This site is a web media that delivers all kinds of trivia, from sightseeing and gourmet spots in the six Tohoku prefectures to local, customs, and history.
Iwate Prefecture has many classic shrines and temples that are perfect for New Year's visits, such as Chusonji Temple in Hiraizumi, where the Oshu Fujiwara clan boasted their prosperity, and Morioka Hachimangu Shrine, which is said to be the most powerful power spot in the prefecture
All of these shrines are known for bestowing various blessings, but in this article we will introduce three shrines that offer particularly unique blessings
Morioka Tenmangu Shrine (Morioka City)
The tranquil atmosphere of the grounds and main hall Source: Iwate Prefecture Official Tourism Site "Iwate Travel"
When it comes to the gods of learning and wisdom in Morioka city, Morioka Tenmangu Shrine is said to be the best
This is a recommended power spot for students facing exam challenges in the new year, as well as researchers and scholars who devote themselves to their studies every day
From the slightly elevated Tenjinyama mountain, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Morioka city, and the temple grounds, where you will be greeted by a pair of Komainu statues with simple yet charming faces, have a quiet and solemn atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city
Ishiwari Ume and Zeniwaku Stone Source: Tenmangu Shrine Ishiwari Ume Iwate Prefecture Official Tourism Site "Iwate Travel"
Morioka is famous for its tourist attractions, including the " Ishiwari Sakura " (stone-splitting cherry blossoms), but Tenmangu Shrine also has a similar " Ishiwari Plum It is also known as Money-wake Stone because old coins have been found to have emerged from the cracks in the stone
Morioka Tenmangu Shrine's Deity and Benefits
Sugawara no Michizane (by Kikuchi Yosai) Source: Wikipedia
The enshrined deity SugawaraTenman Daijizai Tenjin," who is considered the god of learning, literature, and calligraphy .
In addition, the Inari Shrine " Ukanomitama Okami" and the Kashima Shrine " Takemikazuchi no Okami" are enshrined within the grounds as subsidiary shrines.
In addition to academic success, the shrine also offers benefits such as business prosperity, family harmony, health, matchmaking, and protection from evil
The cow statue in the temple grounds. Source: Iwate Prefecture Official Tourism Site "Iwate Travel"
The grounds are also lined with statues and stones that are said to bring good fortune when stroked. It is said that stroking the "Nadeushi" statue will cure illnesses, and stroking the " MatchmakingStone " will bring you good fortune in finding a good partner.
Morioka Tenmangu Shrine and its lion dogs, beloved by the poet Ishikawa Takuboku
Komainu on the left side of the main shrine Source: Iwate Prefecture Official Tourism Site "Iwate Travel"
Ishikawa Takuboku is said to have loved the atmosphere of Tenmangu Shrine, and he often visited the shrine and left behind several songs and poems
The charming-looking lion dogs, which Takuboku liked and described in his own novels as "unattractive" and "a rare find in the world," are enshrined on a pedestal engraved with a monument to his poem
The lion on the right has small ears. Source: Iwate Prefecture Official Tourism Site "Iwate Travel"
There is also a monument to Takuboku's poems in a plaza with a great view, located a little way down from the temple grounds. You can read these poems and think back to Takuboku, who spent his youth here
View of Morioka city from Tenmangu Shrine Source: Tohoku tourism and travel information site "Tabi Tohoku"
New Year's visit information for Morioka Tenmangu Shrine
Visits to the shrine are possible 24 hours a day, and amulets and talismans are available for purchase from 9:00 to 17:00 (although on some days they may be available from 10:00 to 15:00)
One of Tenjin-sama's events, " changing the bush warbler), is held on January 25th, and the wooden carved " bush warbler " needed for this event can be obtained from New Year's Day.
Please note that the shrine only has parking for 10 cars, so if you are planning to visit the shrine during the busy New Year's visit, it is best to use a nearby coin parking lot and walk to the shrine
Morioka Tenmangu Shrine <Information>
Facility name: Morioka Tenmangu Shrine
Address: 5-43 Shinjocho, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture
Tonogo Hachimangu Shrine Main Hall Source: Wikipedia (File name: Tonogohachimangu.jpg, Photographer: Ty19080914)
Tonogo Hachimangu Shrine , which appears in Kunio Yanagita's " The Tales of Tono dates back to the Kamakura period, and it was ardently protected by the Nanbu clan as the main shrine of Tonogo.
The riding ground where Nambu Yabusame is held. Source: Wikipedia (File name: Baba,Tono,Iwate.jpg, Photographer: Ty19080914
There is a large riding ground that is a designated cultural property (historic site) of Tono City, and at the autumn Tono Festival, Tono Nanbu-ryu Yabusame, a horseback archery style that is said to have been passed down for over 360 years, is held here
The deity and blessings of Tonogo Hachiman Shrine
Emperor Ojin and his attendant Takeuchi no Sukune (by Sumiyoshi Tomoyoshi) Source: Wikipedia
The main deity , Hondawake no Mikoto, is the deified form of the 15th Emperor, Emperor Ojin, and is the god of bravery and learning who is enshrined as Hachiman at Hachiman shrines across the country .
He is widely worshipped in Buddhism as Hachiman Daibosatsu, an object of worship in Buddhism as a result of the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism
In addition, the following gods are also enshrined
Okuninushi-no-kami
Kotoshironushi no Kami
The god Sukunahikona
Mitoshi no Kami (New Year's God)
The benefits offered include "long-lasting military fortune" and "scholarly success," as well as "protection of the nation," "prayer for fertility," and "recovery from illness."
Cat Shrine, where cats are enshrined as deities
In one corner of the temple grounds there is a small shrine called " Cat Shrine ," which is visited by many worshippers.
The enshrined deity, Otora-sama , is a stray tabby cat that was born near the Hachiman Shrine and was welcomed as shrine cat
He visited the main shrine every morning and evening without fail, and guided visitors to Hachimangu Shrine, but on September 3, 2013, he was spotted returning to Mt. Hachiman after visiting the main shrine
The blessings of "Otora-sama" are "matchmaking" and "health and longevity for your beloved cat."
New Year's visit information for Tonogo Hachiman Shrine
New Year's prayers are held from midnight on New Year's Eve
If you wish to have the first prayer at midnight, please complete your prayer registration by 11:45pm
Prayers are held at regular intervals from New Year's Eve through New Year's Day, and New Year's prayer talismans and amulets are given out along with "Tono Doburoku," a sake
Additionally, during the New Year period, from New Year's Eve to January 5th, the temple grounds are lit up at night, so you can rest assured knowing your feet are brightly lit
The shrine also has a third parking lot, which can accommodate over 150 cars
Tonogo Hachiman Shrine <Information>
Facility name: Tonogo Hachiman Shrine
Location: 23 Shiraiwa, Matsuzakicho, Tono City, Iwate Prefecture, 19
" Ichinomiya of Rikuchu ," was deeply revered by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro and the father-son duo Minamoto no Yoriyoshi and Yoshiie.
Source: Wikipedia (File name: Komagata-jinja (Oshu) haiden.JPG, Photographer: Saigen Jiro)
It is said that the Fujiwara clan of Oshu deeply revered the shrine because their prayers for military success were answered, and it is the most powerful power spot in southern Iwate Prefecture, attracting many believers since ancient times
Komagata Shrine's Deity and Benefits
Main shrine Source: Wikipedia (File name: Komagata-jinja (Oshu) honden.JPG, Photographer: Saigen Jiro)
The enshrined deities are said to be the following six, collectively known as Komagata
Amaterasu Omikami
Amenotokotachi no Mikoto (Amenotokotachi no Mikoto)
Kunisatachi no Mikoto
Akatsu-no-Mikoto
Okise no Mikoto
Hikoho-no-Mikoto
The benefits bestowed by these gods include industrial development, traffic safety, prayers for victory, protection from bad luck, and safety for the home
The most popular charm is the "Nitouryuu Mamori"
Mizusawa in Oshu City, where Komagata Shrine is located, is the hometown of Shohei Ohtani, a player for the MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers. Komagata Shrine, which protects Oshu City, awards two-sword charms
When you think of Ohtani, the first thing that comes to mind is his "two-way play" as both a pitcher and batter
Due to injury, he has only been reported to be a successful batter this year, but next year he is expected to perform as a two-way player again as before
This talisman is popular among people who wish to achieve their goals in sports or exams and maintain good health, and who wish to be successful in two ways like Ohtani
Komagata Shrine New Year's visit information
Kagura Hall Source: Wikipedia (File name: Komagata-jinja (Oshu) kaguraden.JPG, Photographer: Saigen Jiro)
Komagata Shrine is the most popular shrine in Oshu, with over 120,000 people visiting every year during the first three days of the New Year
The New Year's Eve Festival is held from 4:00 to 4:30 pm on New Year's Eve, and the New Year's Day Festival is held from 7:00 to 7:30 am on New Year's Day. New Year's prayers are accepted after the gates open at midnight on New Year's Day
Also, at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on New Year's Day, the oldest man and woman will throw mandarin oranges with New Year's luck, and if you get a lucky mandarin orange, you will receive a special sacred sake made by the shrine
Please note that the following parking lots are available as temporary parking lots for first visits to the shrine
Mizusawa Park Parking Lot (New Year's Day only)
Z Plaza Aterui Parking Lot (December 31st 23:30 - January 1st 18:00)
Mizusawa Park South Parking (paid)
From the 2nd onwards, the shrine grounds will be open as a parking lot
Komagata Shrine <Information>
Facility name: Rikuchu Ichinomiya Komagata Shrine
Address: 1-83 Nakauenocho, Mizusawa, Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture
Phone number: 0197-23-2851
Opening hours: 5:30-20:00 (midnight-20:00 on New Year's Day)
In this article, we introduced three shrines in Iwate Prefecture that have unique stories to tell: Ishikawa Takuboku, Cat Shrine, and Shohei Ohtani
I hope to have the opportunity to introduce some of the first shrine visit spots in the northern part of the prefecture and the Sanriku coastal area that were not covered this time
Year of the Snake New Year's Shrine Visit Series List
I am a former Edo guy who loves Morioka, loves the six prefectures of Tohoku, and loves history, gourmet food, travel, sports, alcohol, and singing. We'll introduce you to some interesting, delicious, and good things about Tohoku!
![Genbikei bus stop](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_5931-150x150.jpg.webp "The specialty of Genbikei, "Flying Dango," is definitely worth a visit! Delicious activities! [Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture]")
