Tado Taisha Shrine

Overview

Tado Taisha Shrine, located in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture, is a shrine steeped in history and tradition. Its founding is said to date back to the reign of Emperor Yuryaku, and it was once revered as the second most important shrine in Ise Province. Its deep connection to Ise Grand Shrine is evident in the saying, "If you make a pilgrimage to Ise, you must also visit Tado; to visit only Ise is an incomplete pilgrimage." Tado Taisha Shrine sits nestled in a serene setting, surrounded by the abundant nature of the majestic Mount Tado, which serves as its sacred mountain. Besides the main shrine, Tado Shrine, the grounds also house various sub-shrines and associated shrines, including the Hitometsura Shrine. The "Agema Shinji" ceremony, held annually on May 4th and 5th, is particularly renowned for its vibrant display. During the ceremony, priests ride white horses up a steep slope, a sight that has captivated people for centuries and continues as a cherished local tradition. The "Agema Shinji" ceremony at Tado Taisha Shrine has drawn faithful followers for generations, serving as a cornerstone of the local culture. Its history is extensive, with records indicating its reverence by the Ise Heishi clan during the Heian period. However, during Oda Nobunaga's era, the shrine was destroyed by fire during the suppression of the Nagashima Ikko-ikki rebellion, forcing the suspension of the ceremony. Later, it was rebuilt by the Kuwana clan lord, Honda Tadakatsu, and the ceremony was revived. Currently designated as an intangible folk cultural property of Mie Prefecture, it attracts a large number of tourists annually. Tado Taisha Shrine is a truly peaceful place where nature, history, and faith harmoniously blend. We encourage you to visit and experience the tranquility and history for yourself.