生田神社は、JR・阪急「三宮駅」の直ぐ北側の繁華街の真ん中にあります。西暦201年、神功皇后(第14代仲哀天皇の妻)が新羅への遠征の帰途に神戸で船が進まなくなったため、神占を行って、この地に天照大神の幼名とも、妹神とも伝えられる稚日女命(わかひるめのみこと)を祀ったという由緒ある神社で、1800年もの歴史があります。
境内にある大海神社(おおわたつみ・じんじゃ)は地主神(じぬしがみ)で、全国の海運関係者の信仰を集めています。また、必勝祈願のご利益があるとされ、プロ野球やJリーグなどの選手がよく参拝に訪れます。
神戸七福神の一つである弁財天もここに祀られています。境内には、梶原景季の「梅箙(うめえびら)」の碑や、謡曲「生田敦盛」の碑などがあり、神社の奥には源平合戦の古戦場と伝えられる「生田の森」があります。
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Ikuta ShrineLocated north of the Sannomiya stations of JR and Hankyu Railways, Ikuta Shrine can be found cloaked within the bustling city streets. In the year 201, Empress Jingu Kogo (the wife of the 14th generation Emperor Chuai) on a return trip from an expedition to Korean Peninsula had trouble with her sailing ship. She stopped in Kobe along the way where she received an oracle to pray for Wakahirume no Mikoto, the childhood name of legendary goddess Amaterasu and the name of her younger sister. Steeped with a history extending over 1800 years, Ikuta Shrine continues to honor Wakahirume no Mikoto. It is said that the name Kobe comes from an ancient wealthy sponsor of this shrine, who was called Kambe, which later became Kobe.
Within the precincts of the shrine, there resides Owatatsumi Shrine, the chief shrine of the area. This is the shrine where mariners from all of Japan come to pray for protection on the sea. It is also the place where people pray for certain victory. Many professional baseball and J League soccer players often visit here to pray. Also, Benzaiten, one of the seven good fortune gods in Kobe, is worshipped here.
A monument for Kajiwara no Kagesue, a Genji warrior as well as a monument for a Noh song of Taira no Atsumori, a Heike warrior, are found within the grounds. In back of the shrine is the forest that was the battle site between the Heike and Genji clans in the late 12th century. The Genji clan won this battle through the heroic leadership of Minamoto no Yoshitsune.