Yakutsu Hachiman Shrine

Overview

Yakutsu Hachiman Shrine is a serene and tranquil shrine located in Takahata-machi, Yamagata Prefecture. Traditionally, its founding is attributed to 860 AD, when Jikaku Daishi, with the assistance of the local lord, Yakutsu Iwasaburo, built an Amida hall. Later, during the late Heian period, Minamoto no Yoshiie is said to have prayed for victory in his conquest of the Oshu region, invoking the spirit of the Kamakura Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine; however, the details remain unclear. The shrine grounds boast impressive structures designated as prefectural cultural properties: a three-storied pagoda and a Bugaku hall. The pagoda, rebuilt in 1797 (Kansei 9), is believed to have been originally constructed in 1625 (Kan'ei 2). It's a hossō-zukuri style pagoda with a copper roof, the only layered pagoda in the Okitama region. The Bugaku hall, dating back to the late Muromachi period, is a hōgyō-zukuri style building with a thatched roof. Every year, elegant, ancient Yamatomai dances are performed on May 3rd, and Engan-no-mai dances grace the shrine on September 15th. The main shrine building is a three-bay san-kensha-nagare-zukuri style structure with a thatched roof. Other features on the grounds include a bell tower and the remains of a yabusame (mounted archery) target range. Dozens of Yakutsu kofun (tumuli) are scattered throughout the surrounding mountains (Torii-machi branch). Further, legends surround the inner shrine cave, including those of the kataba-no-ashi (single-leaf reed), the jiji-baba-ishi (grandfather and grandmother stones), and the Kobo Shimizu (Kobo's pure water). Yakutsu Hachiman Shrine offers a peaceful escape surrounded by history and nature. With nearby attractions like the Mahoroba Furui Sato Historical Park and Takahata Roadside Station, it serves as an excellent base for exploring the area. This shrine is perfect for history buffs and anyone seeking a quiet and relaxing experience.