Imari Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Imari City, Saga Prefecture. Formerly designated as a prefectural shrine, it has deep ties to the history, legends, and religious traditions of the region. It is also closely associated with the story of the introduction of citrus fruit to Japan and with the founder of the confectionery company Morinaga.
The present Imari Shrine was established in 1962 through the consolidation of three older shrines: Kōkitsu Shrine, formerly a prefectural shrine; Totoshima Shrine; and Iwakuri Shrine. The torii gates of the former Totoshima Shrine and Iwakuri Shrine still remain within the grounds, preserving visible traces of the three institutions that came together to form the present shrine.
The origins of Kōkitsu Shrine are traditionally traced back to the reign of Emperor Suinin. According to legend, a man named Tajimamori was sent by the emperor to the mythical land of Tokoyo in search of a fruit believed to possess the power to grant longevity.
He returned with *tokijiku no kagu no konomi*, a fragrant citrus fruit identified with the tachibana, a Japanese citrus tree. Tajimamori is said to have planted the tree in this area. The place where it was planted came to be called Tachibana-no-Miya, or the Shrine of the Tachibana, and this is traditionally regarded as the origin of Kōkitsu Shrine.
Nakajima Shrine, which enshrines Tajimamori, has also been consolidated into the shrine grounds near the main sanctuary. This connection makes Imari Shrine an important site associated with the traditional story of the introduction of the tachibana to Japan.
The founding of Kōkitsu Shrine is also associated with Tachibana no Moroe, an influential court noble and an ancestor of the Tachibana clan. According to tradition, a man named Tachibana no Shimadamaro remembered his connection with Moroe and established a shrine building to enshrine him.
In this way, Kōkitsu Shrine became closely linked with the history of the Tachibana family and developed into an important place of cultural and religious significance for the region.
Iwakuri Shrine is traditionally said to have been founded in connection with the Fujiwara no Hirotsugu Rebellion of 740, during the Nara period.
During the conflict, a man named Ki no Iimaro is said to have enshrined his ancestral deity, Hikotōshin-no-Mikoto, and prayed for victory. The place selected for the enshrinement was associated with a large chestnut tree, which is believed to have given the shrine its name.
Iwakuri Shrine served as an important place of worship and prayer for protection during a turbulent period in Japanese history. Its history is now preserved as part of the heritage of Imari Shrine.
Totoshima Shrine was originally located on Totoshima Island, in what is now Kisu Town. During the Edo period, it was relocated to Makishima Village, which is now Seto Town.
Its founding is traditionally traced back to the era of Empress Jingū, giving it a history that is believed to extend back to ancient times. It was later consolidated into Imari Shrine, where its legacy continues as part of the combined shrine.
Imari Shrine’s predecessor shrines experienced a major setback during the conflicts of the Tenshō era, when their shrine buildings were destroyed by fire.
The buildings were reconstructed in 1654, during the Jōō era. Since then, the shrine has continued to receive the devotion of local residents. The reconstructed wooden architecture is also valued for its historical character and craftsmanship.
A bust of Taichirō Morinaga stands within the shrine grounds. Born in Imari, Morinaga became the founder of Morinaga & Co., one of Japan’s best-known confectionery manufacturers.
Morinaga was a pioneer in the development of Japan’s modern confectionery industry. His achievements are widely recognized, and the bust at Imari Shrine commemorates his connection with his hometown. It is a reminder of the people from Imari who went on to make important contributions to Japanese society.
The Tachibana Festival is the annual festival of Imari Shrine and is held every year on July 19. The event takes its name from the legend of the tachibana citrus fruit associated with the history of Kōkitsu Shrine.
It is an important occasion for the local community, and worshippers visit from Imari and surrounding areas to celebrate the shrine’s history and cultural traditions.
Another major event is the Goshinkō Festival, held annually from October 22 to 24. It is also known as the Imari Tontenton Festival and is one of the large-scale traditional festivals that enliven Imari City.
During the festival, portable shrines are carried in procession through the city, while residents come together to take part in the celebrations. The event offers visitors an opportunity to experience Imari’s traditional festival culture and the strong community spirit that sustains it.
Imari Shrine is approximately a 15-minute walk from Imari Station, which is served by the JR Chikuhi Line and the Matsuura Railway’s Nishi-Kyūshū Line.
The walk from the station provides an opportunity to explore the streets of Imari along the way. Visitors can enjoy the town’s atmosphere at a relaxed pace before arriving at the shrine.
Imari Shrine brings together the histories of Kōkitsu Shrine, Totoshima Shrine, and Iwakuri Shrine. Its grounds preserve the legacy of these older places of worship, while its traditions connect the town with ancient legends, the history of the Tachibana clan, and events from the Nara period.
The shrine is also associated with Taichirō Morinaga, a pioneering figure in Japan’s confectionery industry. With its historical background and lively annual festivals, Imari Shrine is an appealing destination for visitors who wish to discover the cultural heritage of Imari City.