrounded by nature and experience it for yourself!

tsunagu Japan Travel

A full service DMC for travel agencies. See how we can use our experience and connections in Japan to create the perfect Japan tours for your clients!

More Details
Kansai Feature

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

tsunagu Japan Newsletter

Subscribe to our free newsletter and we'll show you the best Japan has to offer!

Subscribe Now!
Get your Japan discounts here!

About the author

K.G.G.project
K.G.G.project
We're a group of local college students in Kyoto that produce information about Kyoto's charms to release to the world. We write articles about Kyoto using information that only locals could know. We hope you enjoy our work!
  • Check out our writers’ top Japan travel ideas!

Related Interests

Restaurant Search

Sign up to our free newsletter to discover the best Japan has to offer.