[Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture] Is Takayama Uesugi praying for rain? Yonezawa Atago Shrine also has an entertainment shrine within its grounds. That famous comedian is in the background!

  • ikoke
  • Last updated: 2024.08.9

In Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, there is Atago Shrine,

Atago Shrine is especially worshiped by local residents in the city, and worship visits and festivals are held on certain days and days every year.

It is said that the god of performing arts is enshrined within the grounds of Atago Shrine, which is respected and loved by local residents. Moreover, the story behind the shrine's founding is said to be related to a famous comedian.

we will introduce the "Geino Shrine" where the god of performing arts is enshrined

God of entertainment? What is a performing arts shrine?

Heading towards the west of Yonezawa City, passing through the village, and heading towards a small mountain (Mt. Atago), there were several banners saying ``Japanese Performing Arts Shrine'' at the entrance to the mountain trail, making it easy to get there.

As you climb up the two-tiered stone staircase, you will find a small shrine and a guardian dog sitting in front of the shrine building, creating a calm and tranquil atmosphere.

Since it's an entertainment shrine, I was expecting it to be a little more prominent, but it turned out to be a quiet and peaceful place.

The area around the shrine was spacious, surrounded by trees and surrounded by a quiet atmosphere, making it a simple and comfortable space.

How did the entertainment shrine come to be enshrined?

It is said that Tosuke Kimura, a gallery dealer from Yonezawa City, donated the Edo-period temple, originally located in Nakano Ward, Tokyo, as a performing arts shrine (enshrined deity: Amanousume no Mikoto) in the hope that it could contribute to the development of Yonezawa City. .

It is said that Junzaburo Ban, a famous comedian, agreed with Mr. Kimura's idea for the sake of his hometown, and it was decided that the shrine would be located within the grounds of Atago Shrine.

``Amanousume no Mikoto'', who is enshrined at the performing arts shrine, is said to be the oldest dancer in Japan.

In Japanese mythology, it is said that when Amaterasu Omikami was hidden in Amano Iwato, Amanousuzume no Mikoto performed a dance in front of the door and was able to open the door safely.

It is said that she was a dancer who could fascinate even the gods, which is why she was revered as the god of performing arts.People involved in dance and theater come to worship as it is said to bring blessings to performing arts activities, including traditional culture. It seems that there is.

Recently, it attracted attention when Chie Hiratsuka (actor/model) from Yonezawa City visited the shrine.

The guardian dog that protects the gods is so cute

Although it is a small shrine, it stands quietly and is protected by a guardian dog named ``A-Un''.

When you visit a shrine, you will see a guardian dog placed in front of it like a gatekeeper.

There was also a guardian dog standing in front of the shrine where the god of performing arts was enshrined, as if to welcome visitors.
It is said that the couple's guardian dog, ``A-un'', is installed in pairs.

``A'' on the right side facing the temple was holding a child's guardian dog as if to protect it. It was so adorable to see the child's guardian dog looking up at me as if pampering me, and it made me feel so kind.

"Un" on the left side facing the temple is holding a ball in his right hand and looks dignified, but his expression is gentle and adorable.

It's so cute! I said, my voice leaking out.

guardian dog is a Japanese beast resembles a lion and is considered to be an imaginary creature. as a a shrine or temple , on the left and right sides of the front of the main hall, or with their backs to the temples and shrines they are supposed to protect, facing the worshipers. It is said that there is a pair of hornless lions and horned guardian dogs.

Source: Free encyclopedia "Wikipedia"

One of the dogs (or more accurately, the right side) is said to be a lion, and the left side of the pair is considered to be a guardian dog.

In any case, they are a pair of male and female sacred animals that ``ward off evil spirits and protect the shrine.''

About the history and blessings of Atago Shrine

Atago Shrine, which is enshrined at the top of Mt. Atago in the Toyama district of Yonezawa City, is dedicated to Kagutsuchinomikoto, who is revered as the god of fire. The main headquarters is Atago Shrine in Saga-Atago-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City.

Atago Shrine in Yonezawa is not only a shrine that is passionately worshiped by parishioners who live nearby, but is also widely loved by people throughout the city.

From after midnight on July 30th, parishioners and others begin their early morning climb to Mt. Atago to worship. It is said that by visiting the shrine on this day, they will be granted a year's worth of blessings, so many citizens participate in early morning mountain pilgrimages.

Additionally, the Atago Fire Festival is held on August 1st, and the festival begins with early morning climbing and continues until night.

The majestic sight of the torchlight procession and the Mikoshi Togyo, who walk to the top of the mountain at night, is a sight to behold.

Did Yonezawa feudal lord ``Takayama Uesugi'' directly pray for rain?

It is said that the lord of the Yonezawa domain, Takayama Uesugi, who is respected by many citizens

It is said that praying for rain was successful and blessed with rain.

What a wonderful lord who thought of the farmers suffering from drought and personally visited the shrine to pray for rain. You can see why it continues to be respected and loved by citizens even to this day.

Atago Shrine＜Information＞

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summary

Atago Shrine is where legend has it that Lord Takayama Uesugi personally prayed for rain and was able to receive blessings from the rain.

I learned that there was a performing arts shrine within the precincts of the shrine and went to do some research.I was prepared to take the mountain path of Mt. Atago, but from the Jizoen parking lot, which was a short drive up, I went up a stone staircase. The shrine was enshrined as if it were protected by guardian dogs.

I was greeted by a cute guardian dog, and bathing in the cool air made me feel indescribably calm.When I turned around, I could see Yonezawa city below, and the view was soothing.

Although small, there are many shrines and temples in Tohoku that are famous. There may be historical spots lurking close to you, even in places you don't usually walk around. We also recommend taking a stroll.

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