Okunijinja Shrine (Totomi Province's Ichinomiya)

Overview

Okunijinja Shrine, located in Mori-cho, Shizuoka Prefecture, is an ancient shrine that has been highly revered as the Ichinomiya (chief shrine) of Totomi Province. While the exact founding date is unknown, according to shrine tradition, it dates back to February 18th, in the 16th year of Emperor Kinmei's reign (555 AD?), when a divine spirit manifested on Honguyama, about 6km from the current location. A shrine building was then constructed by imperial order. Tradition also claims that the shrine was granted the rank of Shoichii (Senior First Rank) at that time, however, the earliest record of the shrine in national historical documents, the Shoku Nihon Ko-ki (Continued Chronicles of Japan), dated June 14th, 840 AD, states that "the unranked Okuni deity of Shuchi County, Totomi Province...was granted the rank of Junior Fifth Rank, Lower Grade." By the end of the Six National Histories, its rank was Senior Fourth Rank, Upper Grade. The Engishiki Jinmyocho (List of Shrines in the Engishiki Code) lists it as a small shrine. It enjoyed strong faith from the Imperial family and warriors, and was revered as the Ichinomiya of Totomi Province. The earliest document listing this shrine as Ichinomiya dates back to 1235, referring to it as "Totomi's Guardian Shrine, Okuni Ichinomiya." During the Edo period, it was called "Ichinomiya Shrine." After the medieval period, with the decline of the Imperial Court, imperial envoys ceased, but the worship continued without interruption throughout the Muromachi and Warring States periods. In 1572, when Takeda Shingen of Kai invaded Totomi, Okunijinja Shrine sided with Tokugawa Ieyasu. In 1575, Tokugawa Ieyasu rebuilt the shrine buildings, and successive shoguns continued to contribute to the construction, maintenance, and land grants of the shrine throughout the Edo period. In 1873, it was designated a prefectural shrine (kensha), and the following year, 1874, it was elevated to a national shrine (kokubiheisha). Okunijinja Shrine is filled with a sacred and tranquil atmosphere. The majestic cedar-lined approach offers a soothing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The shrine preserves "Enju Mori-cho Bugaku," a traditional dance designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. In autumn, the entire grounds are ablaze with vibrant autumn leaves, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. Surrounded by lush nature, Okunijinja Shrine is truly a power spot where one can experience a serenity and sacredness unmatched in the city.