Shibahiko Shrine, Kami Gate

The exact location of the shrine is unknown prior to the medieval period, but it is believed to have been situated at a key point along the traffic route from the Tōkaidō to Taga Castle. According to a founding record (Engi) from the eighth year of Genroku, the shrine was designated as a Kanpei (a shrine under direct imperial patronage) in the third year of Emperor Tenji's reign. It was a major shrine highly valued by ancient regional lords. In the first year of Jōgan (the reign of Emperor Saga), the deity's rank was elevated, and in the fifth year of Enchō, it was listed as a Myōjin Dai (a major deity of the Myōjin class) in the Engishiki Shinmyōchō (the Engishiki Register of Shrine Names).