Complete Guide to Hino Shrines: History, Goshuin (Seal Stamps), and Access Information for Hino Shrines Nationwide
There are several shrines named “Hino Shrine” throughout Japan, each with its own unique history and beliefs. This article provides detailed information on major Hino Shrines, including those in Hino City (Tokyo), Nishinomiya City (Hyogo Prefecture), Echizen City (Fukui Prefecture), and Iwami District (Tottori Prefecture).
What is a Hino Shrine?
The name “Hino Shrine” is used for shrines with various backgrounds, including those derived from the place name “Hino” and those related to the Hinoyama mountain worship. Hino Shrines throughout Japan enshrine different deities and have a long history as guardian shrines of their respective regions.
Distribution of Major Hino Shrines
Hino Shrines throughout Japan are located in the following areas:
- Hino City, Tokyo: Hino Yasaka Shrine (formerly known as Gozu Tenno Shrine)
- Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture: Hino Shrine (located on the site of Kawarabayashi Castle)
- Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture: Hino Shrine (center of Hinoyama worship)
- Iwami District, Tottori Prefecture: Hino Shrine (guardian shrine of the Otani area)
Each shrine possesses unique characteristics that reflect the history and culture of its region.
Hino Yasaka Shrine in Hino City, Tokyo
Overview
Hino Yasaka Shrine, located in Hino Honmachi, Hino City, Tokyo, is deeply revered by local residents as the guardian shrine of Hino-juku. Its former shrine rank was Village Shrine, and it is known as a shrine of Gion worship.
History and Founding
Hino Yasaka Shrine was formerly known as “Gozu Tenno Shrine,” and is still affectionately called “Tenno-sama” by local residents. While detailed records of its founding date are unavailable, it has long been a place of worship alongside the development of Hino-juku (Hino post town).
Due to the Meiji-era separation of Shinto and Buddhism, the shrine was renamed from Gozu Tenno to Yasaka Shrine, with Susanoo-no-Mikoto as its principal deity. This historical process is a valuable example illustrating the evolution of Japan’s shrine system.
Deep Connections with the Shinsengumi
The most distinctive feature of Hino Yasaka Shrine is its deep connection to the Shinsengumi. Within the shrine grounds, there are still votive plaques donated by Kondo Isami, Okita Soji, and other disciples of the Tennen Rishin-ryu school of swordsmanship, making it a popular destination for history buffs from across Japan.
The Hino area is known as the birthplace of the Shinsengumi, and the following related facilities are located there:
- Hijikata Toshizo Museum: The birthplace of Hijikata Toshizo, the vice-commander of the Shinsengumi
- Hino-juku Honjin: A historical building that retains the atmosphere of a post town on the Koshu Kaido road
- Sato Hikogoro Shinsengumi Museum: A museum dedicated to Sato Hikogoro, the brother-in-law of Kondo Isami
When visiting Hino Yasaka Shrine, visiting these facilities in conjunction will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the Shinsengumi’s history.
Annual Festival and Regular Events
Every year, Hino Yasaka Shrine holds a grand annual festival. Traditional events such as a portable shrine procession and lion dances take place during the festival, bringing together local people and creating a lively atmosphere. This festival is an important cultural event that conveys the traditions of Hino-juku to the present day.
Access Information
- Location: Hinohonmachi, Hino City, Tokyo
- Nearest Station: Approximately 10-minute walk from JR Chuo Line “Hino Station,” or take a bus from Keio Line “Takahatafudo Station”
- Parking: Parking available for visitors on the shrine grounds (limited number of spaces)
Hino Shrine, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture
Overview
Hino Shrine, located in Hinocho, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, enshrines Amaterasu Omikami as its main deity, and also enshrines Toyouke Omikami and Kasuga Daimyojin. The lush forest covering the shrine grounds is designated as a natural monument of Hyogo Prefecture, forming a sacred space where nature and history harmonize.
Relationship between History and Kawarabayashi Castle
The land on which Hino Shrine is located was formerly called Kawarabayashi (Kawarabayashi) Manor, and even further back, it was known as Hiroi Manor. This area is believed to have been connected to the Hiroi clan of Settsu Province (descendants of King Biryu of Baekje), indicating its historical importance since ancient times.
The current shrine building is said to have been founded in 1362 by Kawarabayashi Danjozaemon. A stone monument inscribed with “Kawarabayashi Castle Ruins” stands along the approach to the shrine, indicating that this was once the residence of the Kawarabayashi clan.
Kawarabayashi Castle was a fortress that existed from the Muromachi period to the Sengoku period, and Hino Shrine played an important role as the guardian deity of the castle. While very few remains of the castle exist today, the shrine’s existence conveys the history of that time.
Features of the Shrine Grounds
The grounds of Hino Shrine are surrounded by a grove of trees, maintaining a tranquil atmosphere despite being in an urban area. As you proceed along the approach, a white reinforced concrete worship hall with a copper-plated roof appears. While a modern shrine building, its harmony with the surrounding natural forest creates a beautiful landscape.
The shrine grounds, designated a Hyogo Prefecture Natural Monument, are a broad-leaved evergreen forest primarily composed of trees such as Castanopsis, Quercus, and Camphor, preserving a valuable natural environment in the increasingly urbanized city of Nishinomiya. It is also an important habitat for wild birds, offering opportunities for nature observation throughout the seasons.
Access Information
- Location: Hino-cho, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Nearest Station: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Hanshin Electric Railway’s “Mukogawa Station” or “Naruo Station”
- Bus: Immediately after alighting at the Hanshin Bus “Hino-cho” bus stop
Hino Shrine in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture
Overview
Hino Shrine, located in Nakahirabuki-cho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, is known as a shrine of mountain worship dedicated to Mount Hino (elevation 795m). Mount Hino, also known as Mount Ontake, Mount Hinagatake (Hina-ga-take), and Echizen Fuji, is a sacred mountain that has been an object of worship since ancient times.
Deities and Shikinaisha (Shrine Listed in the Engishiki) Candidates
The current deities enshrined are Emperor Keitai, Emperor Ankan, and Emperor Senka. Emperor Keitai was the 26th emperor and is said to have had deep ties to Echizen Province (present-day Fukui Prefecture), and is especially revered in this region.
Hino Shrine is considered one of the candidate shrines for the Shikinaisha, Aneko Shrine. Shikinaisha are historically significant shrines listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho (a list of shrines compiled during the Heian period), and this speaks to the long history of Hino Shrine.
Hino Mountain Worship and the Inner Shrine
The Inner Shrine is located at the summit of Mount Hino and is a central point of mountain worship. Mount Hino has been revered as a sacred mountain since ancient times and has also been used as a training ground for Shugendo practitioners.
Every year during the climbing season, many worshippers make their way to the inner shrine at the mountaintop. From the summit, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the Echizen Plain and the Sea of Japan, and on clear days, even the Hakusan mountain range can be seen. This magnificent scenery has fostered people’s faith since ancient times.
Regional Positioning
Hino Shrine is an important cultural asset in Echizen City and a key element in shaping the region’s identity. While the exact founding date is unknown, it is believed to have existed at least since the Heian period, making it an ancient shrine with a history of over a thousand years.
Access Information
- Location: 80-1 Chabata, Nakahirabuki-cho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture
- Nearest Station: Take a taxi or bus from JR Hokuriku Main Line “Takefu Station”
- Hiking: Approximately 2 hours from the Hinoyama trailhead to the summit shrine
Hino Shrine in Iwami District, Tottori Prefecture
Overview
Hino Shrine, located in Otani, Iwami-cho, Iwami-gun, Tottori Prefecture, is revered by local residents as the guardian shrine of the Hama-Otani area. Known as a prestigious and ancient shrine, it preserves a unique lion dance tradition.
History and Relocation
Hino Shrine was originally located in Hino Valley at the foot of Mt. Kinpu in Makitani, but was relocated to its current location in Hama-Otani after its shrine building was washed away by a flood. This historical process symbolizes the history of Japanese shrines coexisting with natural disasters.
In 1914 (Taisho 3), the shrine suffered a disaster when a storm caused the shrine building to collapse. However, the following year, the shrine was rebuilt with the cooperation of local residents. This history of reconstruction demonstrates the strong bonds of the local community and their deep faith in the shrine.
Annual Festival and Lion Dance
Hino Shrine’s annual festival is held twice a year, in spring and autumn:
- Spring Festival: Saturday and Sunday closest to April 15th
- Autumn Festival: Sunday closest to September 15th
Notably, the shrine possesses two female lions, a rarity in the prefecture. During the spring festival, lion dances are performed by the east and west sides, characterized by their low-stance dancing.
Lion Dance Performance Times:
- Evening Festival: Around 2 PM
- Festival Day: Around 8 AM
This traditional performing art is said to have originated during the Meiji period and boasts a history of over 100 years. It is being passed down by local youth and is an important intangible cultural property of Iwami Town.
Access Information
- Location: 483 Otani, Iwami-cho, Iwami-gun, Tottori Prefecture
- Nearest Station: Take a bus or taxi from JR San’in Main Line “Iwami Station”
- By Car: Approximately 30 minutes from Tottori IC on the Tottori Expressway
Other Shrines in the Hino City Area
Besides Hino Yasaka Shrine, many other historical shrines are located in Hino City.
Suwa Shrine
This shrine is said to have been established in 811 AD (Kōnin 2) by inviting the deity from Suwa Grand Shrine in Shinshu (Nagano Prefecture). The festival held in late August features lion dances and sumo wrestling, creating a lively atmosphere. This festival is an important annual event in Hino City and attracts many spectators.
Wakamiya Shrine
Wakamiya Shrine, located in Ochikawa, Hino City, is a shrine dedicated to Okuninushi-no-Mikoto. The shrine building is situated on the hillside, reached by a steep staircase from the torii gate visible from Kawasaki Road. From the shrine grounds, one can enjoy beautiful views of the Tama Hills.
The exact founding date is unclear, but a ridge beam inscription remains indicating it was built in 1652 (Keian 5) by Okubo Kanzaburo, the lord of Toyoda Village, suggesting its existence predates.
Access: 5-minute walk from Momosono Station on the Keio Line
Hino Shrine Goshuin Information
Each Hino Shrine throughout Japan offers its own unique goshuin (shrine stamp). Goshuin are popular among visitors as proof of worship and a way to deepen their connection with the shrine.
Manners for Receiving a Goshuin (Shrine/Temple Stamp)
- Complete your prayers first: A goshuin is proof of your visit, so always complete your prayers first.
- Check the shrine office’s opening hours: Generally, it’s 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but this varies by shrine.
- Prepare your goshuincho (stamp book): While some shrines offer pre-printed goshuin, it’s best to have your own.
- Prepare the offering fee: Generally, it’s around 300 to 500 yen.
- Use polite language: Ask politely, “May I receive a goshuin?”
Characteristics of Goshuin at Each Shrine
- Hino Yasaka Shrine: A design that reflects history, befitting a shrine associated with the Shinsengumi.
- Hino Shrine in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture: A goshuin reflecting the history of Kawarabayashi Castle ruins.
- Hino Shrine in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture: A goshuin related to Hinoyama faith and Emperor Keitai.
How to Enjoy Visiting Hino Shrine
Historical Exploration
When visiting Hino Shrine, researching the history of the area where the shrine is located beforehand will make your visit a deeper experience. In particular, at Hino Yasaka Shrine in Hino City, Tokyo, visiting it along with Shinsengumi-related facilities allows you to experience the history of the late Edo period.
Nature Observation
Shrines with forests designated as natural monuments, such as Hino Shrine in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, offer opportunities to enjoy nature observation throughout the seasons. The fresh green of spring, the deep green of summer, the autumn foliage, and the tranquility of winter each present different expressions.
Participating in Festivals
Visiting a shrine during its annual festival or special festival allows you to experience a lively atmosphere different from the usual. The lion dance at Hino Shrine in Iwami District, Tottori Prefecture, and the annual festival at Hino Yasaka Shrine, for example, offer valuable opportunities to experience local traditional culture.
Nature Observation
Mountain Climbing Pilgrimage
At Hino Shrine in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, you can have the special experience of climbing to the inner shrine at the summit of Mt. Hino. With proper preparation and safety precautions in place, you can experience firsthand the history of mountain worship.
Tourist Spots Around Hino Shrine
Around Hino City, Tokyo
- Takahata Fudoson Kongoji Temple: A famous temple in Tama with a history of over 1000 years since its founding. Known as the family temple of Hijikata Toshizo, a bronze statue of Hijikata Toshizo stands on the temple grounds.
- Hino-juku Honjin: A historical building that retains the atmosphere of Hino-juku, a post town that flourished on the Koshu Kaido road.
- Tama Zoological Park: One of Japan’s largest zoos, ideal for family sightseeing.
Around Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Nishinomiya Shrine: The head shrine of all Ebisu shrines nationwide.
- Koshien Stadium: Famous as the sacred ground of high school baseball.
- Mukogawa River: Enjoy strolling and cycling along the riverbank.
Around Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture
- Echizen Washi no Sato: A facility where you can learn about the tradition of Echizen Washi, which has a 1500-year history.
- Takefu Central Park: A park with beautiful seasonal flowers.
- Echizen Soba no Sato: Enjoy Echizen soba, a specialty of Fukui.
Around Iwami District, Tottori Prefecture
- Uradome Coast: A beautiful ria coast on the Sea of Japan, designated a National Scenic Spot and Natural Monument.
- Iwami Town Nagisa Exchange Center: A facility where you can learn about the nature and culture of the sea.
- Tottori Sand Dunes: One of Japan’s largest sand dunes, a representative tourist attraction of Tottori Prefecture.
Access to Hino Shrine and Points to Note When Visiting
Visiting Hours
While many shrines allow 24-hour entry to the grounds, the reception hours for the shrine office are generally from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you wish to receive a Goshuin (shrine stamp) or amulet, please visit during these hours.
Attire and Belongings
- Attire: As this is a sacred place, please avoid overly revealing clothing.
- Footwear: Many shrines have stairs leading to the shrine, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Belongings: Goshuincho (stamp book), small change (for offerings/first fruits offerings), camera (if photography is permitted)
Shrine Visit Manners
- When passing through the torii gate: Bow before entering the shrine grounds.
- Walking along the approach: The center of the approach is considered the path of the gods, so walk along the sides.
- Etiquette at the purification fountain: Cleanse your left hand, right hand, and mouth in that order, and finally wash the handle of the ladle.
- Etiquette at the main hall: Two bows, two claps, and one bow are the basic rituals.
- Photography: Photography is prohibited in some areas, such as inside the main hall, so please check the signs.
Hino Shrine’s Annual Events Calendar
Various festivals and ceremonies are held throughout the year at each Hino Shrine.
Spring Events
- New Year’s Day Festival: January 1st, praying for peace in the new year
- Setsubun Festival: Around February 3rd, warding off evil spirits with bean-throwing
- Spring Grand Festival: April-May, dates vary by shrine
Summer Events
- Summer Purification Ceremony: June 30th, purifying oneself of sins and impurities accumulated over the past six months
- Summer Festival: July-August, grand festivals held in various regions
Autumn Events
- Autumn Grand Festival: September-October, offering thanks for the harvest
- Shichi-Go-San Festival: Around November 15th, celebrating the growth of children
Winter Events
- Year-End Purification Ceremony: December 31st, purifying oneself of sins and impurities accumulated over the past year
- New Year’s Eve Festival: December 31st, Farewell to the Old Year
Summary
Hino Shrines, located throughout Japan, each possess their own unique history and characteristics, playing a vital role as centers of local culture and faith. Hino Yasaka Shrine in Hino City, Tokyo, is known for its connection to the Shinsengumi; Hino Shrine in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, boasts the ruins of Kawarabayashi Castle and a naturally designated forest within its grounds; Hino Shrine in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, is a center of Hinoyama worship; and Hino Shrine in Iwami District, Tottori Prefecture, preserves traditional lion dances. Each has its own distinct charm.
When visiting a Hino Shrine, understanding its historical background and connection to the local community will lead to a deeper pilgrimage experience. Furthermore, combining visits with nearby tourist attractions will create a more fulfilling travel plan.
Shrines are not merely tourist spots; they are precious places that convey the history and culture of the region to the present day. By observing proper worship etiquette and visiting with respect, you will be able to feel the sacred atmosphere and historical weight of Hino Shrines. Please visit Hino Shrines throughout Japan and discover the unique charm of each one.
