Complete Guide to Niu Shrines: A Thorough Explanation of the History, Deities, and Origins of Niu Shrines Nationwide
Numerous shrines called “Niu Shrines” exist throughout Japan. With various pronunciations such as “Niu,” “Nibu,” “Nyu,” and “Tanjo,” Niu Shrines have deep ties to the mining of mercury (cinnabar) in ancient Japan and are important for understanding Japanese history and culture. This article comprehensively explains everything from the origins of Niu Shrines to the characteristics of Niu Shrines located throughout the country.
What are Niu Shrines?
Niu Shrines are a general term for shrines that primarily enshrine Niutsuhime-no-kami as their deity. The name “Niu” originates from a place name indicating a production area of “cinnabar,” a pigment used for vermilion and a raw material for mercury in ancient times.
Meaning and Etymology of Niu
“Tan” means vermilion, and “sei” represents production. In ancient Japan, mercury was extracted from a mineral called cinnabar (vermilion). This cinnabar was highly valued as a red pigment used in the construction and decoration of shrines and temples, and also as an elixir of immortality. Areas where cinnabar was found were given the place name “Niu,” and Niu-tsuhime-no-kami came to be worshipped as the guardian deity of these areas.
About Niu-tsuhime-no-kami
Niu-tsuhime-no-kami is a goddess in Japanese mythology known as the goddess of mercury. In ancient times, mercury was an extremely valuable resource, indispensable for gilding Buddhist statues and as a vermilion pigment. Niu-tsuhime-no-kami was worshipped as the goddess who presided over this precious resource, as well as as a water deity.
As time passed and mercury mining ceased in certain regions, the character of Niu-tsuhime-no-kami also changed. Her role as a goddess of mercury faded, and in many cases, she came to be worshipped as a water deity essential for agriculture or as a goddess of rainmaking.
The Head Shrine of Niu Shrines: Niutsuhime Shrine
Located in Katsuragi-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama Prefecture, Niutsuhime Shrine is considered the head shrine of all Niu shrines nationwide. It is said to have been founded over 1700 years ago and is registered as a World Heritage Site as part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.
There is a legend that when Kobo Daishi Kukai founded Mount Koya, he received guidance from Niutsuhime-no-kami, the local deity, and Koya-no-miko-no-okami (Kariba Myojin), making this shrine deeply connected to Mount Koya.
Niu Shrines Nationwide: Detailed Regional Guide
Numerous Niu shrines exist throughout Japan. Here, we introduce representative Niu shrines by major region.
Niu Shrines in the Kanto Region
Niu Shrine, Narashino City, Chiba Prefecture
Located in Yatsu, Narashino City, Chiba Prefecture, Niu Shrine has been revered as the tutelary deity of Yatsu Village. The enshrined deity is Niutsuhime-no-kami, and according to oral tradition, it was founded in 1655 (Shoo 4/Meireki 1) by inviting a divided spirit from Niutsuhime Shrine in Kii Province (present-day Wakayama Prefecture).
The main hall was rebuilt in 1811 (Bunka 8), and it continues to attract local devotion. The existence of a Niu Shrine in the Kanto region, established through an invitation from Kishu (Wakayama Prefecture), is a valuable example demonstrating the spread of faith during the Edo period.
Niu Shrine, Kamikawa Town, Saitama Prefecture
Located in Kamikawa Town, Saitama Prefecture, Niu Shrine is a town-designated historical site. Based on the ridgepole inscriptions from reconstructions and restorations, the shrine is believed to have been founded before Eisho 17 (1520), and was formerly known as “Asuwa Daimyojin” or “Asuwa Niu Daimyojin.”
The enshrined deities are Takaokami-no-kami and Mizuhayame-no-kami, both gods who govern water. Despite bearing the name Niu, this shrine centers on water deity worship, demonstrating a form of faith deeply connected to local agriculture.
Niu Shrine, Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture
Located in Shimo-Niu, Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture, Niu Shrine enshrines Niutsuhime-no-mikoto. While the exact founding date is unknown, it is listed in the Kōzuke Province Shrine Register on December 5, Jōgan 17 (875), during the reign of Emperor Seiwa, as “Niu Myojin, Junior Third Rank, among the 32 shrines of Kanra,” indicating that it was already recognized as an important shrine during the Heian period.
Niu Shrines in the Hokuriku, Chubu, and Tokai Regions
Several Niu Shrines exist in the Chubu region, each conveying the history and culture of the area. They are particularly common in mountainous mining areas.
Niu Shrines in the Kinki Region
The Kinki region is the center of Niu Shrines, with a particularly high concentration in Wakayama and Mie prefectures.
Niu Shrines in Wakayama Prefecture
Wakayama Prefecture is home to numerous Niu Shrines, including the head shrine, Niutsuhime Shrine.
Niu Shrine (Hidaka-gawa Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture)
This shrine was the village shrine of the former Niu Village, and enshrines Hachiman-Okami as its main deity, with Niutsuhime-no-Mikoto also enshrined. Hachiman-Okami and Niutsuhime-no-Mikoto have a particularly deep connection, and before the two-year shrine consolidation in 1908 (Meiji 41), it was called “Egawa Hachiman-gu.” This shrine retains strong traces of the history of syncretism between Shinto and Buddhism and the influence of Meiji-era shrine policies.
Niu Shrine (Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture)
According to a ridge beam inscription held by this shrine, on December 10, 935 (Shohei 5), Fujiwara no Muneshige, a local resident, received a divine oracle and invited Niutsuhime-no-kami from Tokiwa, Amano Village, Ito District (the current location of Niutsuhime Shrine). He built a small shrine on Reiganzan Mountain to appease the deity and worshipped her as the tutelary deity. This is considered the origin of the shrine. It is a valuable example with a clear record of its enshrinement in the mid-Heian period.
Niu Kanshofu Shrine (World Heritage Site)
Located in Kudoyama Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture, Niu Kanshofu Shrine is registered as a World Heritage Site as part of the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” It is said to have been founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai and has a particularly deep connection with Mount Koya. The shrine is recognized as a Japan Heritage site under the heading “Women’s Koyasan: A Healing Sacred Place That Continues to Watch Over Us Through Time and Adapt to the Times,” and is known as a sacred place that attracts the faith of women. The construction of the shrine reflects the philosophy of Kobo Daishi, and its architectural style and layout have noteworthy features.
Niu Shrines in the Chugoku Region
Niu shrines are scattered throughout the Chugoku region, and are linked to the history of mining development in various areas. The San’in region, in particular, has many ancient cinnabar producing areas, and traces of the associated Niu faith remain.
Niu Shrines in the Shikoku Region
In the Shikoku region, Niu shrines particularly influenced by the Koyasan faith can be found. Shikoku, the birthplace of Kobo Daishi Kukai, has many sacred sites associated with Kukai, and the faith in Niu-Tsuhime-no-Kami spread throughout the region.
Niu Shrines in the Kyushu Region
Niu Shrine, Oita City, Oita Prefecture
Niu Shrine in Oita City, Oita Prefecture, is located approximately 400 meters northeast of Niu Elementary School. The enshrined deities are Mizuhanome-no-kami and Takeiwa-ryu-no-mikoto.
According to shrine tradition, “In the second year of Emperor Monmu’s reign (698 AD) during the Hakuhō period, cinnabar was presented to the imperial court,” indicating that this area was a source of cinnabar in ancient times. Mizuhanome-no-kami, a water deity, was enshrined on Mount Sano and has since been revered as “Niu Daimyōjin.” This is a valuable record showing a relationship with the imperial court from an extremely early period, the end of the 7th century.
Niu Shrines and Ancient Japanese Industry
The distribution of Niu Shrines tells the story of the history of mining, particularly the mercury industry, in ancient Japan.
Uses and Importance of Mercury
In ancient Japan, mercury was used for the following purposes:
- Gold Plating: Large quantities of mercury were used in the construction of the Great Buddha of Nara.
- Vermilion Pigment: Used in the construction and decoration of shrines and temples, and in murals.
- Medicine: Highly valued as an elixir of immortality (though actually toxic).
- Ritual Tools: Vermilion was used in Shinto rituals.
Distribution of Place Names Related to Niu
Place names such as “Niu,” “Tan,” and “Shu” remaining throughout Japan indicate that vermilion sand was once produced there. The distribution of these place names and Niu Shrines generally coincides, making them a valuable cultural heritage that conveys the ancient industrial structure to the present day.
Changes in the Beliefs of Niu Shrines
The beliefs surrounding Niu Shrines have changed over time.
Ancient Times: Guardian Deity of Mines
Initially, Niu Shrine was worshipped as the guardian deity of mercury mines and the people engaged in its mining. Cinnabar was a nationally important resource, and the deity protecting its source was highly valued by the imperial court.
Medieval Period: Connection with Koyasan Faith
From the Heian period onward, Niu-tsuhime-no-kami became associated with the legend of Kobo Daishi Kukai’s founding of Koyasan, and came to be worshipped as the local deity of Koyasan. This led to a deep connection between Niu worship and Shingon Esoteric Buddhism.
Early Modern Period and Beyond: Transformation into Water and Agricultural Deity
In areas where mercury mining ceased, the character of Niu-tsuhime-no-kami also changed. She transformed from a mercury deity to a water deity, and then to a deity of rain and fertility, essential for agriculture. This transformation is a good example of the flexibility and continuity of Japanese folk beliefs.
The Significance of Visiting Niu Shrine
Visiting Niu Shrine in modern times holds meaning beyond mere sightseeing.
Dialogue with History
Niu Shrine is a living museum that conveys the history of ancient Japanese industry, faith, and local community. Standing on the shrine grounds allows one to reflect on the lives of people from over a thousand years ago.
Harmony with Nature
Many Niu Shrines are situated in mountainous areas rich in nature. Visiting Niu-Tsuhime-no-Kami, who has the characteristics of a water deity, provides an opportunity to renew gratitude for the blessings of water and nature.
Understanding Local Culture
Niu Shrines in various regions reflect the history and culture of their respective areas. By learning about the unique forms of worship and festivals of each region, one can appreciate the diversity and richness of Japanese culture.
Architecture and Cultural Assets of Niu Shrine
Many Niu Shrines preserve valuable buildings and cultural assets.
Architectural Styles of the Main Shrine
The main shrines of Niu Shrines exhibit various architectural styles depending on the region and era. You can learn about the diversity of Japanese shrine architecture, including styles such as Kasuga-zukuri, Nagare-zukuri, and Shinmei-zukuri. In particular, buildings constructed from the medieval period onward are important cultural heritage that convey the technology and aesthetic sensibilities of that time.
Ridgepole Inscriptions and Ancient Documents
Many Niu Shrines preserve ridgepole inscriptions that record construction and repairs. These are extremely important historical materials for understanding the history of the shrine and are valuable resources for regional history research.
Festivals and Folk Customs
Traditional festivals and folk customs are still preserved at Niu Shrines throughout the country. Events based on the agricultural calendar, such as rain-making rituals, harvest festivals, and autumn harvest thanksgiving festivals, strongly reflect the traditions of Japanese agricultural culture.
A Recommendation for Visiting Niu Shrines
Visiting Niu Shrines throughout Japan is a wonderful opportunity to experience and learn about Japanese history and culture.
A Recommendation for Visiting Niu Shrines
Visiting Niu Shrines throughout Japan is a wonderful opportunity to learn about Japanese history and culture firsthand. ### Points for Pilgrimage
- Prior Research: Investigating the history and characteristics of each shrine beforehand will lead to a deeper understanding.
- Local History: Understanding the historical background of the region will clarify the significance of the shrine.
- Natural Environment: Pay attention to the natural environment surrounding the shrine. Water sources and mine sites are often nearby.
- Interaction with Locals: Oral traditions and legends heard from local people are valuable sources of information not found in written documents.
Goshuin Stamp Pilgrimage
Many Niu Shrines offer Goshuin stamps. Recording the Niu Shrines you visit in a Goshuin stamp book allows you to create your own pilgrimage record.
Current Status and Challenges of Niu Shrine Research
Academically, research on Niu Shrines spans multiple fields, including archaeology, history, folklore, and religious studies.
Research Progress
In recent years, progress has been made in elucidating ancient mercury mining techniques and distribution routes, making the historical significance of Niu Shrines clearer. Furthermore, cutting-edge technologies such as DNA analysis are gradually revealing the realities of ancient people’s movements and interactions.
Future Challenges
On the other hand, many Niu Shrines are facing difficulties in continuing traditional festivals due to depopulation and a lack of successors. The preservation and transmission of valuable cultural assets is a crucial challenge facing modern society.
Summary: Niu Shrines Tell the Story of Japanese History
Niu Shrines are valuable cultural heritage sites that convey the industries, beliefs, and daily lives of people in ancient Japan. The beliefs, centered around the resource of mercury, have been carefully preserved in various regions, albeit while transforming over time.
By visiting Niu Shrines scattered throughout Japan, we can experience the diversity and continuity of Japanese history. Understanding both the unique history of each shrine and the broader scope of Niu faith as a whole leads to a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.
For us living in the modern age, Niu Shrines are not merely relics of the past. They offer many insights into contemporary issues such as coexistence with nature, the importance of local communities, and the transmission of culture.
Learning about Niu Shrine in Japanese is a valuable opportunity to touch upon the essence of Japanese history and culture. If you have the chance, please visit a Niu Shrine near you. There, the faith and culture that have been passed down for over a thousand years still thrive.
