Isonokami Jingu

Isonomami Jingu is enshrined in Furu-cho, Tenri City, one of Japan's oldest shrines. It is said to continue from the time of Emperor Jinmu and is particularly known throughout the country as the deity of weapons and swords. As the name "Isonomami" (石上) suggests, since ancient times it has had sacred stones and metal implements as its divine symbol, and as the clan deity of the Monobe clan, it held great power. In the precincts, sacred chickens roam freely, which is one of the ancient traditions. As a deity of martial arts and contests, and as a purifier of evil spirits, even today it gathers the faith of many people as a shrine of high prestige.