Sun Peach OKAYAMA

Koikui Shrine

by Rabbityama

Koikui Shrine is a small inconspicuous shrine with interesting history.

According to the tale of Prince Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto, after the prince shot Ura, the demon, in the eye with an arrow, the demon transformed into a carp and swam away in the river. The prince tranformed into a cormorant (bird) and finally captured Ura where Koikui Shrine is now located. The story of Prince Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto is the original tale that slowly changed over time to become the famous Momotaro tale! Because of its associations with the legend of Momotaro, Koikui Shrine is worth a stop for those who enjoy the tale, although it is a little bit off the Kibiji trail.

The story of Momotaro is not only famous in Okayama; It is arguably the most famous folktale in all of Japan, so I thought it was a unique experience to visit the site where the last confrontation between the prince and Ura took place.