In Japan, the zodiac animal of the year plays a significant role in shaping cultural practices and traditions, including visits to specific shrines believed to align with that year's energies. 2025 is the Year of the Snake, and there are several shrines across the country that are revered for their ties to these creatures. This guide covers four of them worth exploring.
Hebikubo Shrine, Shinagawa, Tokyo
Easily accessible for Tokyo travelers, Hebikubo Shrine has a history dating back to the Kamakura Period (1185-1333) and is renowned for its association with a legendary white snake, often referred to as "The White Snake of Tokyo."
According to this legend, a white snake once inhabited a spring near the shrine. However, when the spring was covered, the snake relocated to a pond in what is now Togoshi Park. A local farmer dreamt of the snake requesting to return to its original home, and in response a pond and sub-shrine (Shirohebi Benzaiten Shrine) were constructed on the grounds.
If you do visit, keep an eye out for the Nade Shirohebi statues – they represent renewal and revitalization, and visitors are encouraged to give them a pat while making wishes.
4 Chome-4-12 Futaba, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 142-0043
Iwakuni Shirohebi Shrine, Yamaguchi
A fairly new shrine, Iwakuni Shirohebi Shrine was constructed in 2012 to honor the Iwakuni White Snake, a rare species only found in a limited local area. Various nods to the white snake can be found across the shrine grounds, including on stone lanterns, at the shrine's chozuya (purification basin), and on ema (traditional plaques used for writing wishes on).
There is also a facility adjacent to the shrine where you can see real white snakes, which have been protected as a national natural treasure since 1972.
6 Chome-4-2 Imazumachi, Iwakuni, Yamaguchi 740-0017
Hakujya Benzaiten, Tochigi
Legend says that two white snakes live on the grounds of Hakujya Benzaiten in Tochigi Prefecture, and they "appear" when something good or bad happens. There's the belief from shrine visitors that the snake's knowledge of good or bad luck can help them avoid misfortune and reap rewards, so worshippers from across the country are attracted here.
Along with snake statues and snake ema on the grounds, the shrine is also home to a small waterfall where visitors are encouraged to wash their money for prosperity in their business endeavors.
2 Chome−62 Kugetanishi, Moka, Tochigi 321-4522
Aso Shirohebi Shrine, Kumamoto
Another fairly new shrine compared to many others in Japan, Aso Shirohebi Shrine dates back to mid-2010 and has a variety of nods to the auspicious white snake. Visitors can actually view and worship a live white snake, with staff offering guidance to ensure a meaningful experience. The shrine also provides amulets and charms containing the snake’s shed skin, which symbolizes renewal and protection.
3290-1 Nakamatsu, Minamiaso, Aso District, Kumamoto 869-1505
