Takachiho, the land of Tenson Korin (god’s descent to earth), is home to shrines dedicated to a variety of gods.

Some of these gods, are gods of entertainment.

If you’re trying to make it in the world of entertainment, if you’re involved in theater, or if you want to be a singer, voice actor or actress, this is for you! Here are the best Takachiho shrines dedicated to gods of entertainment, for those who want to make it in the world of entertainment and performing arts.

Aratate Shrine – a mecca for success in entertainment, visited by famous celebrities

In the Ama-no-Iwato myth, the gods held a lively festival in front of the cave in which Amaterasu-Omikami had hidden herself, to try to draw her out of the cave.

Ama-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto danced in front of the cave, holding a bamboo leaf and stamping her feet on a bucket, to bring laughter and merriment to the countless gods that had gathered there. Due to this legend, Ama-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto is known as the goddess of song, dance, and entertainment.

Aratate Shrine, which enshrines Ama-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, is famously visited by many singers, actors/actresses, and entertainers. Really pushing that the blessing you can get here is very real and substantial.

On the grounds of Aratate Shrine are wooden boards that are said to grant the wishes of those who hit them. There is, of course, a board for success in entertainment as well! Make your wish, then hit the board.

While there are many omamori (traditional Japanese good luck charms) available at Aratate Shrine, the one we recommend is the “芸道守” (Accomplishment in the Performing Arts Omamori). This omamori is a must-have for anyone who wants to pursue a career in entertainment or performing arts.

Click here for directions to Aratate shrine

Kikunomiya Shrine, which enshrines the god of song

There are also lesser-known shrines in Takachiho that are dedicated to Ame-no-Koyane-no-Mikoto, the god of song. One of them is Kikunomiya Shrine.

Ame-no-Koyane-no-Mikoto is considered the god of song because in the Amano-Iwato myth, he performed a beautiful norito (Shinto ritual incantation) in front of the cave in which Amaterasu-Omikami had hidden herself.

Kikunomiya Shrine is located a bit further away from central Takachiho, in the midst of the private homes and fields of a village. The torii gate, which stands amongst the large trees that surround the shrine, looks like the entrance to another world.

The shrine is small, surrounded by large trees, and has a soft, gentle atmosphere. Kikunomiya Shrine does not offer any omamori or goshuin (shrine seal). But pray there, and you’ll be able to receive a blessing from the god of song himself.

Click here for directions to Kikunomiya Shrine

Kushifuru Shrine, for those who wish to succeed at an audition

Kushifuru Shrine is another shrine dedicated to the god of song, Ame-no-Koyane-no-Mikoto. It is also known as the site of Tenson Korin (god’s descent to earth).

Because Kushifuru Shrine is a sacred site, said to be where the gods first descended from the heavens, it enshrines multiple gods, and offers blessings not just in song, but in the fulfillment of various wishes.

Get the “試験合格守” (Passing Tests Omamori) and get that final push you need to do your best, directly from the gods.

Keep it with you during an audition or test, and you bet the gods will be there to support you!

Click here for directions to Kushifuru Shrine

Conclusion

These were three shrines dedicated to gods of the performing arts. What do you think?

It’s wonderful to think that in the myths of Takachiho, there were gods whose role was to sing and dance and entertain all of the other gods. Come visit the shrines dedicated to these gods, bearing your hopes and dreams, and be sure to receive their blessings.