Hachimangu Shrine (Torigoe Hachimangu Shrine)

Overview

Hachimangu Shrine stands in the southeastern suburbs of Shinjo City, on the site of the former Torigoe Castle ruins, and has long been deeply revered as the guardian deity of the region. According to the shrine's traditions, it was originally located west of Aragoya Village in the northern suburbs of the castle town. However, it is said that during a falconry hunt in this area, Sadamori, the adopted son of the founder of Shinjo Domain, successfully recovered his falcon with the help of this Hachimangu Shrine. In gratitude for this divine assistance, and for the sake of securing the castle town, the shrine was relocated to its current location. The main hall was constructed in 1638 (Kan'ei 15) in the early Edo period by Sadamori, the adopted son of Tozawa Masamori, the founder of Shinjo Domain. It is the oldest structure in Shinjo and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. A large single-bay, single-room style structure, its roof, originally thatched, has recently been replaced with copper plates. The main body of the hall features cylindrical pillars, while the eaves boast chamfered square pillars. The brackets are of the *de-mitsudō* style, and the central supports on the front and back feature *gamaguchi* (frog-mouth) brackets. The gable features a powerful structure with thick *kōryō* beams and *daiheisoku* pillars, with oni (demon) masks carved into the *daiheisoku*. The beams are supported by wrestler-like shaped posts, and the *gegyo* (decorative wooden hanging ornaments) carvings are also remarkably ornate. Originally, both the interior and exterior seem to have been painted in vermilion and black lacquer, traces of which remain on the beams, rafters, and ends of the pillars. Furthermore, the grounds are home to a magnificent pair of cedar trees known as the "Fūfusugi" (Husband and Wife Cedars). Their imposing presence is breathtaking. Said to be over 300 years old, they are believed to bestow blessings of marital harmony and safe childbirth. Why not take a stroll through the tranquil grounds, experiencing the history and tradition while offering your prayers? Take your time, feel the power of the oldest building in Shinjo and the Fūfusugi cedars, and refresh your mind and body.