Ikuta Shrine is a religious site in Kobe, Japan that belongs to the Shinto religion. It is located 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.
Other pages
List of Shinto shrines
Twenty-Two Shrines
Modern system of ranked Shinto Shrines
Sources
生田神社, (Japanese)