Yoshikawa Hachimangu Shrine

Overview

Yoshikawa Hachimangu Shrine is located in Kibichuo-cho, Kaga-gun, Okayama Prefecture. Its enshrined deities are Emperor Ojin, Emperor Chuai, and Empress Jingu. Formerly a prefectural shrine, its main hall is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. According to the shrine's tradition, it was established in 1096 (永長元年, Eicho Gannen) during the late Heian period as a branch shrine of Ishiyama-dera Hachimangu Shrine. According to the "Ishiyama-dera Hachimangu Documents," there seem to have been branch shrines in Yoshikawa-ho, Bichu Province, namely Mitsugi and Sugihama. However, the exact circumstances of how these became the present shrine remain unclear. In the late Heian period, Yoshikawa became a manor of Ishiyama-dera Hachimangu Shrine, indicating a strong connection between the two. This close relationship is illustrated in the early Kamakura period story collection, "Kojidan," which describes a musician from Ishiyama-dera Hachimangu Shrine, Genmasa, traveling to Yoshikawa to perform sacred music at the shrine's grand festival. West of the shrine grounds lies the Shigemori Mirei Memorial Museum and the Tenrai-an teahouse, designed by Shigemori Mirei. Shigemori Mirei was a renowned garden designer of the Showa period, known for designing numerous famous gardens. His work emphasizes the harmony between nature and artifice, and the Tenrai-an teahouse at Yoshikawa Hachimangu Shrine perfectly exemplifies this style. East of the grounds, across the prefectural road, lies the Takatsuka Kofun, a shell-mound type tumulus located behind the Chureisha (memorial hall). It's believed to date from the late Kofun period and is traditionally said to be the tomb of Sasamoriko, a retainer of Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto. Yoshikawa Hachimangu Shrine is a place where history and culture intertwine, offering tranquility and inspiration to visitors. We highly recommend a visit.