A grand shrine revered as one of the foremost great shrines in the country, enshrining Kibitsu-hiko no Mikoto (Okibitsu-hiko no Mikoto) as its principal deity, said to be the model for the legend of Momotaro. The main hall and oratory, both designated National Treasures, employ a unique architectural style called "Kibitsu-zukuri," a double hip-and-gable (hikiwake irimoya-zukuri) construction, and …

The origins of Kibitsu-jinja are not precisely documented, but it is traditionally said that the shrine was established after Prince Ōkibitsu-hiko-no-mikoto, son of Emperor Kōrei, pacified the Kibi region and settled in this area. Ritual observances are believed to have been conducted here as early …