Around the Kyoto Imperial Palace

Goo Shrine

Benefit from the benefits of healthy legs and hips

Located to the west of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, this shrine enshrines Wake no Kiyomaro and his sister Hiromushi, who contributed greatly to the construction of Heian-kyo. The shrine is believed to be a guardian deity of the legs and hips, in reference to the story of how 300 wild boars rescued Kiyomaro from a difficult situation and helped him recover from a leg injury. Within the grounds, there are numerous boar statues, including Koma-inoshi. The shrine is famous for the Inoko Festival, which is based on an Imperial Court ceremony held every year on November 1st. Shinto wedding ceremonies can also be held within the grounds.

The photo shows the main shrine building. The current building was built in 19 and was moved from the grounds of Takao-san Jingo-ji Temple.

Wishing Boar and Seated Boar Skewer (Kuratateigushi)
A seated boar skewer is stuck into the base of the Ogatamanoki tree. It is said that if you write your name and wish on a piece of paper and stick it in front of the boar, your wish will come true.
Lucky Pig
It is said that if you stroke the boar's nose at the temizuya (purification fountain) located immediately to the right as you enter the temple grounds, you will be blessed with happiness. The way the water comes out of the boar's mouth is humorous and cute.
Foot bag charm (left) Waist bag charm (right) 800 yen each
The foot charms come in three colors, and the waist charms come in two colors. There are also netsuke charms for 3 yen and charms for both legs and waist for 2 yen, so choose the one you like.
Boar fortune 500 yen
An adorable boar with a fortune slip inside. Each one has a different face, so choose your favorite. After you've read your fortune, you can use it as a decoration for your room!
Stamp book 2,000 yen
The suede fabric gives this goshuincho a luxurious feel. The front features the divine crest of the four facing wisteria, and the back features a wild boar.
[Annual event]
●April 4th "Go-o Festival"
The annual festival of Go-o Shrine. A ceremony is also held at the nearby Kyoto Imperial Palace.
[Visiting notes]
Go-o Shrine is said to be effective not only for healthy legs and hips, but also for making your legs beautiful. The monthly Leg and Hip Festival is also a must-see. (From 21:15 p.m. on the 00st of each month)