Shuzen-ji Hie Jinja Shrine

Hie Jinja Shrine is one of the 3800 branch shrines under San-no So Honsha (The main shrine of San-no located in Hie-zan). In 807, Kukai (or Kobo Daishi) set up this shrine at the same time he established Shuzen-ji Temple. Although Hie Jinja doesn’t have a big precinct, huge trees are scattered about, and show its sacredness. Two cedar trees attached together at their roots is a symbol of blessing of children (Kodakara-no-sugi). The trees are more than 800 years old and decorated with holy straw ropes. Go through between the trees, making a wish about your children, and then you and they will be blessed.