Abe no Seimei-jinja Shrine

In short

A shrine dedicated to Abe no Seimei, an onmyoji (yin-yang master) of the Heian period, standing on the site where he is said to have been born. According to the shrine's tradition, it is said to have been founded in 1007 (Kanko 4), two years after Seimei passed away. After declining toward the end of the Edo period, it was revived in 1921 (Taisho 10) as a subordinate shrine (massha) of Abe Oji-jinja Shrine.

• ​Monument of the Birthplace and Remnants of the First Bath​​: A monument marking Seimei's birthplace, erected during the Bunsei era of the Edo period, and the remnants of his first bath remain, and there is also the "Harami-ishi," known as a stone to pray for safe childbirth
• ​Statue of Seimei and Statue of a Fox​​: The statue of Seimei was erected in 2005, the 1,000th anniversary of his death, based on Seimei's last words: "After a thousand years, I shall return to this world again." The fox statue is said to depict the white fox Kuzunoha, regarded as Seimei's mother, flying in
• ​Various Blessings​​: It is believed to grant blessings such as protection against fire, pain, and disasters, warding off evil spirits, good matches in relationships, success in academic and artistic pursuits, and safe childbirth

History and Highlights

​Abe no Seimei-jinja Shrine​ is a shrine dedicated to Abe no Seimei, an onmyoji (yin-yang master) of the Heian period, and stands on the site where he is said to have been born. Seimei was a descendant of Emperor Kogen and is widely known as the founder of Onmyodo. According to legend, Seimei was born to his father, Abe no Yasuna, an influential local figure in Abeno, and a white fox who called herself Kuzunoha. When her true identity as a white fox was discovered, Kuzunoha left behind a famous poem written on a shoji paper screen: "Koishikuba Tazunekitemiyo Izuminaru Shinoda no Mori no Urami Kuzunoha" ("If you miss me, come and seek me out in the Woods of Shinoda in Izumi, where the sorrowful arrowroot leaves grow").

According to the shrine's tradition, it is said to have been founded in 1007 (Kanko 4), two years after Seimei passed away, and the "Seimeigu Goshadensho" (shrine chronicle) records that it was established by order of Emperor Ichijo. Because it was located along the Kumano Kaido pilgrimage route, many people visited to pray during the Edo period. Toward the end of the Edo period, it declined along with the downfall of its priestly family, and by the Meiji period, only a stone monument reading "Birthplace of Abe no Seimei" and a small shrine remained. It was revived in 1921 (Taisho 10) as a subordinate shrine (massha) of Abe Oji-jinja Shrine, and the current main hall was constructed in 1925 (Taisho 14).

Points for Appreciation and Experience

• ​Monument of the Birthplace and Remnants of the First Bath​​: Within the shrine grounds, a monument marking Seimei's birthplace, erected during the Bunsei era of the Edo period, and the remnants of the well for his first bath still remain. There is also the "Harami-ishi" (conception stone), known as a stone to pray for safe childbirth.
• ​Statue of Seimei and Statue of a Fox​​: A bronze statue of Seimei and a statue of a fox leaping through the air stand on the shrine grounds. The statue of Seimei was erected in 2005, marking the 1,000th anniversary of his death, based on Seimei's last words: "After a thousand years, I shall return to this world again." The fox statue is said to depict the white fox Kuzunoha, regarded as Seimei's mother, flying in.
• ​Various Blessings​​: It is believed to grant blessings such as protection against fire, pain, and disasters, warding off evil spirits, good matches in relationships, success in academic and artistic pursuits, and safe childbirth.

Walking Tips

It is about a 5-minute walk southeast from Higashi-Tengachaya Station on the Hankai Tramway Uemachi Line. By Osaka City Bus, it is about a 3-minute walk after getting off at "Ojimachi." About 50 meters to the south lies Abe Oji-jinja Shrine, to which this shrine belongs as a subordinate shrine. After paying your respects, try climbing the slope to the west. You can stroll through a quiet residential neighborhood where small groves of trees, mixed woods, and traditional-style houses dot winding uphill streets.