This site is an online media that delivers all sorts of trivia about the six Tohoku prefectures, from sightseeing and gourmet spots to local customs, history, and more
We would like to introduce two shrines in Aomori City and Hachinohe City that are considered to be standard in each region as recommended first shrine visits in Aomori Prefecture for the New Year in 2025
Additionally, Hirosaki City and the surrounding areas have a custom unique to the Tsugaru region called " Ichidaisama ," which is related to first shrine visits of the year. We will introduce this unique custom and the shrines and temples in the city and surrounding areas that are connected to it.
Zenchidori Shrine (Aomori City)
Zenchidori Shrine at the end of the year without snow
written as " ZenchidoriUtou " is said to have been built by Utou , who ruled the area
In 807 (the second year of the Daido era), Sakanoue Tamuramaro rebuilt the shrine and it became the " main shrine of Aomori ," and Aomori city developed with this shrine as its foundation.
Ryujinsui water in the temple grounds. Source: Aomori Prefecture Tourism Information Site "Amazing AOMORI"
It has a long history and is located near the downtown area of Aomori City, but is surrounded by lush greenery. The temple grounds are home to a spring known as "Ryujin-sui" (dragon god water) and a pond, making it a power spot filled with a mystical atmosphere
The deity and blessings of Zenchidori Shrine
The shrine's enshrined deities are Three Munakata GoddessesAmaterasu Omikami inherited the sword held by no Mikoto.
Takirihime : Princess Takiri (Princess Tagiri)
Ichikishimahime : Princess Sayori
Takitsuhime : Takitsuhime
The blessings of this shrine include safety for the home, safety on the roads, protection for the fishing industry, prosperity in business, protection for the nation, and protection from bad luck, but the locals have long worshipped him as the "god of the sea" and "god of safe navigation."
New Year's visit information for Zenchidori Shrine
You can visit the shrine all day for the first visit of the year, but it is expected to be quite crowded every year at midnight on New Year's Day
Also, the shrine is crowded every day from 11:00 to around 15:00 during the first three days of the New Year, so if you have the time, it is recommended that you visit the shrine before or after this time
Please note that fortune slips and amulets will be distributed from midnight to 7pm on January 1st, from 8:30am to 6:30pm on January 2nd, and from 8:30am to 6pm on January 3rd
Zenchidori Shrine <Information>
Facility name: Zenchidori Shrine
Address: 2-7-18 Yasukata, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
The large torii gate of Kushibiki Hachiman Shrine Source: Aomori Prefecture Tourism Information Site "Amazing AOMORI"
Kushihiki Hachiman Shrine was relocated from Nanbu-sho in Kai Province (Nanbu-cho, Yamanashi Prefecture), the birthplace of the Nanbuclan , by Nanbu Mitsuyuki, the founder of the Oshu Nanbu clan
It has been worshipped as the main guardian deity of the Nanbu clan since the Kamakura period, and the grounds are lined with large, ancient trees, including sacred cedar trees that are several hundred years old, creating a solemn atmosphere that is calming to the soul
Many of the buildings and collections, including the main hall, are national treasures and important cultural properties, and the shrine is known for being the most powerful in the Hachinohe area, making it a recommended power spot for those looking to get energized starting with the New Year
The deity and blessings of Kushibiki Hachiman Shrine
Main hall Source: Wikipedia (File name: Kushihiki Hachiman-gu.jpg, Photographer: Kushihiki)
The main deity Hachiman Okami, but Amaterasu Omikami and Amatsukoyanekami are also enshrined here.
Hachiman Daigongen has been revered by warriors as a god of military fortune since the time of the Genpei era, and is also known as Hachiman Daibosatsu
Hachiman Daimyojin is also known as " Hondawake no Mikoto" and is said to be the same as Emperor Ojin, and his blessings are great, including good luck in gambling, prosperity in business, and matchmaking.
New Year's visit information for Kushibiki Hachiman Shrine
In addition to viewing two national treasures and important cultural properties, such as the Akaitodoshi Yoroi armor in the National Treasure Museum
The National Treasure Museum is open during the New Year holidays and is open from 9am to 5pm (admission is subject to a fee)
Although you can visit the shrine 24 hours a day, it is expected to be very crowded around midnight on New Year's Day
The crowds are worst from 1am when the distribution of amulets begins, but on New Year's Day there are fewer people between 4am and 9am, and on the 2nd and 3rd you should be able to visit at your leisure if you go early in the morning or in the evening
Also, there is only one toilet on the temple grounds, located near the main gate, so we recommend using the restroom at a nearby convenience store before praying
Kushibiki Hachiman Shrine <Information>
Facility name: Kushibiki Hachiman Shrine
Address: 3 Yawata Yawatacho, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture
Phone number: 0178-27-3053
Reception hours: 8:30-17:30
Prayer reception hours: 8:30-17:30 (hours vary during the first three days of the New Year)
National Treasure Museum Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (fee required, open all year round)
"Tsugaru no Ichidaisama" - A unique first shrine visit to the Hirosaki region
The torii gate of Taga Shrine, dedicated to the Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva, the deity of the Year of the Rat. Source: Aomori Prefecture Tourism Information Site "Amazing AOMORI"
The guardian deity of the zodiac sign of the year in which one was born is called "Ichidaisama , " and at turning points in life, one always visits the temple or shrine that enshrines that deity. This is a custom unique to the Tsugaru region.
Nowadays, when the bells begin to ring on New Year's Eve, a new custom is taking root: visiting shrines in Hirosaki City and the surrounding area to pray at each generation of a family
What is the guardian deity of the zodiac?
Gumonji Temple, dedicated to Kokuzo Bosatsu, the deity of the Year of the Ox and the Year of the Tiger. Source: Aomori Prefecture Tourism Information Site "Amazing AOMORI"
The twelve zodiac signs are assigned to eight directions and two zodiac signs, so there are two zodiac signs assigned to each direction: northeast (Ox Tiger), southeast (Dragon Snake), southwest (Goose Monkey), and northwest (Dog Pig)
Year of the Rabbit, Kongosan Saishoin Temple Source: Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Association Official Website
In esoteric Buddhism (such as Shingon Buddhism), each zodiac sign has a designated guardian deity that protects it, and the first shrine visit of the year is usually to a temple or shrine around Hirosaki where each guardian deity is enshrined
Year of the Rat (Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva, North): Taga Shrine
Year of the Ox and Year of the Tiger (Kokuzo Bosatsu, northeast): Gumonji Temple)
Year of the Rabbit Part 1 (Manjusri Bodhisattva, East): Kongosan Saishoin Temple
Year of the Rabbit Part 2 (Manjusri Bodhisattva, East): Tenmangu Shrine (Nishimomori, Hirosaki City)
Year of the Rabbit, Part 3 (Manjusri Bodhisattva, East): Kanehira Tenmangu Shrine (Kanehira, Hirosaki City)
Year of the Rabbit, Part 4 (Manjusri Bodhisattva, East): Akakurasan Kongoji Temple (Hirakawa City)
Year of the Dragon and Year of the Snake (Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, Southeast): Atagoyama Kyounji Temple (Atagoyama, Hirosaki City)
Year of the Horse (Seishi Bodhisattva, South): Shirayamahime Shrine (Kuroishi City)
Year of the Sheep/Year of the Monkey (Mahavairocana, southwest): Daienji Temple (Owani-cho)
Year of the Rooster (Acala, West): Kogakesan Kokujoji Temple, Hirakawa City
Year of the Dog/Year of the Pig (Hachiman Daibosatsu or Amida Nyorai, northwest): Hirosaki Hachiman Shrine
Jinguji Temple (Hirakawa City) where all the "great masters of Tsugaru" are gathered
We have introduced many temples and shrines around Hirosaki City as " Tsugaru Ichidaisama
All eight guardian deities are enshrined inside the main hall, making it convenient for large groups of friends or family to make the "Ichidaisama" pilgrimage
In this article, we have picked out and introduced three recommended shrines and temples for your first visit of the year in Aomori Prefecture, roughly divided into three regions
Why not visit the large shrines that are famous as local power spots, which are a classic among classics, and the guardian deity of the zodiac, to pray for peace and happiness in 2025?
The custom of "Ichidaisama" is unique to the Tsugaru region, but if you find an "Ichidaisama" in your area and pray to it, you may be granted great blessings
Year of the Snake New Year's Shrine Visit Series List
I'm a former Edokko man who loves Morioka and the six Tohoku prefectures, and I also love history, food, travel, sports, alcohol, and singing. I'll be introducing you to the interesting, delicious, and great things about Tohoku!
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