Located in Saga, Takeo Shrine boasts a history of 1200 years.
Behind Takeo Shrine stands a sacred tree estimated to be around 3000 years old, making it a sight worth seeing.
The exterior of Takeo Shrine is a rare white structure.
The shrine is built on a hillside, so you’ll need to climb stairs to reach it.
Alternatively, you can drive up…
Legend has it that Takeo Shrine was founded in 735 AD.
In those days, Minamoto no Yoritomo sent a messenger with a document to pray for victory, and it is said that the shrine still holds the ancient document.
There is a memorial pond and a small shrine nearby.
The tails of the guardian dogs in front of the shrine are unusually raised…
And they even have “collars” around their necks?
Theoretically, one of the guardian dogs should have horns, but…
This one doesn’t.
Above the shrine, there’s a fan with the Japanese flag.
Ema (votive tablets)
This year is the Year of the Dragon, so dragon motifs are quite common.
The grand camphor tree behind Takeo Shrine
Bringing good fortune
Place to buy amulets.
Regret not buying the Rilakkuma amulet back then…
I bought the cherry blossom amulet instead.
Other amulets
You can see the road in front of the shrine from here.
Next, let’s take a look at the grand camphor tree behind the shrine.
Looking back from Takeo Shrine
It feels like this grand camphor tree is hidden within a bamboo grove.
Even though it’s less than a 2-minute walk, I took a bunch of random photos… XD
The bamboo grove nearby
As soon as you enter the bamboo grove, you can see the grand camphor tree.
The hollow of the tree roots has a space equivalent to about 12 tatami mats.
The tree is 30 meters tall, with a trunk circumference of 22 meters.
The tree is estimated to be over 300 years old (Source)
This source estimates the tree’s age to be 3000 years.
You can see that there are steps leading into the hollow of the tree roots.
Usually, it’s fenced off and entry is prohibited.
But since we were with a tour group, it was okay…
Getting a close look at this sacred tree, it truly feels magnificent.
Walking into the hollow of the tree roots
It’s really spacious inside.
There are quite a few hollows in the tree roots.
That’s a brief introduction to Takeo Shrine.
The amulets here are quite beautiful…
It’s worth a visit~
However, the transportation here is inconvenient, so it’s recommended to drive.
Takeo Shrine (Official Website)
Address: 5335 Takeo, Takeo-cho
Phone: 0954-22-2976
Transportation: Get off at “Takeo High School” on the Yutoku Bus, about a 5-minute walk
『Original Source：https://nicklee.tw/1265/』
