Koura Shrine, once one of the highest-ranked shrines in Japan

Koura Shrine, located at the western end of the Mino Mountain Range at an altitude of 312 meters, was once one of the highest-ranked shrines in Japan. It is the first palace of Chikugo. The creation of Koura Tamataru Shrine is said to have been in the first year of Emperor Richu (400 AD), and in 897 it was granted the highest rank of Shoichii. As a Myojin Taisha (a shrine that enshrines famous gods) registered in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, it holds a very high status. If your schedule allows, it is highly recommended to stay here from evening to night, enjoying the beautiful and endless Chikugo sunset, and then appreciate the surreal and indescribable night view where the ancient and modern blend together, with the red torii, the glowing lanterns on both sides of the stone steps, and the distant modern city lights merging into one. It is definitely worth a visit.