Homangu Kamado Shrine

宝満宮竈門神社

Homangu Kamado Shrine lies at the base of Mount Homan, which has been venerated as a sacred mountain since ancient times. The shrine is dedicated to mythical goddess Tamayori Hime no Mikoto, the 15th emperial ruler of Japan, Emperor Oujin, and his mother, Empress Jinugu.
The shrine was said to have been founded by Emperor Tenchi when he built a castle surrounded by water and moved the authority in Dazaifu to what are now the Tofuro Ruins for defensive purposes in 664 AD (due to his defeat in the Battle of Baekgang in August of the previous year). He dedicated the shrine to thousands of gods at Mount Homan, which faces an unlucky direction.
Homangu Kamado Shrine has two sanctuaries, one at the foot of the mountain and one at its peak. There used to be a third sanctuary midway up the hillside, but only its ruins remains today.
The upper sanctuary was founded in honor of Tamayori no Hime appearing while the monk Shinren was performing his ascetic training in 683 AD. These days, it is better known as a match-making shrine where “ema” (votive wooden plaques) praying for love are devoted, and it is also a popular spot among young women in love. Because the lower sanctuary is at the entrance of Mount Homan’s hiking trail, climbers also visit all the time!
Homangu Kamado Shrine is also known for being a great place for cherry blossom viewing in the spring, and many people visit in the autumn to see the Fall foliage.

*Accessibility: Guide dogs permitted

Address (Japanese)	818-0115　福岡県太宰府市内山883
Address	833 Uchiyama, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
Telephone Number	092-922-4106（宝満宮竈門神社）
Contact	Homangu Kamado Shrine
Fax Number	092-922-4107
Car Park	Available: 100 vehicles
Access	Directly in front of the Mahoroba Go “Uchiyama” Bus stop (Mahoroba Go is Dazaifu City’s community bus)
Website	http://www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/kamado/