Emperor Jimmu (Kamuyamato Iwarehiko)
神武天皇（神日本磐余彦尊）
Legendary first emperor of Japan, deity of national foundation and imperial continuity
About
Emperor Jimmu is the legendary founder of the Japanese imperial dynasty and the first human emperor in the mythological genealogy that traces the imperial line back to Amaterasu. According to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, he led a great eastern expedition (Jimmu Tosei) from Hyuga in Kyushu to the Yamato region, overcoming numerous enemies and supernatural obstacles along the way.
During his journey, a golden kite (or crow) identified as Yatagarasu, a three-legged crow sent by Amaterasu, guided his forces through the treacherous mountains of the Kii Peninsula. After defeating the local chieftains, Jimmu established his palace at Kashihara in Yamato Province and ascended the throne in what the traditional chronology dates to 660 BCE—a date regarded by modern scholars as legendary rather than historical.
Kashihara Jingu, established in 1890 at the traditional site of Jimmu's palace, is his principal shrine. His narrative serves as the bridge between the Age of the Gods and the historical imperial succession.
Mythology
Family Relationships
Animal Messenger
Three-legged crow (Yatagarasu) (八咫烏（やたがらす）)
The Yatagarasu, a three-legged crow sent by the sun goddess, guided Emperor Jimmu through the mountains during his eastern expedition. It has become a symbol of divine guidance and is used as the emblem of the Japan Football Association.
Shrines Dedicated to This Deity
| Shrine | Prefecture | Network Role |
|---|---|---|
| Miyazaki Shrine 宮崎神宮 | Miyazaki | |
| Sano Shrine 狭野神社 | Miyazaki |
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
Who is Emperor Jimmu (Kamuyamato Iwarehiko) in Japanese mythology?
Emperor Jimmu (Kamuyamato Iwarehiko) (神武天皇（神日本磐余彦尊）) is Legendary first emperor of Japan, deity of national foundation and imperial continuity. This deity appears in Kojiki & Nihon Shoki and is enshrined at 2 shrines across Japan.
What shrines are dedicated to Emperor Jimmu (Kamuyamato Iwarehiko)?
There are 2 shrines in our database dedicated to Emperor Jimmu (Kamuyamato Iwarehiko), including Miyazaki Shrine, Sano Shrine.
What myths involve Emperor Jimmu (Kamuyamato Iwarehiko)?
Emperor Jimmu (Kamuyamato Iwarehiko) appears in 2 myths including The Eastern Expedition of Emperor Jimmu (Jimmu Tosei), The Descent of the Heavenly Grandson (Tenson Korin). These stories come from Kojiki & Nihon Shoki.