In the heart of Tsuruga, you’ll find the deeply loved and highly revered Kehi Jingu Shrine. Immediately recognizable by its gorgeous, bright torii (shrine gate), the shrine’s history dates back more than 1,300 years. Affectionately known as “Kei-san” to locals, Kehi Jingu Shrine is an integral part of the Hokuriku region.
One of Fukui Prefecture’s most important shrines, it’s particularly famous for its sacred water and unique matchmaking omamori (protection charms), shaped like the clamshell’s top and bottom halves. Kehi Jingu’s romantic fortunes are also well-known as they contain old-fashioned love poems.
The Chief Guardian Shrine of Hokuriku
Photo by: Jeanne Croteau
Founded in 702, Kehi Jingu Shrine is the chief guardian shrine of the Hokuriku region. As people made their way along the old highway, many stopped at Kehi Jingu to pray to the local gods. Eventually, it became the ichinomiya or highest-ranked Shinto shrine, of the former Echizen Province.
As it was being built, a mysterious spring was discovered. Its waters, known as chomeisui or “water of long life,” are considered sacred with many believing they can bring a long, healthy life. In addition to bringing longevity, it’s said that this water can provide protection against all illnesses. It’s not surprising, therefore, that the chomeisui is used in the shrine’s many festivals.
The Famous Wooden Torii Gate
Photo by: Jeanne Croteau
Constructed from juniper wood that washed up on Tsuruga’s shores from Sado Island, the vermilion-painted torii gate at the entrance to Kehi Jingu Shrine has been designated as an Important Cultural Property. Alongside Nara’s Kasuga-Taisha Shrine and Hiroshima’s Itsukushima Shrine, the 11-meter structure at Kehi Jingu is considered one of the three greatest wooden torii gates in Japan.
This beautiful gate isn’t the only noteworthy structure at Kehi Jingu, though. In the late 17th century, the famous poet, Matsuo Basho, visited the shrine. To commemorate this moment, a statue and a stone monument inscribed with his poetry were erected in his honor and can still be found on the grounds of the shrine.
Truly Magnificent Festivals

Photo by: PIXTA/A/中村陽一 A light-up event at Kehi Jingu Shrine.
Throughout the year, but especially during the summer months, Kehi Jingu Shrine is home to many fantastic events. In June, at an actual rice field in front of the main shrine, the Otaue Rice Planting Festival demonstrates a mock-rice-planting ceremony and offers a special song to pray for a bumper crop.
A month later, on July 22, Kehi Jingu holds the wonderfully romantic Sosansai Festival. The event’s backstory is reminiscent of the Tanabata Festival, in which Emperor Chuai, one of Kehi’s deities, crosses the ocean to reunite with Empress Consort Jingu, the deity of Jogu Shrine.
In September, the Tsuruga Festival, widely considered one of the greatest events in the Hokuriku region, takes place. The people of Tsuruga gather to carry mikoshi shrines and six incredible floats around the city. The carnival parade, festival plaza and evening folk dances are all highly recommended.