Kibitsuhiko Shrine deifies Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto, who lived before the recorded history of Japan. It is said that the shrine was built at the site of his residence. A hypothesis of archaeologists says Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto was a younger brother of "HIMIKO", who first ever united Japan in the third century.

If you walk from Bizen-Ichinomiya Station, you will see the first "Torii" Gate of Kibitsuhiko Shrine in front of a hill named "Kibi-no-Nakayama". The approach leads you to the "Zuishin-Mon" Gate through the middle of ponds.

The "Torii" Gate, the "Zuishin-Mon" Gate and main shrine buildings are aligned on the approach. On the summer solstice day, sun rises from the middle of Torii Gate and sun light reaches to the shrine buildings.

Behind the "Zuishinmon" gate, a pair of huge stone lanterns are located. It is said these stone lanterns are the biggest lanterns in Japan.

If you walk up stone stairs, you will arrive at the Worship Hall of Kibitsuhiko Shrine. Kibitsuhiko Shrine is a very old shrine, but the Worship Hall was rebuilt in 1936, as the shrine suffered fires many times.

Bihind the Worship Hall, a Watariden Hall, a Saimonden Hall and a Holy Shrine are located on the axis from the Torii Gate to the Worship Hall.

It is said that the fairy tale of "Momotaro" is related to the legend that Kibitsu-no-Mikoto slayed "URA", who governed the Kibi area before the recorded history. According to a hypothesis of archaeologists, Kibitsu-no-Mikoto, deified at Kibitsu Shrine, was dispatched by the Imperial Court of Japan in the Yamato period (from the third to the seventh century) to destroyed "URA" clan.

The Worship Hall was rebuilt by IKEDA Tsunamasa in 1697, and designated as an important property of Okayama Prefecture. The sword dedicated by IKEDA Tsunamasa in 1678 is designated as an important property of Japan.

At Kibitsuhiko Shrine, a couple of branch shrines are located.

You can walk up stone stairs located to the north of main shrine buildings, after passing through a Torii Gate.

It was very quiet and there was no body there, and the atmosphere was very solemn.

How to get there
From Tokyo, take a "Nozomi" or a "Hikari" for Japan Rail Pass travelers to Okayama. From Okayama, take a local train on the JR Kibi Line to Bizen-Ichinomiya. Kibitsuhiko Shrine is just in front of the station.

Other Historical Sites near by:
Ruins of Okayama Castle
Kibitsu Shrine
Bicchu Kokubunji Temple
Ashimori Castle Town
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter