Nankoku City, Kouchi

Shimozaki Shrine

下﨑神社

Where Wishes Meet New Life

Located in Nankoku, Kochi Prefecture, this shrine is widely revered for blessings associated with safe childbirth and conception. It enshrines Shimosaki Okami, the guardian deity of fertility and the head priest of Shimosaki-ji Temple, who is said to have sacrificed his life to protect and fulfill women's wishes. Revered as the "deity of safe childbirth and fertility" and the "guardian deity of women," the shrine receives prayers from many worshippers. Prayers for safe childbirth reflect the belief that beginning to wear a maternity sash on the Day of the Dog eases delivery, while couples seeking a bond with a child and those hoping for a second or third child visit to pray for conception. Its heartwarming heritage reflects enduring compassion and prayer between people.