🏯 Hitachi no Kuni Izumo Shrine: Ibaraki’s Matchmaking Power Spot – Your Ultimate Guide

#holidayitinerary
### **Why Visit?**
1. **Sacred Connection to Shimane’s Izumo Taisha**: Established in 1992 as a branch shrine, it enshrines **Ōkuninushi-no-Ōkami** (Daikoku-sama), the deity of matchmaking, business success, and health. The shrine sits on a sacred axis linking Shimane’s Izumo Taisha and Nagano’s Suwa Shrine, symbolizing a spiritual bridge between Japan’s "land of the setting sun" (Shimane) and "land of the rising sun" (Ibaraki) .
2. **Architectural Marvels**:
- **Myojin-style Torii Gate**: Standing **11m tall**, this granite gate (made from local Inada Mikage stone) is one of Japan’s largest, with gracefully curved beams .
- **Colossal Shimenawa**: A **16m-long, 6-ton sacred rope** adorns the worship hall—even larger than the original in Shimane—replaced in 2022 .
- **Golden Ceiling Art**: The worship hall features *Hitachi no Kumo* ("Clouds of Hitachi"), a 60-tatami-sized painting shimmering with gold leaf .

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### **Top Experiences**
#### **1. Matchmaking Rituals**
- **White Rabbit Amulet (Usagi Enmusubi Mamori)**: Inspired by the myth of *Inaba no Shiro Usagi* (White Rabbit of Inaba), this charm is popular for love blessings .
- **Koibumi Mikuji**: Pink cherry blossom-shaped fortune slips with romantic messages .

#### **2. Unique Workshops**
- **Glassblowing at Kamosu Studio**: Learn ancient techniques tied to shrine offerings (reservations required) .
- **Goshuin Stamps**: Collect artistic shrine stamps with contemporary designs .

#### **3. Scenic Views**
- **Hillside Panorama**: The shrine’s elevated location offers sweeping views of Ibaraki’s countryside .

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### **Visitor Essentials**
- **Hours**: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM daily .
- **Access**:
- **Train**: 7-min walk from **JR Fukuhara Station** (Mito Line) .
- **Car**: 1 km from **Kasama-Nishi IC** (Kita-Kantō Expressway) .
- **Parking**: Free for 300–500 vehicles .
- **Dress Code**: Modest attire recommended (shoulders/knees covered) .

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### **Nearby Attractions**
1. **Kasama Inari Shrine**: 20-min drive; one of Japan’s "Three Great Inari Shrines" .
2. **Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum**: Showcases Kasama’s famed pottery .
3. **Izumokan Restaurant**: Try *Inaniwa Udon* or *Hitachi Aki Soba* on-site .

**#hitachiizumo #ibarakitravel #japanshrines**