Ima Hachiman-gu Shrine

Overview

Ima Hachiman-gu Shrine is a shrine located in Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. It has long been a center of faith as the guardian shrine of Yamaguchi. While its founding date is unknown, it's known to have existed by the Koan period of the Kamakura period (1278-1287). Initially, it enshrined the retinue of Prince Uji, and was named Ima Hachiman-gu. "Ima" means "present" or "new", suggesting the name means "New Hachiman Shrine". In 1471 (Bunmei 3), Ouchi Masahiro established it as the guardian shrine of Yamaguchi, merging it with Asakura Hachiman-gu Shrine within the city, while retaining the name and designating Emperor Ōjin as the principal deity, with three additional deities added. It continues to be revered as the guardian shrine of Yamaguchi. One of Ima Hachiman-gu Shrine's notable features is that its main hall, worship hall, and gate, built during the Muromachi period, are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. These are considered historically valuable as precious structures representing the architectural style of that era. Furthermore, a large *waniguchi* (a bronze mouth of a mythical creature) donated by Ōuchi Yoshitaka in 1534 (Tenbun 3) is among the largest in Japan and serves as a symbolic presence at the shrine. The grounds also house several associated shrines and subsidiary shrines, each with its own history. A spring festival (April 15th) and an autumn festival (annual festival, October 6th) are held, attracting many worshippers. Ima Hachiman-gu Shrine is one of Yamaguchi Prefecture's leading shrines, offering a tangible connection to history and tradition.