Complete Guide to Bingo Gokoku Shrine | A Thorough Explanation of History, Prayers, Access, and Annual Events
Located in Marunouchi, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Bingo Gokoku Shrine is a historic shrine situated north of Fukuyama Castle. It is a special place, cherished by the local community, combining its role as a Gokoku Shrine (shrine dedicated to the war dead) with the history of Abe Shrine, which enshrines the Abe family, the former lords of the Fukuyama domain. This article provides a detailed explanation of Bingo Gokoku Shrine, including its history, prayers, annual events, and access methods.
What is Bingo Gokoku Shrine?
Bingo Gokoku Shrine is a shrine located within Fukuyama Castle Park in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture. It enshrines the war dead from Bingo Province and the Abe family, the successive lords of the Bingo Fukuyama domain. Its former shrine rank was a Gokoku Shrine designated by the Minister of Home Affairs, and after the war, it became a Beppyo Shrine (a shrine listed in the special register).
About the Deities Enshrined
The deities enshrined at Bingo Gokoku Shrine are as follows:
- Spirits of the War Dead from the Six Cities and Eight Counties of Bingo: Spirits of those from Bingo Province who died for their country from the Meiji Restoration to the Greater East Asia War
- Oohiko-no-Mikoto: The distant ancestor of the Abe family
- Takenunakawawake-no-Mikoto: The ancestral deity of the Abe family
- Toyokihiwake-no-Mikoto: The ancestral deity of the Abe family
- Successive Lords of Bingo Fukuyama Domain, including Abe Masahiro: Spirits of successive lords of the domain, from Lord Masakatsu, the restorer of the Abe family, to the current lords
History and Origins of Bingo Gokoku Shrine
Circumstances of its Founding
The history of Bingo Gokoku Shrine dates back to the first year of the Meiji era (1868). The shrine’s origins lie in the establishment of a Shokonsha (shrine for the spirits of the war dead) in the former Yoshizu Village, Fukatsu District, by Lord Abe Masatake, the lord of the Fukuyama Domain at the time, to enshrine the spirits of those who died in the Battle of Masuda in Iwami Province and the Battle of Hakodate.
Subsequently, from the Meiji Restoration to the Greater East Asia War, it developed as a Shokonsha enshrining the spirits of those from Bingo Province who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
Merger with Abe Shrine
Meanwhile, Abe Shrine, founded in 1813 (Bunka 10), enshrined Ōhiko-no-Mikoto, the distant ancestor of the Abe family, as its main deity, and also enshrined the spirits of successive lords of the domain, including Lord Masakatsu, the restorer of the Abe family. Abe Shrine was formerly ranked as a prefectural shrine.
In 1957 (Showa 32), Abe Shrine, built by the Abe family, the lords of the Fukuyama Domain, and the Shokonsha merged and were renamed the current “Bingo Gokoku Shrine.” This resulted in a shrine with a unique form, combining the roles of a national guardian shrine and a shrine dedicated to the feudal lords, a rare combination in Japan.
The Current Bingo Gokoku Shrine
The current Bingo Gokoku Shrine is located north of Fukuyama Castle, within Fukuyama Castle Park. Within the grounds stand various memorial monuments commemorating those who died in war, conveying history to the present day.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
Main Hall and Worship Hall
The main hall and worship hall of Bingo Gokoku Shrine stand in a tranquil setting within Fukuyama Castle Park. Visitors first offer their prayers at the worship hall, paying homage to the war dead and the successive feudal lords.
Memorial Monuments
Numerous memorial monuments stand within the temple grounds to commemorate those who died in war:
- Mariana Memorial: Commemorating those who died in the Mariana Islands
- Memorial for Army Boy Pilots: Commemorating young boy pilots who lost their lives at a young age
- Iwo Jima Memorial: Commemorating those who died in the fierce battle of Iwo Jima
- Mindanao Memorial: Commemorating those who died in the battle of Mindanao, Philippines
These memorial monuments play an important role in conveying the tragedy of war and passing on the preciousness of peace to future generations.
Miyamoto Musashi’s Sitting Stone
Within Fukuyama Castle Park is the “Miyamoto Musashi Sitting Stone,” where the swordsman Miyamoto Musashi is said to have sat. It’s a must-see spot when exploring the historical area around Fukuyama Castle.
About Prayers and Supplications
Bingo Gokoku Shrine is a shrine famous for various prayers and supplications since ancient times. In particular, prayers for safe childbirth and prayers for passing exams are well-known, attracting many worshippers from far and wide.
Prayers for Safe Childbirth
Bingo Gokoku Shrine is especially famous for prayers for safe childbirth. Many pregnant women and their families visit from within Hiroshima Prefecture and even from outside the prefecture. While it is common to perform prayers for safe childbirth on the Day of the Dog in the fifth month of pregnancy, prayers are also accepted on other days to accommodate your physical condition and convenience.
Prayers for safe childbirth include prayers for the health of mother and child and a safe delivery. If you bring your maternity belt, we can also perform a purification ceremony.
Prayers for Passing Exams
During exam season, many students and their families visit for prayers for passing exams. We pray for academic success, passing exams, and that the students’ efforts will bear fruit.
Other Prayers
Bingo Gokoku Shrine accepts various prayers, including the following:
- Exorcism/Protection from Misfortune: Prayers for warding off misfortune and ensuring safety for those in their unlucky years.
- Prayers for Good Fortune: Prayers for improved luck and attracting good fortune.
- Family Safety: Prayers for the health and safety of all family members.
- Traffic Safety: Prayers for the safety of vehicles and drivers.
- Business Prosperity: Prayers for the development and prosperity of businesses.
- Recovery from Illness: Prayers for recovery from illness.
- First Shrine Visit: Prayers for the healthy growth of babies.
- Shichi-Go-San (7-5-3 Festival): Prayers for the growth of children and for their future health.
Regarding Prayer Reception
We recommend making a reservation by phone in advance if you wish to have a prayer performed. Same-day reception is possible, but there may be a waiting time during busy periods.
For information regarding the offering fee (prayer fee), please contact the shrine directly.
Annual Events
Bingo Gokoku Shrine holds various annual events throughout the year.
Main Annual Events
- Saitansai (January 1st): A festival to celebrate the New Year and pray for peace throughout the year.
- Genshisai (January 3rd): A festival to celebrate the beginning of the Imperial throne.
- Kigensai (February 11th): A festival held on National Foundation Day.
- Shunki Reitaisai (April): The grand spring festival.
- Mitamasai (July): An important festival to commemorate the spirits of war dead.
- Autumn Reitaisai (October): The grand autumn festival.
- Niinamesai (November 23rd): A festival to give thanks for the harvest.
- Tenchosai (December 23rd): A festival to celebrate the Emperor’s birthday.
- Oharai-shiki (June 30th & December 31st): A Shinto ritual to purify oneself of sins and impurities accumulated over the past six months.
Special Festivals
The Spring and Autumn Grand Festivals are the most important festivals at Bingo Gokoku Shrine. Many worshippers visit to express gratitude to the war dead and offer prayers for peace.
The Mitama Festival is an important festival commemorating the war dead, and is attended by many bereaved families and related parties.
Access and Transportation Information
Bingo Gokoku Shrine is conveniently located within Fukuyama Castle Park and is accessible by various means of transportation.
Access by Train
From JR Fukuyama Station:
- Approximately 10 minutes on foot
- Exit the north exit of Fukuyama Station and head towards Fukuyama Castle Park
- Bingo Gokoku Shrine is located north of Fukuyama Castle.
It is very close to Fukuyama Station and within walking distance. Using Fukuyama Castle as a landmark will make it easy to find.
Access by Car
From Sanyo Expressway:
- Approximately 15 minutes from Fukuyama East IC or Fukuyama West IC
Parking:
- Parking is available within Fukuyama Castle Park
- Due to limited parking spaces, we recommend using public transportation during peak hours.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1-chome, Marunouchi, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture
For detailed contact information and the latest updates, please check the official website of Bingo Gokoku Shrine.
Manners and Etiquette for Visiting a Shrine
Basic Etiquette for Visiting a Shrine
- Bow before passing through the torii gate: Bow as a sign of respect before entering the sacred area.
- Purify yourself at the water basin: Purify your left hand, then your right hand, then your mouth.
- Walk along the edge of the path: The center of the path is considered the path of the gods.
- Worship at the main hall: Two bows, two claps, and one bow is the basic form of worship.
About Visiting a Gokoku Shrine
Gokoku shrines are shrines that enshrine the spirits of those who sacrificed their lives for their country. When visiting, remember to show gratitude and respect to the spirits of the war dead, and worship quietly.
About Goshuin (Shrine Seals)
Goshuin are available at Bingo Gokoku Shrine. Goshuin are popular among many visitors as proof of their visit and as a record of their connection with the shrine.
Goshuin (Shrine Stamp) Reception
Goshuin (shrine stamps) are available at the shrine office. Please bring your own goshuincho (stamp book) if you have one; if not, you can purchase one at the shrine.
Please follow the shrine’s regulations regarding the offering fee (goshuin fee).
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Bingo Gokoku Shrine is located within Fukuyama Castle Park, so there are many tourist attractions nearby.
Fukuyama Castle
Fukuyama Castle, located very close to Bingo Gokoku Shrine, was built in 1622 by Mizuno Katsunari. The castle tower was rebuilt after the war and is now open to the public as the Fukuyama Castle Museum. It is a beloved symbol of Fukuyama City.
Fukuyama Castle Museum
The museum, located inside the Fukuyama Castle tower, allows you to learn about the history and culture of Fukuyama. There are also exhibits related to the Abe family, and visiting both Bingo Gokoku Shrine and the museum will give you a deeper understanding of Fukuyama’s history.
Fukuyama Castle Museum ### Fukuyama Museum of Art
Located near Fukuyama Castle Park, this museum is known for its collections of contemporary Italian art and 20th-century European art.
The Charm of Bingo Gokoku Shrine
Layers of History
The greatest charm of Bingo Gokoku Shrine lies in its unique combination of two characteristics: a Gokoku Shrine (a shrine dedicated to the war dead) and a shrine dedicated to the feudal lord. This is rare among Gokoku Shrines nationwide and speaks to the depth of Fukuyama’s history.
Prayer for Peace
The numerous memorials standing within the shrine grounds quietly speak of the tragedy of war and the preciousness of peace. It is a place that makes us, living in the modern age, reconsider the importance of peace.
A Faith Rooted in the Community
As evidenced by the many visitors who come to pray for safe childbirth and success in exams, Bingo Gokoku Shrine is a shrine deeply rooted in the lives of the local people. It serves as a spiritual anchor, visited at various turning points in life.
A Sense of Integration with Fukuyama Castle
Located within Fukuyama Castle Park, you can enjoy a landscape that is integrated with Fukuyama Castle. Visiting Fukuyama Castle and Bingo Gokoku Shrine together as part of a historical walk will allow you to experience Fukuyama’s history more deeply.
Visitor Feedback and Reviews
Visitors to Bingo Gokoku Shrine have shared the following comments:
- “I visited to pray for a safe delivery. The Shinto priest performed the prayers carefully, and I was able to approach childbirth with peace of mind.”
- “Located within Fukuyama Castle Park, it’s easily accessible. I was able to pray peacefully in a quiet and tranquil atmosphere.”
- “Seeing the memorial monument on the shrine grounds made me reflect once again on the history of war and the importance of peace.”
- “I visited to pray for success in my exams, and I successfully passed the exam for my desired school. I came back to express my gratitude.”
- “I visited the shrine in conjunction with sightseeing at Fukuyama Castle. It was good to learn more about the history of Fukuyama.”
Summary
Bingo Gokoku Shrine is a special shrine where history and faith are intertwined, located within Fukuyama Castle Park in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Since its founding in 1868 (Meiji 1), it has enshrined the spirits of those who fought for their country from Bingo Province, and in 1957 (Showa 32), it merged with Abe Shrine to become its current form.
This shrine is cherished by locals and attracts many visitors from afar, as it is famous for prayers for safe childbirth and success in examinations. The memorial monuments lining the grounds tell the story of war and speak of the preciousness of peace.
Conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from Fukuyama Station, visiting it in conjunction with Fukuyama Castle and other nearby attractions allows you to experience Fukuyama’s history and culture more deeply.
Whether you’re praying for a significant milestone in your life, exploring history, or simply seeking a quiet moment of prayer, please visit Bingo Gokoku Shrine. It will surely be a memorable experience.
