Takaokami no Kami
高龗神
Deity of rain, water, and drought relief; born from the blood of the slain fire god Kagutsuchi; enshrined at Kibune Shrine
About
Takaokami no Kami (高龗神) is the upper rain-water dragon deity, counterpart to Kuraokami (闇龗神, the dark valley water dragon). Both were born from the blood that sprang from Kagutsuchi when Izanagi slew the fire god. Takaokami governs rain and water from the mountain heights, and was invoked in imperial rituals (a white horse was offered for rain, a black horse for sunshine) to control rainfall.
Takaokami is the principal deity of Kifune Shrine (Kibune Jinja) in northern Kyoto, one of Japan's leading water deity shrines. The shrine is famous for 'water divination'—oracle texts written on paper that become visible only when dipped in the sacred spring.
Mythology
Family Relationships
Parents
Shrines Dedicated to This Deity
| Shrine | Prefecture | Network Role |
|---|---|---|
| Kifune Shrine 貴船神社 | Kyoto | Head shrine (souhonsha) |
| Niukawakami Shrine (Upper) 丹生川上神社上社 | Nara | Upper shrine |
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
Who is Takaokami no Kami in Japanese mythology?
Takaokami no Kami (高龗神) is Deity of rain, water, and drought relief; born from the blood of the slain fire god Kagutsuchi; enshrined at Kibune Shrine. This deity appears in Kojiki & Nihon Shoki and is enshrined at 2 shrines across Japan.
What shrines are dedicated to Takaokami no Kami?
There are 2 shrines in our database dedicated to Takaokami no Kami, including Kifune Shrine, Niukawakami Shrine (Upper).
What myths involve Takaokami no Kami?
Takaokami no Kami appears in 1 myths including The Birth of the Land (Kuniumi). These stories come from Kojiki & Nihon Shoki.