Minasejingu

Founded in 1240 on the site of former Emperor Go-Toba's detached palace, to honor his memory. The shrine's 'Rikyu no Mizu' spring water is designated one of Japan's 100 finest waters by the Environment Ministry, drawing visitors even today. Said to be favored by tea master Sen no Rikyu, it's groundwater from a Yodo River tributary, and the grounds also hold the Important Cultural Property teahouse Toshin-tei. Legend says a handprint on the shrine gate was left by the legendary bandit Ishikawa Goemon.