Hatsumode 2023: Rabbit-Themed Shrines and Temples to Visit in Aichi for the Year of the Rabbit – With Access & Parking Info

Hatsumode 2023: Rabbit-Themed Shrines and Temples in Aichi – Spotlight on Miwa Shrine

When it comes to rabbit-themed shrines in Aichi Prefecture, Miwa Shrine in the Osu district of Nagoya is at the top of the list.

This shrine enshrines Ōmononushi no Kami, the gentle and peaceful aspect (wakamitama) of Ōkuninushi no Kami, the deity featured in the famous Japanese myth “The White Rabbit of Inaba.”

Within the shrine grounds, you’ll find a charming stone statue called the “Lucky Stroking Rabbit” (Shiawase no Nade Usagi). It’s believed that if you gently stroke the rabbit, happiness will come your way. Even more impressively, if you touch the same part of the rabbit that corresponds to a pain or ailment in your own body, it may help heal you.

Miwa Shrine is especially known for its blessings in relationships and connections—not just romantic ones, but also friendships, work relationships, and the many bonds that shape our lives.

One of the highlights of the shrine is the sacred “Enmusubi Tree”, estimated to be over 450 years old. Visitors tie red threads to it while making a wish for a strong and lasting connection. With such heartfelt tradition, how could your wish not come true?

Ōmononushi no Kami is also worshiped as a guardian of daily life, offering wide-ranging blessings including:

• Fulfillment of heartfelt wishes

• Family safety

• Academic success

• Prosperous business

• Victory in sports

• Good health and longevity

• Protection from bad luck

The shrine’s goshuin (official red ink stamps) are known for their colorful and artistic designs. The Year of the Tiger (2022) stamp was especially beautiful, but rabbits appear frequently in Miwa Shrine’s stamps—whether it’s the zodiac year or not!

If you’re visiting in 2023, the Year of the Rabbit, don’t miss the chance to collect your very first rabbit-themed goshuin of the year!

Access

Miwa Shrine is conveniently located in central Nagoya, making it easy to visit. It’s close to both the nearest stations and the popular Sakae district.

Address:
3-9-32 Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

Phone:
+81-52-241-7468

Access:

• Subway Meijo Line – Yabachō Station
  About a 6-minute walk from Exit 4

• Subway Meijo Line – Kamimaezu Station
  About a 5-minute walk from Exit 9

Parking Information

There is no parking available at the shrine, so please use nearby coin-operated parking lots.

If you’re planning a very short visit (under 1 hour), Asahi Parking right in front of the shrine is your best option.

For larger vehicles or longer stays, Repark Osu 3-chome No.4 or Meitetsu Kyosho MultinaBox offer a safer and more spacious choice.

If you’re planning to spend several hours shopping or exploring the Osu area, Times Osu Akamon Street or Coin Park Osu 1-chome are highly recommended.

For nighttime parking, Coin Park Osu 1-chome offers the most affordable rates.

Hatsumode 2023: Rabbit-Themed Shrines and Temples in Aichi – Spotlight on Ugashira Shrine

It may come as a surprise to hear there’s a shrine whose name includes the character for rabbit (菟) — and not just any rabbit, but specifically its head! Ugashira Shrine is located at the base of the Atsumi Peninsula in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture.

From Toyohashi Station, it’s about a 30-minute drive south toward Takatsuka Beach, through a scenic landscape dotted with local cabbage fields, a regional specialty.

Uniquely, the approach to the shrine begins with a downhill path tucked between residential houses. As you pass through the trees, the salty sea breeze becomes more noticeable.

Continue through the first and second torii gates, and you’ll soon reach a flight of stone steps. At the top stands the third torii gate and the main shrine building, waiting quietly among the trees.

Access

Ugashira Shrine is nestled within a coastal cliff formation overlooking the Enshū Sea.

Address:
Nishikata 2, Takatsuka-cho, Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

Please note that the shrine does not appear to have a staffed office, and no phone number is available.

Access

By Train & Bus (plus walking):
From Ōshimizu Station on the Toyotetsu Atsumi Line, take the Lake Town Line bus and get off at the Lake Hills bus stop.
From there, it’s about a 40-minute walk to the shrine—so be prepared for a long journey on foot!

By Car:

• About 30 minutes by car from Toyohashi Station

• About 12 minutes by car from Ōshimizu Station (Toyotetsu Atsumi Line)

Please be aware that the shrine is located within a residential area, and:

• Large vehicles may not be able to pass

• Roads are narrow, and passing oncoming cars may be difficult

Parking Information

If you’re visiting only for the shrine, we recommend using the free parking space next to the shrine.

For those planning to explore the area or stay longer, parking near the station can be chosen based on your walking plans and expected duration of stay.

Before using any parking lot, please be sure to check the local signage for details such as parking hours, entrances/exits, and current rates.

Hatsumode 2023: Rabbit-Themed Shrines and Temples in Aichi – Spotlight on Utari Shrine

Yes, you heard that right—a shrine associated with a rabbit’s foot! What kind of sacred place could this be?

Utari Shrine, located in Kozakai, Toyokawa City, is said to have been founded in the late 7th century, making it a site of great historical significance.

On the offertory box, you’ll find a beautiful golden crest featuring a rabbit inside a circle (Maru ni Usagi), and a small white rabbit statue sitting quietly nearby. Even the roof tiles and stone lanterns are decorated with rabbit motifs and nami-usagi (rabbits riding waves) designs.

And inside the main hall… you’ll find something truly special:

A giant papier-mâché sacred rabbit mikoshi (portable shrine) is carefully tucked away inside. This unique mikoshi was donated by a nearby shrine, Maeshiba Shinmeisha, and its strong rabbit symbolism is said to be inspired by the name of the enshrined deity.

Visitors can receive a goshuin (shrine stamp) here, and there’s also a selection of rabbit-themed omamori (charms) available.

Access

Utari Shrine is conveniently located along the old Tokaido Road in Toyokawa City, Aichi Prefecture.

Address:
2 Miyawaki, Kozakai-cho, Toyokawa City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

Phone:
0573-72-3246

By Train:

• About a 5-minute walk from Kozakai Station (JR Iida Line)

• About a 20-minute walk from Ina Station (Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line)

By Car:

• Approximately 15 minutes from Toyokawa IC on the Tomei Expressway

Parking Information

There is a parking lot that can accommodate 50 vehicles.

Hatsumode 2023: Rabbit-Themed Shrines and Temples in Aichi – Spotlight on Sukunahikona Shrine

Sukunahikona Shrine: Honoring the Deities of Medicine and Health

Sukunahikona Shrine is dedicated to two deities known as the ancestors of medicine, also called Yakusoshin in Japanese. These gods are revered for their great achievements in nation-building, disease healing, and the spread of medical knowledge throughout Japan.

Originally, the shrine stood in Gofukucho 2-chome, Higashi Ward, Nagoya (now around 3-8-26 Marunouchi, Naka Ward), but it was destroyed during the war and later rebuilt at its current location.

The shrine is especially known as a guardian of medicine and health.

Within the grounds stands a statue of a “Lucky Rabbit” (Fuku Usagi), a symbol of good fortune. This motif is inspired by the famous Japanese myth “The White Rabbit of Inaba”, in which the deity Ōkuninushi (one of the enshrined gods) heals an injured white rabbit using cattail reeds (gama-no-ho).

Even the offertory box at the shrine is shaped like cattail reeds, and alongside the adorable rabbit statue, the whole atmosphere of the shrine feels warm and welcoming.

The shrine is also known for its cute and popular goshuin (shrine stamps) and rabbit-themed omamori (protective charms). If you’re in the area, this charming and spiritually rich shrine is definitely worth a visit!

Access

Located Just a Short Walk from Hisaya-odori!

Address:
3-2-24 Marunouchi, Naka Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

Access by Train:

Sukunahikona Shrine is situated in central Nagoya, so there are several nearby stations:

• About a 6-minute walk from Shiyakusho Station (Exit 4)

• About a 7-minute walk from Hisaya-odori Station (Exit 1)

• About an 8-minute walk from Marunouchi Station (Exit 1)

Parking Information

There is no dedicated parking at the shrine, so please use nearby coin-operated parking lots.

We’ve introduced some must-visit shrines and temples in Aichi for Hatsumode 2023, the Year of the Rabbit!

• Miwa Shrine

• Ugashira Shrine

• Utari Shrine

• Enmeiin Temple, which enshrines Monju Bosatsu, the guardian deity for those born in the Year of the Rabbit

Whether you were born in the Year of the Rabbit or not, 2023 is a year symbolizing prosperity, growth, and happiness—all represented by the lucky rabbit.
Start your year off right with a meaningful shrine visit and be blessed with a leap forward in life!