【Shinkai Makoto Works】Your Name. Sacred Site Pilgrimage Guide: The Charm and Highlights of Keta Wakamiya Shrine (Hida City, Gifu Prefecture) Thoroughly Explained
Released in 2016, director Shinkai Makoto’s “Your Name.” recorded a blockbuster hit that will remain in Japanese film history. Its beautiful visuals and moving story continue to captivate many fans. “Sacred site pilgrimage,” visiting the locations where the work is set, remains popular to this day, and in particular, Keta Wakamiya Shrine in Hida City, Gifu Prefecture, is one of the important model locations that many fans visit.
In this article, we thoroughly explain all the information necessary for sacred site pilgrimage, from the charm of Keta Wakamiya Shrine, access methods, shooting spots, worship etiquette, to surrounding tourist information.
What is Keta Wakamiya Shrine? Its Relationship with “Your Name.”
The History and Background of the Shrine
Keta Wakamiya Shrine (気多若宮神社) is a historic shrine located in Kamiketa, Furukawa Town, Hida City, Gifu Prefecture. The main deity is Ōnamuchi no Mikoto, and it is said to bring blessings of good relationships, family safety, and prosperous business.
As a center of faith in the Hida region, it has long been cherished by local people. The shrine building stands quietly in the mountains, creating a beautiful landscape that harmonizes with Hida’s nature.
Position as a Model Location for “Your Name.”
In producing “Your Name.,” director Shinkai Makoto and his staff visited the Hida region multiple times for research, and Keta Wakamiya Shrine was among their targets. In particular, the atmosphere and structure of this shrine are said to have been referenced as one model for the “Miyamizu Shrine,” where the protagonist Mitsuha Miyamizu serves as a shrine maiden.
The stone steps, torii gate, and atmosphere of the sanctuary that appear in the film are said to strongly reflect elements of Keta Wakamiya Shrine, and it is highly regarded by visiting fans as a place where they can experience the world of the work.
Attractions and Shooting Spots of Keta Wakamiya Shrine
Stone Steps and Torii Gate: A Landscape That Evokes the Work
The greatest attraction of Keta Wakamiya Shrine is the stone steps and torii gate leading to the approach path. As you climb the moss-covered stone steps, you experience a sensation as if a scene from the film has come back to life.
Especially in early morning or at dusk, dappled light and soft rays of light pour in, wrapping everything in a fantastical atmosphere. This time of day is ideal for photography, and has become a popular spot where many sacred site pilgrims hold up their cameras.
Atmosphere of the Shrine Grounds: Silence and Sanctity
The shrine grounds are surrounded by Hida’s abundant nature, enveloped in a serene and sacred space. It is loved not only by local people but also by tourists as a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and calm your mind.
The shrine building is constructed in a traditional wooden architectural style, and you can feel the craftsmanship of Hida’s master artisans in its beautiful construction. When paying your respects, please also pay attention to this architectural beauty.
Seasonal Expressions: Beauty Through All Four Seasons
Keta Wakamiya Shrine displays different faces depending on the season.
Spring: Cherry blossoms and fresh greenery color the shrine grounds, allowing you to enjoy a landscape full of life force.
Summer: Enveloped in deep green, a refreshing atmosphere drifts through.
Autumn: Fall foliage is beautiful, with trees colored in red and yellow adorning the shrine. The best time to view is from late October to early November.
Winter: The shrine wrapped in a snowy landscape is truly fantastical and beautiful, like a scene from the film.
No matter which season you visit, you will discover its own unique charm.
Access Methods to Keta Wakamiya Shrine
Access by Train and Bus
Nearest Station: JR Takayama Main Line “Hida Furukawa Station”
From Hida Furukawa Station to Keta Wakamiya Shrine is approximately 3.5 km away.
On foot: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour
By taxi: Approximately 10 minutes (fare around 1,500 yen)
Rental bicycle: Rental bicycle services are available around Hida Furukawa Station, and you can reach the shrine in approximately 15-20 minutes by bike. This is recommended as you can enjoy the Hida scenery while traveling.
Access by Car and Parking Information
From Nagoya area:
- Approximately 30 minutes from “Hida Kiyomi IC” on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway
From Toyama area:
- Approximately 30 minutes from “Hida Kiyomi IC” via the Hokuriku and Tokai-Hokuriku Expressways
Parking: There is a small parking area near the shrine, but the number of spaces is limited. During peak times, we recommend using the parking lot around Hida Furukawa Station and visiting on foot or by rental bicycle.
Access Time from Major Cities
- From Tokyo: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes by bullet train and limited express train
- From Nagoya: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes by limited express Wideview Hida
- From Osaka: Approximately 4 hours by bullet train and limited express train
- From Kanazawa: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes by limited express
Worship Etiquette and Notes
Basic Worship Etiquette
When visiting a shrine, please observe the following basic etiquette.
- Bow once before passing through the torii gate: This is a courtesy before entering the sacred ground.
- Avoid walking in the center of the approach path: The center is said to be the pathway of the deity.
- Cleanse yourself at the water ablution basin: Cleanse your left hand, right hand, and mouth in that order.
- Two bows, two claps, one bow: This is the basic worship procedure in front of the main shrine.
- Worship quietly: Do not forget that this is a sacred place.
Notes for Sacred Site Pilgrims
While many fans visit Keta Wakamiya Shrine as a sacred site from “Your Name.,” it is also a place of faith for local people. Please pay particular attention to the following points.
- Keep photography modest: Photography in the shrine grounds is permitted, but be considerate so as not to disturb other worshippers.
- Avoid loud conversation: It is important to maintain the silence.
- Always take your trash with you: Please cooperate to preserve the beautiful environment.
- Do not trespass on private land: There are homes around the shrine.
- Avoid visiting early morning or late at night: Please visit during reasonable hours out of consideration for nearby residents.
Goshuin (Shrine Stamp) and Amulet Information
You can receive a goshuin at Keta Wakamiya Shrine. However, there may be times when no shrine priest is on duty, so we recommend confirming in advance.
Amulets and ema (wooden votive plaques) are also available, and relationship-binding amulets are particularly popular. As a amulet that binds “relationships,” which also aligns with the theme of “Your Name.,” many fans seek them out.
Other Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots in Hida Furukawa
If you visit Keta Wakamiya Shrine, be sure to tour other “Your Name.” related spots within Hida Furukawa.
Hida Furukawa Station
The station where Taki arrives at the beginning of the film. The station building and the view from the overpass retain the atmosphere of the work.
Hida City Library
The model for the library where Taki researches information about Itomori Town. It is characterized by modern architecture and can be visited inside.
Towns Along the Miyakawa River
The beautiful townscape known as the white-walled earthen warehouse district was also used as background in the film. The landscape of old merchant houses in a row fully conveys the charm of Hida Furukawa.
Furukawa Festival Hall
While it does not appear directly in the film, this facility allows you to learn about the traditional culture of Hida Furukawa. Kumihimo (braid) experience is also available, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the world of “Your Name.”
Recommended Nearby Tourist Spots
Takayama City Area (approximately 30 minutes by car)
Old Town District: A beautiful townscape designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
Takayama Jinya: A former government office from the Edo period, a historically valuable building.
Morning markets: The Miyakawa Morning Market and Jinya-mae Morning Market are famous, with fresh local produce and crafts on display.
Shirakawa-go (approximately 1 hour by car)
A gassho-zukuri (steep-roofed farmhouse) village registered as a World Heritage Site. A precious place where you can experience Japan’s original landscape.
Shin-Hotaka Ropeway (approximately 1 hour by car)
From an observation deck at an elevation of 2,156 meters, enjoy panoramic views of the Northern Alps in 360 degrees.
Hida no Sato (Takayama City)
An open-air museum where gassho-zukuri and other old folk houses from Hida have been relocated. You can also observe demonstrations of traditional crafts.
Hida Furukawa Cuisine and Accommodation Information
Savor Hida Beef
When visiting the Hida region, be sure to try Hida beef. Around Hida Furukawa Station, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy Hida beef in various forms: steaks, grilled meat, sushi, and croquettes.
Local Sake and Regional Cuisine
Hida is also famous as a sake-producing region. Enjoy famous brands such as Hourai and Hakushinmayumi sake alongside regional dishes such as magnolia leaf miso and pickled steak.
Accommodation Facilities
Inns and Guesthouses: Hida Furukawa is dotted with inns and guesthouses known for their warm hospitality.
Hotels: Around Hida Furukawa Station and within Takayama City, there are a wide range of options from business hotels to luxury hotels.
Guest Houses: An increasing number of reasonably priced guesthouses are available, and you can also enjoy interaction with other travelers.
If you want to fully enjoy the sacred site pilgrimage, we recommend staying in Hida Furukawa and visiting the shrine during the quiet early morning hours.
How to Enjoy “Your Name.” Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Recreate Famous Scenes from the Work
When you visit Keta Wakamiya Shrine, recall the famous scenes from the film and try taking photographs from the same angle. In addition to deepening your love for the work, it will become a wonderful memory.
Use Sacred Site Pilgrimage Maps
By utilizing the sacred site pilgrimage maps provided by the Hida City Tourism Association, you can efficiently visit multiple spots. They are available at the tourist information office at Hida Furukawa Station.
Interaction with Local People
The people of Hida Furukawa are warm and welcome tourists. Through conversation with locals, you may discover charms of Hida not depicted in the film.
Sharing Information on SNS
It is also fun to share your experience using hashtags such as “#YourNameSacredSitePilgrimage” and “#KetaWakamiyaShrine” on Instagram and Twitter. Posts from other fans are also informative.
Best Seasons to Visit and Event Information
Recommended Times
Spring (April-May): Fresh green is beautiful, and the climate is pleasant. Golden Week may be crowded.
Autumn (October-November): Fall foliage comes into full view, and you can enjoy the most beautiful scenery. Mid-November is especially recommended.
Winter (December-February): Snow scenery is fantastical, but be careful of traffic disruptions due to heavy snow. Take proper precautions against the cold.
Summer (June-August): The foliage is dense, and Hida’s cool climate is also perfect for summer vacations. However, rain gear is essential during the rainy season.
Major Events in Hida Furukawa
Furukawa Festival (April 19-20): A traditional festival registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The highlight is the okoshi-daiko (rousing drums) and float processions.
Santei Mairi (January 15): A traditional event known as a winter tradition. Candlelight is fantastical amid the snowy landscape.
Practical Advice for Visiting Keta Wakamiya Shrine
Packing Checklist
- Camera/Smartphone: Essential for recording memories.
- Comfortable walking shoes: Sneakers are recommended since you’ll be climbing stone steps.
- Beverages: Hydration is especially important in summer.
- Rain gear: Since weather can change quickly in mountainous areas, a folding umbrella is reassuring.
- Warm clothing: Thick coats and gloves are necessary in winter.
- Goshuin notebook: If you collect shrine stamps, don’t forget it.
Estimated Time Required
- Keta Wakamiya Shrine only: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Sacred site pilgrimage in Hida Furukawa: Half day to full day
- Including surrounding tourism: 1-2 nights to 2-3 nights
By planning with plenty of time to spare, you can enjoy the sacred site pilgrimage at a leisurely pace.
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
- Visit on weekdays: Weekends and holidays tend to be crowded, so weekdays are recommended if possible.
- Visit early morning: Arriving by around 8 AM allows you to worship in a quiet atmosphere.
- Visit during off-season: Avoid spring break, Golden Week, summer vacation, and fall foliage season for relatively fewer visitors.
Understanding the World of “Your Name.” More Deeply
Kumihimo Experience
At the Furukawa Festival Hall and surrounding workshops, you can experience making kumihimo (braided cord), which appears in the film. Making the kumihimo that Mitsuha created with your own hands will deepen your understanding of the work.
Learning About Hida’s History and Culture
“Your Name.” incorporates many elements of Japanese traditional culture and Shinto. Learning about Hida’s history and culture will allow you to understand the film’s themes even more deeply.
Comparing Other Works by Director Shinkai Makoto
Watching other works by director Shinkai Makoto (such as “5 Centimeters per Second,” “The Garden of Words,” “Weathering with You,” etc.) will deepen your understanding of the director’s creative world, making your sacred site pilgrimage even more enriching.
Conclusion: Experience the World of “Your Name.” at Keta Wakamiya Shrine
Keta Wakamiya Shrine in Hida City, Gifu Prefecture, is a precious place where you can experience the world of “Your Name.” as a sacred site. The shrine, standing quietly in a mountain valley, retains the atmosphere of the film and continues to captivate all who visit.
Through sacred site pilgrimage, you can not only deepen your love for the film but also enjoy Hida’s abundant nature, history, culture, and cuisine. Remember to observe worship etiquette and be considerate of local people, and create wonderful memories.
For fans of “Your Name.,” Keta Wakamiya Shrine is a must-visit location. Why not visit Hida Furukawa yourself and experience the emotion of the film once again? Surely, the scenery you saw on the screen will unfold before your eyes, becoming a special experience.
Enjoy a memorable sacred site pilgrimage at Keta Wakamiya Shrine, where Hida’s beautiful nature and traditional culture merge with the world of “Your Name.”
