Okazaki Shrine: Kyoto’s Rabbit Shrine, A Must-Visit Spot for Rabbit Lovers

In Japanese culture, rabbits aren’t just adorable animals, they’re seen as symbols of good fortune and positivity.

Because rabbits are known for their strong reproductive abilities, they’ve long been associated with prosperity, fertility, and a growing family.
Their light, energetic hopping also represents vitality and good luck.

One of Japan’s famous myths, The White Rabbit of Inaba, gives rabbits an even deeper meaning: courage, kindness, and blessings.
That’s why rabbits appear often in Japanese beliefs and traditional stories.

Because of this, several shrines across Japan feature rabbits as their “messenger animals,” making them popular places to pray for love, safe childbirth, and fertility.

And in Kyoto, one of the most well-known rabbit-themed shrines is Okazaki Shrine.

Hidden in Kyoto’s Higashiyama area, this charming shrine is filled with rabbit statues and decorations.
Whether you’re hoping to start a family soon, pray for love, or simply enjoy a cute and meaningful visit, it’s definitely worth stopping by.

Why Is Okazaki Shrine Called the “Rabbit Shrine”? A Bit of History

Okazaki Shrine’s official name is Higashi Tenno Okazaki Shrine.
It was founded in the early Heian period (794 AD) as one of the four major shrines meant to protect the capital of Heian-kyo.
Since it guarded the eastern direction, it was named “Higashi Tenno,” meaning “East Heavenly King.”

Why Are There So Many Rabbits Here?

The area around Okazaki Shrine used to be a habitat for wild rabbits.
Because rabbits symbolize fertility and thriving descendants, they naturally became associated with the shrine.

There’s also a connection to the zodiac: in the Chinese zodiac cycle, the direction east corresponds to the sign of the Rabbit, which further ties rabbits to the shrine’s identity.

In Japanese folklore, rabbits are also linked to good omens.
Many stories describe rabbits pounding mochi on the moon, and since the word for “moon” (tsuki) sounds like the word for “luck” (tsuki), rabbits became symbols of good fortune as well.

What Do People Pray for at Okazaki Shrine?

Okazaki Shrine enshrines:

• Susanoo-no-Mikoto
• Kushiinadahime-no-Mikoto
• Their children, known as the Eight Offspring Deities

Susanoo and Kushiinadahime are a married pair of deities, symbolizing love, relationships, and harmony between partners.

Their children represent fertility and family prosperity, which is why Okazaki Shrine is famous for prayers related to:

• Fertility / getting pregnant
• Safe childbirth
• Happy marriages and good relationships

During the Heian period, Emperor Takakura even visited Okazaki Shrine to pray for his consort’s safe delivery.
Since then, the shrine has been strongly associated with an easy and healthy childbirth, making it a well-loved shrine for families and couples.

Highlights of Okazaki Shrine: All the Adorable Rabbits You Can’t Miss

The Guardian Rabbit Statues

Right at the main entrance, you’ll see a pair of cute rabbit guardian statues.
The rabbit on the right is male, and the one on the left is female, together, they symbolize a happy marriage and family harmony.

The male rabbit’s mouth is open, while the female rabbit’s mouth is closed.
Together, they form the classic “A-un” expression, representing balance and completeness.

The Fortune Rabbit & the Love Rabbit

In front of the main hall, you’ll find another pair of rabbit statues.

• The left rabbit raises its right paw, symbolizing good fortune and financial luck.
• The right rabbit raises its left paw, representing good relationships and romantic luck.

They’re popular photo spots and great symbols to pray for blessings.

The Fertility Rabbit at the Purification Fountain

At the purification pavilion, there’s a large black granite rabbit known as the “Fertility Rabbit.”

The rabbit looks up toward the moon, giving off a strong and hopeful feeling.

People say that if you gently pour water over the rabbit and rub its belly, you can pray for pregnancy and a safe childbirth.

Rabbit Omikuji

Around the shrine, you’ll see rows of small rabbit figurines, these are the rabbit-shaped omikuji.

They come in white and pink, and each one costs 500 yen.

Some visitors leave their rabbit omikuji at the shrine after reading their fortune, creating charming rows of standing rabbits.
Others take the figurines home as cute souvenirs.

Rabbit Ema Plaques

You can also buy rabbit-themed ema (wooden wishing plaques).
Write down your wishes and hang the plaque at the shrine to receive blessings.

Hidden Rabbit Statues Everywhere

As you walk around the shrine grounds, you’ll find lots of rabbit carvings and decorations tucked into corners.
Take your time exploring, you might spot some fun surprises!

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How to Get to Okazaki Shrine

Okazaki Shrine is located in Kyoto’s Sakyo Ward, close to famous spots like Heian Shrine, Nanzen-ji, and Eikan-do.
It’s a peaceful area, perfect for travelers who want to escape the city noise and enjoy a quiet stroll.

Here are the transportation options:

• By Kyoto City Bus
  • Bus #5: Get off at Higashi-Tenno-cho, then walk about 5 minutes.
  • Bus #32, 203, 93, 204: Get off at Okazaki Jinja-mae, then walk about 1 minute.
• By Keihan Railway
  • From Jingu-Marutamachi Station, walk about 20 minutes.
• By Subway
  • From Keage Station, walk about 18 minutes.

Okazaki Shrine Information

• Address: 51 Okazaki Higashi-Tennocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
• Hours for amulets & offerings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily