Complete Guide to Nakajima Shrine | Thorough Explanation of Deities, History, and Blessings Across Japan
There are several shrines named Nakajima Shrine throughout Japan. The most famous is the main shrine in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, which enshrines the “God of Sweets,” but there are also shrines and branch shrines with the same name in various locations such as Muroran City, Hokkaido, Tokyo, Ehime Prefecture, and Saga Prefecture, each with different deities and histories. This article comprehensively explains the history, deities, blessings, and visiting information for Nakajima Shrines throughout Japan.
What is Nakajima Shrine? | A Diverse Group of Shrines Spread Across Japan
The name “Nakajima Shrine” is used in various locations depending on the place name and the origin of the enshrined deity, and they are not necessarily all of the same lineage. They can be broadly divided into the following types:
Nakajima Shrine Lineage Enshrining the God of Sweets
This group of shrines has its main shrine in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, and enshrines Tajimamori-no-Mikoto as its deity. There are seven branch shrines throughout Japan, and they enjoy fervent devotion from the confectionery industry. Branch shrines exist in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture (Dogo Onsen), Imari City, Saga Prefecture, and Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, among others.
Regional Nakajima Shrines
In Muroran City, Hokkaido, and Mitaka City and Chofu City, Tokyo, there are Nakajima Shrines with their own unique histories. These were founded based on place names, the history of development, or as guardian deities of the region, and enshrine deities different from the god of sweets.
Nakajima Shrine (Main Shrine), Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture | The Head Shrine of the God of Sweets
Deity and History
Nakajima Shrine, located in Miyake, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, is nationally known as the “god of sweets,” with Tajimamori-no-Mikoto as its enshrined deity. It is said to have been founded during the reign of Empress Suiko (592-628), making it a very old shrine.
Tajimamori-no-Mikoto was a figure who, during the reign of Emperor Suinin (the 11th emperor), traveled to the “Land of Eternity” (Tokoyo-no-Kuni) at the emperor’s command and brought back the “Tokijiku-no-Kagunokonomi,” a fruit believed to be an elixir of immortality. This Tokijiku-no-Kagunokonomi is thought to be the modern-day tachibana (mandarin orange), and was highly prized as the finest confectionery of its time. For this reason, Tajimamori-no-Mikoto is revered as the founder of confectionery.
Nationwide Worship and Confectionery Offering Festival
Every year, on the third Sunday of April, close to the anniversary of Tajimamori-no-Mikoto’s death, a Shinto ritual is held at Nakajima Shrine. On this day, confectionery professionals from all over Japan gather to offer confectionery. It is considered the most important sacred site for the confectionery industry, regardless of whether it’s Japanese or Western-style sweets.
Benefits and Visiting Information
- Main Benefits: Improvement of confectionery skills, business prosperity, health and longevity
- Location: Miyake, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Toyooka Station
This shrine is visited not only by those involved in the confectionery industry, but also by sweets lovers and those praying for health and longevity. Many offerings and votive tablets related to confectionery can be seen on the shrine grounds.
Nakajima Shrine, Muroran City, Hokkaido | A Shrine Marking the History of the Tondenhei (frontier soldiers)
History of Settlement and Tondenhei
Nakajima Shrine, located in Miyanomori-cho, Muroran City, Hokkaido, is a shrine with a history that has walked hand in hand with the settlement of Tondenhei during the Meiji era.
In 1887 (Meiji 20), 110 households settled as the first wave of Wanishi Tonden, and in 1889 (Meiji 22), another 110 households settled as the second wave. The Tondenhei (frontier soldiers) resolved to build a shrine as the guardian deity of their settlement, and in 1890 (Meiji 23), they erected a shrine building in Maruyama. Initially, it was called “Heimura-sha” or “Maruyama-jinja.”
In 1895 (Meiji 28), Count Kuroda Kiyotaka, the former head of the Hokkaido Development Commission, inscribed the divine name and dedicated it to the shrine. In 1897 (Meiji 30), it was moved to its current location (former Nakajimadai), the former site of the Tonden Company headquarters, and became known as “Nakajima-jinja.”
Deities Enshrined
- Main Deity: Amaterasu Omikami
- Enshrined Deities: Okuninushi-no-kami, Kotoshironushi-no-kami
Shrines within the Precincts
Three shrines, including Itsukushima-jinja, are located within the precincts and serve as the center of local faith. ### Festival Days and Visiting Information
- Festival Days: Various festivals are held throughout the year.
- Location: Miyanomori-cho, Muroran City, Hokkaido
- Benefits: Protection of pioneers, family safety, business prosperity
As a valuable shrine that conveys the history of the Tondenhei (frontier soldiers), it attracts the fervent faith of local residents.
Nakajima Shrine (Dogo Onsen), Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture | The Kaso Shrine, a branch shrine of the Shikoku region
Shrines of Dogo Onsen and Kanmuriyama
On Kanmuriyama, which rises south of the Dogo Onsen main building in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, are the “Yu Shrine,” which enshrines Dogo Onsen, and the “Nakajima Shrine,” which enshrines the god of sweets.
Nakajima Shrine was founded in 1957 by confectionery manufacturers from the four prefectures of Shikoku. This shrine was established as a branch shrine of the Shikoku region, with the enshrinement of Tajimamori-no-Mikoto, a divided deity from Nakajima Shrine in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture.
Dogo Onsen Good Fortune Pilgrimage Spot
Nakajima Shrine is a popular spot on the “Dogo Onsen Good Fortune Pilgrimage,” enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. Its convenient location, allowing visitors to stroll through the hot spring town, is also a major draw.
Benefits and Visiting Information
- Deity Enshrined: Tajimamori-no-Mikoto
- Benefits: Improvement of confectionery skills, business prosperity, health and longevity
- Location: Kanmuriyama, Dogo Yunomachi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
- Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Dogo Onsen Main Building
By visiting this shrine along with Yujinja Shrine, you can receive the blessings of the hot springs and the protection of the god of confectionery.
Nakajima Shrine in Tokyo | Located in Mitaka City and Chofu City
Nakajima Shrine, Mitaka City
Nakajima Shrine, located in Nakahara, Mitaka City, Tokyo, is revered as the guardian shrine of the region.
- Deities Enshrined: Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto, Onamuchi-no-Mikoto
- Annual Festival Date: October 5th
- Location: 3-4-4 Nakahara, Mitaka City, Tokyo
Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto is known as Inari-no-Kami and is the god of abundant harvests and business prosperity. Onamuchi-no-Mikoto (another name for Okuninushi-no-Kami) is revered as the god of matchmaking and family safety.
Nakajima Shrine, Chofu City (within the grounds of Kokuryo Shrine)
Nakajima Shrine is located within the grounds of Kokuryo Shrine in Chofu City, Tokyo. Kokuryo Shrine enshrines Kami-musubi-no-kami, Amaterasu-ōmikami, and Takehaya Susanoo-no-Mikoto, and is known for its sacred wisteria tree called “Sennen-no-fuji” (Thousand-Year Wisteria).
Nakajima Shrine, Imari City, Saga Prefecture | Kaso-sha (Shrine of the Ancestor of Confectionery) within the Grounds of Imari Shrine
The Place Where the First Hito-toki-ka Fruit Was Planted
Nakajima Shrine, located within the grounds of Imari Shrine in Imari City, Saga Prefecture, enshrines Tajimamori, the god of confectionery.
According to legend, Tajimamori, the Ancestor of Confectionery, who received orders from Emperor Suinin, brought back the fruit of the “Hito-toki-ka” fruit from the continent and planted it for the first time in Imari. Due to this historical connection, a Nakajima Shrine is also enshrined in Imari.
Benefits and Visiting Information
- Deity Enshrined: Tajimamori-no-Mikoto
- Benefits: Prosperity in the confectionery industry, business success
- Location: Imari City, Saga Prefecture (within the grounds of Imari Shrine)
Many visitors, including local confectionery businesses, come to this shrine.
Nakajima Shrine, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture | Within the grounds of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
God of Learning and God of Confectionery
Nakajima Shrine, the God of Confectionery, is located within the grounds of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. It was established in 1954 (Showa 29) by inviting the deity from Nakajima Shrine in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, and enshrines Tajimamori-no-Mikoto.
Because Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, which enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, and Nakajima Shrine, which enshrines the god of confectionery, are located within the same grounds, it is constantly visited by students taking exams and people involved in the confectionery industry.
Visitor Information
- Deity Enshrined: Tajimamori-no-Mikoto
- Location: Dazaifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture (within the grounds of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine)
- Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station
When visiting Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, please also visit Nakajima Shrine, the birthplace of confectionery.
More Details About the Deity Enshrined at Nakajima Shrine
Tajimamori-no-Mikoto
Tajimamori-no-Mikoto is a legendary figure appearing in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. In the 90th year of Emperor Suinin’s reign, he was dispatched to the “Land of Eternity” by order of the Emperor, and after 10 years, he returned with the “Hitoki-kagusa,” a miraculous elixir of immortality.
However, by the time he returned, Emperor Suinin had already passed away. It is said that the grieving Tajimamori-no-Mikoto offered the Hitoki-kagusa at the Emperor’s tomb and then took his own life. Due to this dedicated attitude and the fact that the Hito-toki Kagashi (a type of confectionery) is considered the origin of later confections, he came to be revered as the “God of Confectionery” and the “Ancestor of Confectionery.”
Amaterasu Omikami
She is enshrined as the principal deity at Nakajima Shrine in Muroran City, Hokkaido, and other locations. She is the supreme deity in Japanese mythology, the ancestral deity of the Imperial family, and a goddess revered as the sun goddess. She is believed to bring blessings of national peace and security, family safety, and good fortune.
Ukanomitama-no-kami
She is enshrined at Nakajima Shrine in Mitaka City, Tokyo, and other locations. She is a god widely worshipped as Inari-sama, the god of abundant harvests and business prosperity. She is known nationwide as the principal deity of Inari shrines.
Benefits and Prayers at Nakajima Shrine
Benefits from the Confectionery God System
- Improved Confectionery Skills: Improvement of confectioners’ skills, success in new product development
- Business Prosperity: Prosperity in the confectionery and food service industries
- Health and Longevity: Following in the footsteps of Tajimamori-no-Mikoto, who brought back the elixir of immortality
- Family Safety: Health and happiness of the family
Benefits from the Local Guardian Shrine System
- Protection from Pioneering: Success in new lands (e.g., Nakajima Shrine in Muroran, Hokkaido)
- Abundant Harvest: Prosperity in agriculture (Inari-related Nakajima Shrine)
- Matchmaking: Success in finding a good partner (Shrines dedicated to Okuninushi-no-Kami)
- Protection from Misfortune: Protection from disasters
How to Receive Prayers and Sacred Offerings
Each Nakajima Shrine accepts various prayers and sacred offerings, from individual prayers to corporate prayers. Group visits by confectionery companies and prayers for the success of new products are also accepted. Please contact each shrine directly for details.
Manners and Etiquette for Visiting a Shrine
Basic Visiting Etiquette
- Bow before passing through the torii gate: This is a courtesy 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 is considered the path of the gods.
- Etiquette at the main hall: The basic procedure is two bows, two claps, and one bow.
Special Visits to the God of Confectionery
Those involved in the confectionery industry may offer their company’s products or new confectionery creations as offerings. Furthermore, when praying for the development of the confectionery industry, it is important to have a heart that wishes for the prosperity of the entire industry.
Annual Festivals and Events
Nakajima Shrine, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Offering of Confectionery Festival: Third Sunday of April (close to the anniversary of the death of Tajimamori-no-Mikoto)
- The most important festival, attracting confectionery professionals from all over Japan.
Nakajima Shrine, Muroran City, Hokkaido
- Local festivals are held throughout the year.
- Community-based events such as New Year’s visits and the annual grand festival.
Branch Shrines in Various Locations
Each branch shrine has its own annual festivals and events. Please check the official information of each shrine before visiting.
Access and Visiting Information
Nakajima Shrine (Main Shrine), Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Address: Miyake, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Toyooka Station; taxi is recommended.
- Parking: Available
Nakajima Shrine, Muroran City, Hokkaido
- Address: Miyanomori-cho, Muroran City, Hokkaido
- Access: Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Muroran Station
- Parking: Available
Nakajima Shrine (Dogo), Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
- Address: Dogo Yunomachi (Kanmuriyama), Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
- Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Dogo Onsen Main Building; approximately 10 minutes on foot from Iyo Railway Dogo Onsen Station
- Parking: Use paid parking lots around Dogo Onsen
Nakajima Shrine, Mitaka City, Tokyo
- Address: 3-4-4 Nakahara, Mitaka City, Tokyo
- Access: Bus from JR Chuo Line Mitaka Station, or bus from Keio Line Tsutsujigaoka Station
Nakajima Shrine, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Address: Dazaifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture (within the grounds of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine)
- Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station
- Parking: Use the parking lot of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Goshuin (Shrine Seal) and Souvenirs
Goshuin (Shrine Seal)
Goshuin are available at each Nakajima Shrine. The main shrine in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, in particular, is popular for its specially designed goshuin befitting the god of sweets. Please be sure to get one as a memento of your visit.
Items Offered and Amulets
- Business Prosperity Amulet: An amulet wishing for prosperity in the confectionery and food service industries.
- Skill Improvement Amulet: An amulet wishing for improvement in the skills of craftsmen.
- Health and Longevity Amulet: An amulet wishing for eternal youth and longevity.
- Ema (Votive Tablet): Ema with designs related to sweets are also available.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Toyooka City (Hyogo Prefecture)
After visiting Nakajima Shrine, we recommend touring Toyooka’s sweets scene. Local Japanese and Western confectionery shops sell special sweets related to the god of sweets. Nearby tourist attractions include the Stork Park and Kinosaki Onsen.
Dogo Onsen (Ehime Prefecture)
After visiting Nakajima Shrine and Yu Shrine, we recommend bathing at Dogo Onsen Honkan, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs. The hot spring town is lined with many souvenir shops and restaurants.
Dazaifu (Fukuoka Prefecture)
Enjoy local delicacies such as Umegae Mochi (plum blossom rice cakes) along the approach to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. The Kyushu National Museum is also within walking distance.
Summary | Visiting Nakajima Shrines Across Japan
Nakajima Shrines are a group of shrines located throughout Japan, centered around their main shrine in Toyooka, which enshrines the god of confectionery. Each Nakajima Shrine has its own unique history and traditions, attracting local devotion.
For those involved in the confectionery industry, Nakajima Shrine, which enshrines Tajimamori-no-Mikoto, the founder of confectionery, is a special sacred place. Furthermore, Nakajima Shrines enshrined as local guardian shrines are still cherished by many people today, having watched over the history of pioneering and the development of their respective regions.
By visiting Nakajima Shrines throughout Japan and paying respects to their respective deities, you can experience the diversity and richness of Japanese shrine faith. Please visit a Nakajima Shrine near you, or one you encounter during your travels.
