Nonomiya Shrine

Nonomiya Shrine is a small shrine located midway along the bamboo grove path leading to Chikurin in Arashiyama, Kyoto. It is known as a place to pray for the peace of couples and families, for pregnancy and safe childbirth, and for matchmaking, and train tracks are visible nearby. In ancient times, it served as the residence where the unmarried imperial princess Saio purified her body and mind for one year before departing for Ise Jingu, and it also appears as the setting of the 'Sakaki' chapter in the tenth volume of The Tale of Genji. The shrine grounds are narrow and crowded with tourists.