Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine

Overview

Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. Its autumn festival, along with the spring festival at Hieda Shrine, is known as the Takayama Festival, designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. This serene shrine, established in the 5th century and surrounded by trees, is famous for the Takayama Festival and its colorful floats. The principal deity is Hachiman-o-kami (Emperor Ojin), with Atsuta-o-kami (Prince Yamatotakeru) and Kashii-o-kami (Emperor Keiko and Empress Jingū) enshrined in the side shrine. Legend says that in the 65th year of Emperor Nintoku's reign, a bandit named Sukuna, with two faces, appeared in Hida Province. Nanbanekonemutakeru-mikoto, ancestor of the Wani clan, was sent to subdue him and enshrined Emperor Ojin, the predecessor, to pray for victory. There is also a theory that Emperor Shōmu established it as a Hachiman shrine for national protection. When the Kanamori clan became the local lord in the Edo period, they protected the shrine as their clan deity and designated residents north of the Miyagawa River as parishioners. In the Meiji period, it was renamed Hachiman Shrine, and in 1932, it became a prefectural shrine. The name Sakurayama Hachimangu was adopted after World War II. The shrine grounds house the Takayama Festival Float Museum, which displays floats used in the autumn Takayama Festival year-round. Many cultural properties are located within the shrine grounds, including the Takayama Festival float procession (Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property) and the portable shrine (mikoshi) and its storage building (designated as a tangible folk cultural property by the city). It's about a 25-minute walk from Takayama Station, a bit of a distance, but it's situated in a peaceful location, a little removed from the bustle of the old town. Its central role in the Takayama Festival is evident in its beautifully maintained grounds and the large number of visitors. It seems to be a popular destination for sightseeing, with more visitors coming on foot than by car. There's a slight incline, so if you're coming by car, there are several parking lots to the left of the main torii gate. There's a path leading from the parking lot to the office. The main hall is reached by stairs; I couldn't manage to get there. There's also a donation box in front, so if you have difficulty, you can offer your prayers there. There's also a karakuri omikuji (fortune-telling machine), which is fun! The shrine office stocks a considerable number of items. There were many customers, and the miko (shrine maiden) seemed a little irritated. There are about five types of goshuin (temple/shrine seals), including those from the subsidiary shrines. Only the Sakurayama Hachimangu goshuin is written directly. I gratefully received a beautiful directly-written goshuin. I was in a bit of a rush this time, so I want to visit again leisurely.