Hitachi Kunisosha Shrine - A journey to feel the spirit and hero of Yamato Takeru, an ancient Hitachi nation

Shrines associated with Yamato Takeru Nomikoto

Hitachi Kunisosha Shrine, located in Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is an ancient shrine that carries eternal history and conveys the spirit of Hitachi to the present day. As the main shrine of Hitachi, it once worshiped domestic gods and attracted the faith of local people. In particular, he has a deep connection with Yamato Takeru Nomikoto (Nihon Takeru), a hero who appears in Japanese mythology, and the temple grounds are home to a "god stone" that reminds him of his footprints. It also has connections with Tezuka Osamu's ancestors, and is attracting attention from a cultural perspective.

This article provides a detailed explanation of the history of Hitachi Kunisosha Shrine, its architecture, festivals, natural environment, and its relationship with Yamato Takeru Nomikoto, providing a variety of information to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of its appeal and create a memorable experience.

From the history and key to the national government of Hitachi Kunisosha Shrine to the guardian deity of the region

The history of Hitachi Kunisosha Shrine dates back to the time when Japan's ancient state was formed. Around the 7th century, today Ibaraki Prefecture was called Hitachi Province, and played an important role as a "big power" blessed with rich nature and fertile land. Hitachi Kokufu was located in what is now Ishioka City, the political, economic and cultural center.

At that time, the provincial government had to visit all the shrines within the country that it had jurisdiction in order from the Ichinomiya, but the procedure was complicated and time-consuming. Therefore, "Soja" was established near the national centres of each country to worship the gods of the country. This allowed the provincial government to worship many gods at once, making it possible to ritual more efficiently.

Hitachi Kunisosha Shrine is one of the so-called shrines established in this way. Initially, it was called the "Kokufu no Miya" and the guardian deity of the Kokufu was enshrined, but in the Enki era (901-923), six gods, the gods of the Tenjin and the earth, were enshrined together, and became known as the "Kokufu no Miya." After that, the company changed its name to "Soja" and established its position as a Soja in Hitachi Province.

It is said that the site was originally located near the ruins of the present Hitachi Kokubun Nunnery, but when the Daiei clan (Heijiang Province) built the castle in Hitachi Fuchu (Ishioka) in the Tenkei era (938-947), it was relocated to its current location to protect the castle. After that, the priest was hereditary by the Kiyohara clan for generations, and its history was the center of the faith of the local people. Over the course of its long history, it has been hit by wars and disasters, but it was restored each time, and it has continued to this day.

Architecture of Hitachi Kunisosha Shrine: A space that brings out tradition and aesthetic sense

The grounds of Hitachi Kunisosha Shrine are surrounded by a quiet and sacred space that harmonizes historic buildings and rich nature. As you progress along the approach, you will feel your mind calming away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The approach and lush green approach leads to the sacred realm, and quietly welcomes visitors. The trees, which show different expressions with each season, soothe the hearts of worshippers and lead them to sacred spaces. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, and autumn leaves color the grounds.

Tesuisha - Tesuisha where pure water flows out is a place for purifying your body and mind before visiting the shrine. The etiquette is to follow the water etiquette and cleanse yourself before moving forward to the gods.

Sui Jin Gate - The majestic Sui Jin Gate has a dignified appearance as a gate protecting the sacred realm. As you pass through the gate, bow with a pious heart and show respect for the divine realm.

The main hall, the main hall, and the worship hall are places where worshippers pray to God. The main shrine located behind it is a sacred place where the gods are calmed, and is usually not open to the public. The main shrine is built in a traditional architectural style, and its beauty will captivate viewers. In 2016, a major restoration was carried out, bringing back the image it was when it was first built.

In addition to the main shrine, shrines and shrines in the shrines, shrines and shrines in the shrines are dotted with shrines and shrines that worship various gods. It is said that each one has a different benefit, and many visitors come to visit.

Connection with Yamato Takeru Nomikoto and follow the footsteps of heroes

Hitachi Kunisosha Shrine is known for its deep connection with Yamato Takeru Nomikoto, a hero who appears in Japanese mythology. Yamato Takeru Nomikoto was born as the prince of Emperor Keigyo and achieved numerous military achievements, including the Eastern and Western expeditions. His brave and courageous appearance has given many people courage and hope, and has made a name for himself in Japanese history.

The grounds of Hitachi Kunisosha Shrine are housed in the "God Stone" that Yamato Takeru Nomikoto is said to have sat down during his east campaign. This stone was used when Yamato Takeru Nomikoto rested and is said to have its spiritual power.

The Hitachi Kunifudoki describes it as "Emperor Wamu," but at Hitachi Kunisōsha Shrine it is written as "Nihon Takeru."

When building the Soja Shrine in Hitachi Kokufu, it is said that the existence of this divine stone was the decisive stone that was the decisive site for the selection of the construction site. The divine stone is a valuable heritage that conveys the footprints of Yamato Takeru Nomikoto to the present, and gives visitors the sense of the weight of history. By touching the divine stone, you may be able to get in touch with the spirit of a hero and gain courage and strength.

Relationship with Tezuka Osamu and connection with the God of Manga

Hitachi Kunisosha Shrine is also known for having connections with the ancestors of Tezuka Osamu, a world-renowned manga artist. Tezuka Ryoan, a domain doctor who served the Fuchu Matsudaira domain in the late Edo period, is the ancestor of Tezuka Osamu.

Tezuka Ryoan studied at Tekijuku, which Ogata Koan was held in Osaka, and studied Dutch studies with Fukuzawa Yukichi, side by side. He then opened a vaccination center in Edo with his father, Ryosen and Ito Genpaku, and others, contributing to the development of medicine.

Tezuka Osamu depicts the epic manga "The Sunset Tree," which features Ryoan and the fictional samurai Ibuya Manjiro, and Tezuka and Ishioka City are connected through Ryoan.

Hitachi Kunisosha Shrine has distributed awards based on Tezuka Osamu's works, in 2013, 1,300 years after the imperial compilation of the Fudoki Records, with the cooperation of Tezuka Productions.

The goshuincho, which depicts the talisman from "The Firebird," and the lion from the regular festival and the white lion Leo, the protagonist of "The Jungle Emperor," are particularly popular. These awards are also one of the fascinating reasons why Tezuka Osamu fans are visiting Hitachi Kunisosha Shrine.

Frenzy and tradition that connects festivals and regions

There are various festivals held at Hitachi Kunisosha Shrine throughout the year, but the most magnificent festival is held in September. This festival is also known as the "Ishioka Festival" and is celebrated in a grand manner with all regions.

The Reitaisai is a lively festival where portable shrines and floats parade through the city and traditional performing arts are performed. Many stalls line the streets and are bustling with locals and tourists. During the festival, the entire city of Ishioka is filled with excitement and is filled with a special atmosphere.

Reitaisai is not just a festival, but rather plays an important role in inheriting the history and culture of the region and deepening people's bonds. Despite some Soja Shrines were at the mercy of the long waves of history and were forced to suspend their rituals, the shrine has been holding a "Kokufu divine festival" ever since its founding.

Surrounded by the natural environment and rich bounty

Hitachi Kunisosha Shrine is located in a place surrounded by rich nature. From the grounds, you can enjoy beautiful views of Mt. Tsukuba, one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains, and Kasumigaura, Japan's second largest lake.

The Hitachi Kunifudoki expresses the rich feelings of nature from people at the time. "When spring flowers bloom, and autumn leaves are scattered, or when autumn comes, they order a palanquin, and then row and play. In spring, flowers bloom in a row, and in autumn the leaves turn to the shore. They hear the sound of a nightingale chirping on the banks of the fields, and see cranes dancing in the air at the seaside. The young farmer and the daughter of a seaman run along the beach and gather together..."

Hitachi Kunisousha Shrine enshrines the gods of Hitachi, and it can be said that these gods are the rich nature of Hitachi.

For a memorable journey to visitors

Hitachi Kunisosha Shrine is an attractive place that is woven together by history, culture, nature and people's faith. Visitors can enjoy the charm of Hitachi Kunisosha Shrine even more deeply by paying attention to the following points:

Follow the footsteps of Yamato Takeru Nomikoto - Touch the divine stones and feel the spirit of heroes.

Learn about your connection with Tezuka Osamu: Check out our collaboration products and feel the bridges of culture.

Participate in the festival and experience the excitement of Ishioka's festival.

Experience the rich nature and soothe your mind by taking in the beautiful scenery of Mt. Tsukuba and Kasumigaura.

Walk around every corner of the temple grounds and enjoy the sacred space by offering prayers to various shrines and sub-shrines within the temple grounds.

Get a goshuin and receive a goshuin as a commemoration of your visit.

Explore nearby tourist spots - Ishioka City has many other historic tourist spots. If you have time, take a look at nearby tourist spots as well.

Hitachi Kunisosha Shrine will give visitors the depth of history and culture, the beauty of nature and peace of mind. Please come and visit us once. It's sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Shokey Hayashi

Exorcist/Radionics Technique Researcher

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Born in Aomori Prefecture in 1965, he has been suffering from troubles, illnesses and injuries caused by spiritual phenomena since childhood. However, one day, when he was 20 years old, he attended an event, had a mysterious experience at the venue, and was hit by lightning energy from the heavens, as if piercing the spinal cord from his brain, and his psychic abilities blossomed. He then began studying psychology and psychiatry, and now he has combined psychiatry and consciousness engineering. Established "Radionics exorcism" using our own radionics techniques. "It's possible to treat your fortune" beyond exorcism, memorial service, and healing.