Takaoshihime Shrine
A maternal deity whose story includes the work of midwives
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Access has not been verified. Check current local guidance before planning a visit.
Masaki, Ehime, Japan
Read the sourcesVisit essentials
A quick read before you go
- Etiquette
- Give worshippers space and ask before photographing people or ceremonies.
Overview
Takaoshihime Shrine in Masaki honours a deity revered as an ancestral protector of midwives and wet nurses. Its childbirth devotion includes both families and people who care for mothers and babies. A yearly gathering on March 8 makes that relationship visible in the shrine’s calendar.
Why this place is sacred
The shrine’s devotion to mothers, children and birth attendants continues through prayers and a monument recognising the bond with midwives.
Experience and orientation
The shrine is at 387 Tokumaru, Masaki, Ehime.
Context and lineage
In the shrine’s local myth, crabs obstruct Toyotama-hime’s labour in a hut by the shore. Takaoshihime sends helpers to sweep them away and act as midwife. The child is born before the roof is finished. This is the shrine’s transmitted version of the story.
Traditions and practice
March 8 is observed as a day for mothers, children and midwives, with the Anzan Fukuun Taisai. The shrine also provides prayers by arrangement for people who cannot attend because of distance or hospitalisation. Consult its current guidance for requests.
Shinto
ActivePerspectives and open questions
Devotional accounts express religious meaning; they do not establish medical outcomes.
Plan your visit
Check the shrine office’s current hours and arrangements before planning a prayer visit. Ask permission before photographing worshippers or ceremonies.
Respectful visit
Give worshippers space and ask before photographing people or ceremonies. Follow the custodian’s directions.
Location
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Nearby sacred places
Explore other sacred places in the region. Proximity does not establish access or travel time; check each place’s guidance.
References
Sources consulted for this page. Source categories describe the publication, not a guarantee that every claim is verified. Traditional accounts and outside interpretations may differ.
- 01About Takaoshihime Shrine — Takaoshihime ShrineSource contextReviewed source for identity, narrative, devotional association or access.
- 02Prayers and services — Takaoshihime ShrineSource contextReviewed source for identity, narrative, devotional association or access.
- 03Takaoshihime Shrine — Ehime Shrine AssociationSource contextReviewed source for identity, narrative, devotional association or access.
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