Kushihiki Hachiman Shrine is located in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture

Kushihiki Hachiman Shrine is located in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture

[Music] Kushihiki Hatchaman Shrine is located in Hatchino City, Almori Prefecture. Kushihiki Hatchiman Shrine, the main shrine associated with the Nambu clan, is home to two of the prefectures three national treasures and is also deeply revered as the guardian deity of Hachinohei, affectionately known as Yata no Hatchiman. This time we will explore the deep charm and history of this shrine. To get to this shrine, take a taxi from Junior Hatchino station in about 10 minutes or take the Namboo bus to the shrine front bus stop. There is also a spacious parking lot making it convenient to access by car. [Music] Passing through the Tory gate that marks the entrance to the shrine grounds, you will feel a complete change in the air as you are surrounded by a deep forest of large cedar trees. This is the shrine office. It accepts prayers and other requests and is a place where you can stop by after praying to receive amulets and other items. Kushihiki Hatchaman Shrine was founded by Nambu Mitsuyuki who distinguished himself in the campaign against the Fujiwara clan of Oshu. He was bestowed with land in Nikab county, enshrined the sacred object of the Hatchiman shrine in Nambu district Kai province and built a shrine in what is now Kushi village naming it Kushi Hatchaman Shrine. The main deity enshrined at Kushihiki Hatchiman shrine is Hatchiman Noakami. Amitur Rasu Amikami and Amatskcoyan Nokami are enshrined in the adjacent hall. And these three deities are revered as the Hatchiman Sanjin. [Music] Before praying, purify your hands and mouth at the Tisia purification fountain. [Music] [Applause] [Music] This is a ywatama wrapped in a sacred straw rope. Originally, the area was a breeding ground for superior horses and wooden carb yuatama horses began to be sold as souvenirs for visitors to the shrine during the annual festival. [Music] If you look closely as you cross the vermillion drum bridge, you will see two muscular kapper on either side as well as one holding a baby. In Hatchino, kappa are called meadows. And legend has it that when a tree cut down to build a shrine was the wrong size, it was thrown away and the tree turned into a kappa. Guarded by a pair of lion dogs, the main gate, a nationally designated important cultural property, stands nearby. The four-legged gate is the most prestigious type of singlestory building and is structurally appropriate for the main gate of the shrine that is the general guardian deity of the Nambu clan. [Music] This is the worship hall where worship takes place. Completed in November 1984, it is 15 years old, has a port with three bays, is gabled, and has a copper roof. The couple cedars, which are a single seeded tree that splits into two at the top, and the large seeded tree, which stand inside the inner Tamagaki fence, are cherished as sacred trees. [Music] As you head towards the worship hall, you will see Nagato on your left. Nagato is the former worship hall and is still standing as a nationally designated important cultural property. It was built in 1648, the first year of the Kian era. It has seven bays, one verander, a hip and gable roof and a copper roof. [Music] The worship hall is very impressive and large votive plaques depicting the 12 zodiac signs are hung under the eaves of the hall. [Music] [Music] The plaque commemorating the surrender of the enemy nation was donated by Lord Nambu Toshitaka, the 10th lord of the Moroka domain and is said to be a copy of a plaque written by the emperor himself. As foreign ships were appearing all over the country, this inscription is said to represent a more Buddhist spirit of forcing the enemy to surrender through the power of virtue rather than defeating the enemy with military force. There are also many other large votive plaques and folding screens. [Music] The main hall is located behind the worship hall. Rebuilt in the Edeto period, this main hall is characterized by its beautiful architectural style and is imbued with the fervent faith of the lord of hatchino. It is a saneninagar zukuri style building with brilliantly colored carvings of Chinese lions and animals and plants on the verander and toad legs. This masterpiece of architecture which gives a glimpse into the style of the Momoyama period is grand and elegant befitting the main shrine of the Nandu domain and with the beautiful flowing curves of the roof. It is also a designated important cultural property of Japan. [Music] This is the shrine hall. 15 gods are enshrined here including a kunishino nokami. The omicaru stone which is thought to have its roots in folk beliefs is used to predict good fortune based on whether it is heavy or light. This is shinme shrine a nationally designated important cultural property. It enshrines Amitar rasuikami. It is newer than the main hall and the old worship hall in terms of both age and construction. But the highlights are the beauty of the flowing curves of the roof and the fact that the foundation rests on natural stone foundation stones. Another one is Kasuga shrine a nationally designated important cultural property. It enshrines a matscoyan noami. It is built in the same style as Kasuga Taiisha shrine in N. And like Shinmegu Shrine, it is newer in age and construction than the main hall and the old worship hall. But they are now one and the same. Other shrines enshrined here include Sufukuari Shrine, Mranari Shrine, Bat Cannon Hall, and Sen Shrine. Although it is a small shrine, it is a mustsee with its magnificent carvings. [Music] One of the greatest attractions of Kushihiki Hatchaman Shrine is its national treasures. These are samurai armor made in the Kamakura period, the Akitudoshi Yoroy, and the Shiro Tadoshi Sumodori Yoroy, a representative armor of the Namboku Cho period. The shrine also houses many other valuable cultural properties designated by the prefecture and city, including armor and treasures. Yabasame, a sacred horse archery ritual held in the southern part of Hachino Nejo Castle is said to have originated when the fourth lord, Lord Miti, offered it as a prayer for peace throughout the country, lasting military fortunes, tranquility within the domain, and prosperity for descendants. It is still held today as part of the annual autumn festival. The sacred horse archery ritual is a powerful traditional event in which participants shoot arrows from a galloping horse. Kushihiki Hatchiman shrine quietly conveys the history and culture of Hachinohei as well as the spirit of the samurai. The shrine is home to numerous cultural assets including armor and helmets designated as national treasures and shrine buildings that remain as important cultural properties. It’s also home to horse related rituals and is a place brimming with attractions offering a wonderful opportunity to experience Japan’s profound history. Thank you for watching. We hope you enjoy this journey into the history and spirit of Japan. [Music]

Kushihiki Hachiman Shrine is located in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture. Kushihiki Hachiman Shrine, the main shrine associated with the Nanbu clan, is home to two of the prefecture’s three national treasures, and is also deeply revered as the guardian deity of Hachinohe, affectionately known as Yawata no Hachiman. This time, we will explore the deep charm and history of this shrine.
Whether you’re visiting Japan for the first time or want to learn more about Japanese culture, this guide will help you visit with peace of mind. Experience the profound depth of the shrines and temples that are found everywhere in Japan, and enjoy your spiritual journey through Japan!