About a 10-minute ride on a small community bus from Dazaifu Station in Fukuoka Prefecture, Homangu Kamado Shrine sits atop a steep mountain blessed with abundant natural green scenery.
The shrine has become an attractive spot for both domestic and international travelers because of its fascinating intersection of history and contemporary pop culture.
It has a long history which dates back over 1,350 years since its founding, and is believed to bring luck in love as well as ward off evil and misfortune.
In ancient times, the shrine was used to ward off demons by the local Dazaifu Government, and those traveling abroad would pray for safety on their voyages and success in their businesses, thus the shrine was soon believed to ward off ill fortune. Even today those about to embark on a new stage in life still visit the shrine in earnest to pray for good fortune.
It is said that Empress Jingu once prayed to a honey locust tree found on the shrine’s premises in the hopes that she would be reunited with her beloved, and it is believed that if you pray to this tree you too will be reunited with a lost love or find luck in love and marriage.
Also on the premises you will find the “rocks of love and respect”. It is believed that if you close your eyes and think of the person you like (or pray to meet someone you haven’t met yet) and make it safely to the other rock, your wish will come true.
The shrine is also believed to be a “power spot”, or place of natural healing energy, and is popular among lovers who come to pray for luck in love. The shrine’s love amulet (koi mamori musubi no ito) is also very popular.
The shrine is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, with cherry blossoms in full bloom in the spring and the changing colors of the autumn leaves in the fall.
It is also the perfect place to enjoy some alone time outdoors, come with friends and grab one of the famous good-luck charms, have a romantic date with that special someone, or even just to enjoy nature together with family.
But in recent years, this shrine has also been drawing attention for something more than simply its rich history.
It is also known as the setting for the popular manga Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and is referred to by fans as the “Holy Land of Kimetsu”.
There are several reasons why this shrine is believed to be the birthplace and holy land of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.
For example, shugendo practitioners undergo rigorous ascetic training at the shrine, and their garb features a checkered pattern much like the one found on protagonist Tanjiro’s haori coat. Tanjiro and Nezuko likewise have the surname Kamado.
Although no official statements have been made as to where the manga actually takes place, other connections such as these can be found between the shrine and the manga, which may be why fans continue to flock to the shrine as the birthplace and Holy Land of Kimetsu.

Homangu Kamado Shrine
Location：883 Uchiyama, Dazaifu-shi, Fukuoka, 〒818-0115
Phone number：092-922-4106（Homaku-miya Sanmon Shrine)
Free to visit
Office: 8:30～18:00 (Prayer: 9:00～16:00)
https://kamadojinja.or.jp/