Written by Aarohi Narain
Tamatsukuriyu Shrine sits beside the Tamayu River, guarding the source of one of Japan’s oldest and most revered hot springs: Tamatsukuri Onsen.
The shrine’s name translates literally as “shrine of the jewel-making hot spring”. This is a nod to its deep association with both spiritual purification and magatama, the comma-shaped jewels used in Shinto rituals for over two millennia.
This modest but powerful shrine doesn’t draw huge crowds. But it’s a spiritual “power spot” linked to longevity, healing, and the sacred waters that run beneath the town. The main enshrined deity is Kushiakarutama-no-Mikoto, said to have crafted the first magatama and taught the people the art of making them.
What is there to see and do?
The shrine’s main attraction is a small stone basin fed by natural hot spring water. Visitors are invited to place their wish-inscribed stones, available at the shrine office, into the basin while praying. A popular tradition says if the stone remains submerged and your wish is pure, it will come true.
How to get there
The shrine is about 10 minutes on foot from Himekami Hiroba, the bus stop that grants access to Tamatsukuri Onsen. Alternatively, it’s about 5 minutes from JR Tamatsukurionsen Station.
