Mainland
Doutu Shrine
The one of the greatest shrines in Western Japan to have the Shinto god Sarutahiko enshrined as the principle deity, it also worships gods for commercial prosperity, maritime progress, traffic safety, and the faithful come afar to worship in large numbers.
It is also the main shrine for the “Doutu-sama” sect which worships serpents and has a presence in Chugoku, Shikoku and other areas in the Seto Inland Sea. They believe that worshipping can alleviate abdominal and nerve pains.
The Summer and Winter Festivals are held on the second Saturday and the following Sunday in July and December respectively, attracting many worshippers.
Doutu-sama
“Doutu-sama” is small snake also called “Tobyo” which is much feared because it is said to possess and torment people, and it is enshrined here to appease it. Behind the main shrine are several small houses with tiled rooves dedicated by the followers. The manage artist Shigeru Mizuki has introduced these nationwide through his “Hebi-no-Ie” (Serpent Houses) illustrations.
Overview
| Address | 1389 Yoko-shima, Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture, Japan 714-0043 |
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| TEL | 0865-67-0007 |
| Events | Summer Festival (2nd Saturday and Sunday of July), Winter Festival (2nd Saturday and Sunday of December) |
| Transportation | Ikasa Bus Corporation, Kasaoka – Shimin Kaikan (Civic Center Hall) – Sotoura – Terama – Kasaoka Line. Get off at “Doutu Jinja Shita” Stop. Walk about 5 minutes. |
| Website |