Minatogawa Shrine, Historic Kobe
Right in front of Kobe station is Minatogawa Shrine. Although this shrine is the most famous shrine in Kobe, few know why a shrine is near such a big station like Kobe. The truth is that this very shrine is the site of one of the most important battles in Japan, Minatogawa Battle, happened. This battle lead to the death of Kusunoki Masashige, and in short, practically ended the infamous government of Go-daigo.
Minatogawa Shrine
You will see the huge torii of Minatogawa Shrine right in front of Kosoku-Kobe Station. Given how big they make it very clear how important this shrine is to Japanese people.
The Minatogawa Battle between Ashikaga Takauji and Go-daigo happened around here in 1336. After his defeat, Kusunoki Masahisge, the leader of Go-daigo’s army, he and his brother killed themselves, vowing that they would be reborn to loyally serve the emperor once more. Out of respect for his loyal spirit, the Meiji commissioned the shrine’s construction during the Meiji Restoration in the 19th.
Honden
The honden of Minatogawa Shrine, built in 1952, is quite new as the original burnt down completely in WWII. The main deity here is Kusonoki’s family, including Kusunoki Masashige. Around the time of the Meiji Restoration at the end of the 19th century, many famous samurai, such as Takasugi Shinsaku and Sakamoto Ryoma, visited this shrine to pay respect to Kusunoki Masashige.
Behind the honden is a little mound where Kusunoki Masahige allegedly killed himself. Unfortunately, it is locked…..
Kusunoki Masashige’s Memorial
Right next to the shrine’s entrance is a narrow path that leads to a commemorative grave of Masashige. Tokugawa Mitsukuni, aka Mito Komon, made this grave in the Edo Period (17th century). Obviously, this was made before the shrine, so you say that this is the very beginning of the shrine.
Minatogawa Shrine
| Address |
3-1-1 Tamondori, Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
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| Website |
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| Getting To |
The closest stations to Minatogawa Shrine are the JR Kobe Station and the Hashin/Hankyu Kosoku-Kobe Station. If you take the Hanshin or Hankyu Line, get off at Kosoku-Kobe Station, which is right in front of the shrine. |
| Hours |
6AM-6PM
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| Admission |
Free
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| Note |
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