Its history is 1900 years old! ? Asaka Kunizo Shrine, a historic shrine that has been passed down since the time of the Yamato Imperial Court [Fukushima Prefecture]

an article I posted a while ago ( Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture: What is Koriyama Black, a ramen that has been loved for many years in Koriyama City, one of the most competitive ramen areas in the country? ), I enjoyed Koriyama Black, and then went to Asaka Kunitsuko Shrine, which I had considered as a tourist spot near the station.

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About a 10-minute walk from Koriyama Station! A tourist spot near the station

If you walk a little way from Koriyama Station along the shopping street called Sakura-dori, you will come to an intersection with Showa-dori (former National Route 4)

There is a footbridge, and just across it you will find Asaka Kunizukuri Shrine, the main shrine of Koriyama

A mysterious object that is both eerie and cute just off the footbridge

Cross the footbridge and walk a short distance south along Showa-dori Street until you see a magnificent granite torii gate

The shrine is well maintained and it is clear that it is loved by the people of Koriyama

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Its history stretches back approximately 1,900 years! A historic shrine affectionately known as Hachiman-sama

During the Yamato court era, in the 5th year of the reign of Emperor Seimu (135), Hitone no Mikoto was appointed the first Asaka no Kuni no Miyatsuko and founded Asaka Province. He also built a shrine on Mount Akagi (present-day Akagi-cho, Koriyama City) to enshrine Wakumusubi no Kami and Ame no Yutsuhiko no Mikoto, and it is said that the shrine was later moved to its current location (Shimizudai, Koriyama City)

2022 - 135 years... Its history dates back to 1887!

During Sakanoue no Tamuramaro's eastern expedition around 799, he enshrined Hachiman Daigongen, and the shrine became known as Hachiman Shrine, and is now affectionately known as "Hachiman-sama."

Later, the Inari Okami of the Asaka Ito clan and the Asaka Tenmangu Shrine, the god of learning, were enshrined here, and the grounds also house a memorial hall for Asaka Gonsai, a renowned Confucian scholar who was born as the son of a priest at Asaka Kuni no Miyatsuko Shrine

Anyway, it seems that various gods are enshrined there

"Asaka" seems to have originated when the descendants of Hisone no Mikoto, who founded the shrine, took the Asaka clan name and served as shrine priests

The gorgeous Kagura Hall. Sasanokawa Sake Brewery, a sake brewery , was offered here.

It's hard to tell from the photo, but it's quite big

The main hall is made entirely of cypress and is 12 meters tall. The current building was rebuilt in 1926 (Taisho 15)

The worship hall was rebuilt in 1810 (Bunka 7) and is said to be one of the few remaining buildings from the Edo period in Koriyama City

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There are various festivals held throughout the year, the highlight of which is the autumn festival!

As expected of a shrine that is beloved by locals, various festivals are held there throughout the year

• January 1st New Year's Day Festival
• January 5th Gold Coin Festival
• February Setsubun Setsubun Oharae Doll Festival
• February 11th National Foundation Festival
• April 15th Spring Festival
• July 31st Summer Purification Doll Festival
• September 27th, 28th, and 29th Autumn Festival
• November 15th: Shichi-Go-San Festival
• December 28th: ​​Large Kagami Mochi Dedication Ceremony

Among these, the Autumn Annual Festival in September is a festival to give thanks for a bountiful harvest and the safety of parishioners, and involves the procession of a portable shrine, which has been held since 1765. What a long history it has!

On the night of the 28th, 17 floats will be displayed, and on the night of the 29th, three main shrines and 35 town mikoshi will be displayed, creating a lively atmosphere

Furthermore, during the New Year period, approximately 80,000 people visit the shrine every year for their first visit of the year.

I received a temple seal at the shrine office

It's close to Koriyama Station and has excellent access, so why not stop by when you visit Koriyama?

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Information

• Name: Asaka Kunizukuri Shrine
• Address: 1-6-23 Shimizudai, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, 963-8005
• Phone: 024-932-1145
• URL: http://www.asakakunituko.jp/

GOOGLE MAP

 

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