Ubatake Shrine (Wakaba Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture) Complete Guide | Thorough Explanation of Deities, Blessings, Access, and History
Ubatake Shrine, located in Tanito-cho, Wakaba Ward, Chiba City, is a historical shrine founded in the mid-Edo period. Nestled in a quiet rural settlement, this shrine is deeply revered as the local guardian deity. This article provides detailed information about Ubatake Shrine, including its enshrined deities, blessings, history, access methods, and festivals—all essential information before visiting.
Basic Information about Ubatake Shrine
Ubatake Shrine is located in an area of Wakaba Ward, Chiba City, where residential and rural areas coexist, and is a beloved local guardian deity.
Location
Address: 481-1 Tanito-cho, Wakaba-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture
The shrine is located in the heart of Tanito-cho, in a quiet residential area surrounded by farmland. While somewhat far from the center of Chiba City, it is accessible by bus.
Shrine Rank and Founding Date
- Former Shrine Rank: Village Shrine
- Founding Date: August 20, 1775 (An’ei 4)
Since its founding in the mid-Edo period, it has attracted the faith of the local community for approximately 250 years. As a former village shrine, it plays a central role in the region.
Deities and Divine Virtues
Obatake Shrine enshrines three deities, each possessing different divine virtues.
Deities Enshrined
- Tamayorihime-no-Mikoto
- A goddess known as the mother of Emperor Jimmu
- Goddess of safe childbirth, child-rearing, and matchmaking
- Also possesses characteristics as a water deity
- Oyamakui-no-Mikoto
- A god revered as the god of mountains and thunder
- God who controls the weather
- Guardian deity of agriculture and abundant harvests
- Also famous as the principal deity of Mt. Hiei and Matsuo Taisha Shrine
- Onamuchi-no-Mikoto
- Another name for Okuninushi-no-Kami
- God of land management and agricultural development
- God of business prosperity, matchmaking, and medicine
- Principal deity of Izumo Taisha Shrine
Expected Benefits
The main benefits you can expect at Obatake Shrine are as follows:
- Agricultural Prosperity and Abundant Harvest: Protection of agriculture by Oyamakui-no-Mikoto and Onamuchi-no-Mikoto
- Stable Weather: Stable weather by Oyamakui-no-Mikoto as the god of thunder
- Safe Childbirth and Child-Rearing: Protection of mother and child by Tamayorihime-no-Mikoto
- Matchmaking: Successful matchmaking by Tamayorihime-no-Mikoto and Onamuchi-no-Mikoto
- Business Prosperity: Business prosperity by Onamuchi-no-Mikoto
- Good Fortune and Prosperity: Comprehensive good fortune by the three deities
History and Origins of Obatake Shrine
Background of Founding
Obatake Shrine was founded in 1775 (An’ei 4). This period was the mid-Edo period, a time when new rice paddy development was progressing in rural areas. It is believed to have been founded as a guardian deity of the region in conjunction with the development and cultivation of Tanito Village (present-day Tanito Town).
Selection of Deities
Because this was a region centered on agriculture, the deities enshrined were Ōyamakui-no-Mikoto, who controls the weather, and Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto, the god of land development and agriculture. It is also presumed that Tamayorihime-no-Mikoto was enshrined to fulfill the wishes of the local residents for safe childbirth and child-rearing.
Role as a Village Shrine
Under the Meiji era’s shrine ranking system, it was classified as a village shrine and functioned as the central shrine of Tanitō Village. Before the war, it was under the State Shinto system, but like many shrines in Chiba City, it was maintained through donations and service from residents and revered as the local “guardian deity.”
Modern Obatake Shrine
Even today, the shrine enjoys strong faith from local residents, and its maintenance and management are carried out by the local community. In Chiba City, which is undergoing urbanization, traditional faith is being passed down in a precious environment where rural landscapes remain.
Access Information
Nearest Station and Line
Obatake Shrine is located in the suburbs of Chiba City, so it is some distance from train stations.
Nearest Station:
- JR Sobu Main Line, Chiba Station (approx. 7km)
- Chiba Urban Monorail, Chishirodai Station (approx. 4km)
Walking from either station is difficult, so we recommend using a bus or private car.
Nearest Bus Stop and Line
Nearest Bus Stop: Tanitocho Bus Stop (approx. 1 minute walk)
Operating Routes:
- Chiba Chuo Bus
- Route bus from Chiba Station East Exit
The Tanitocho bus stop is very close to the shrine, and it is about a 1-minute walk from the bus stop. If using the bus from Chiba Station, the journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
Access by Car
Access from Major Roads:
- Approximately 15 minutes from Takada IC on the Chiba-Togane Expressway
- Accessible via National Route 126
Parking: There may be parking spaces for visitors on the shrine grounds or nearby, but it is recommended to check in advance.
Map Information
The exact location of Obatake Shrine can be confirmed by searching for “Obatake Shrine” or the address “481-1 Tanito-cho, Wakaba-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture” on Google Maps or Yahoo! Maps. Please enter this address when using car navigation.
Shrine Grounds and Highlights
Shrine Environment
Obatake Shrine is located in a quiet village in a rural area. The surrounding area is a calm environment with a mix of houses and farmland, characterized by a peaceful atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of urban areas.
Shrine Buildings
The shrine is a traditional shrine building with a main hall and a worship hall. Although not large in scale, it is carefully maintained as the local guardian shrine.
Etiquette for Worship
Follow the general etiquette for visiting a shrine:
- Bow before passing through the torii gate
- Cleanse your hands and mouth at the water basin (temizuya)
- Bow twice, clap twice, and bow once in front of the main hall (haiden)
- Turn around and bow once as you leave the torii gate
List of Festivals and Events (2025)
At Obatake Shrine, various festivals and events are held throughout the year as the local guardian shrine.
Main Annual Events
January
- New Year’s Day Festival (January 1st): A festival celebrating the New Year
February
- Setsubun Festival (around February 3rd): Events such as bean-throwing
- Kinensai Festival (mid-February): A major spring festival praying for a bountiful harvest
July
- Natsukoshi no Oharae (June 30th or early July): A Shinto ritual to purify oneself of the impurities accumulated over the past six months
October
- Reitaisai (mid-October): The most important annual event at the shrine
- Akiki Taisai (Autumn Grand Festival): A festival giving thanks for the harvest
November
- Niinamesai Festival (November 23rd): A festival offering the new harvest to the gods
- Shichi-Go-San Pilgrimage (mid-November): A pilgrimage to celebrate the growth of children
December
- Oharae Ceremony (December 31st): New Year’s Eve Ritual to Purify the Year’s Impurities
- Joya-sai (New Year’s Eve Festival): A Festival of Gratitude at the End of the Year
*The date of the festival may change from year to year. It is recommended to check with the shrine or the parish representative in advance for detailed dates.
Goshuin (Shrine Seal) Information
Availability of Goshuin
Regarding the issuance of Goshuin at Obatake Shrine, it is necessary to check in advance as there may not be a resident priest. Smaller shrines may only issue Goshuin on special days such as the annual festival.
For Those Wishing to Obtain a Goshuin
- It is recommended to inquire with the parish representative or nearby shrines in advance.
- The priest may also serve at other shrines in Chiba City.
- Photography is permitted as a memento of your visit (please observe proper etiquette).
Nearby Shrines and Temples
Other shrines are scattered around Obatake Shrine in Wakaba Ward, Chiba City.
Major Shrines in the Neighborhood
- Rokusha Shrine: A shrine located in Wakaba Ward, Chiba City
- Izumi Shrine: A shrine located in Wakaba Ward
- Other Local Shrines: Small shrines located in various districts
Those who enjoy visiting shrines can gain a deeper understanding of the local religious culture by visiting multiple shrines within Wakaba Ward.
Precautions and Manners When Visiting the Shrine
Basic Manners
- Attire: Clean and subdued clothing is preferred.
- Photography: Photography is generally permitted within the shrine grounds, but please refrain from taking photos inside the main hall or during religious ceremonies.
- Quietness: Please remain quiet within the shrine grounds and avoid loud conversations.
- Cleanliness: Please take all trash with you.
Suitable Time for Visiting
- Daytime hours are suitable for visiting.
- Early mornings and evenings offer a quiet and peaceful time for worship.
- It is generally advised to avoid visiting at night.
Consideration for the Community
Since Obatake Shrine is located near a residential area, please note the following:
- Avoid street parking and park in designated areas.
- Visit quietly to avoid disturbing nearby residents.
- Do not trespass on private property.
The Charm of Obatake Shrine and Recommendations for Visiting
A Peaceful Visit
The greatest charm of Obatake Shrine lies in its tranquil setting, amidst the urbanization of Chiba City, where rural landscapes remain. Unlike large-scale tourist shrines, it is a simple, community-based place of worship, allowing for peaceful prayer.
Experiencing Local History
Founded in 1775 (An’ei 4), Obatake Shrine has watched over the community for approximately 250 years. Its history is intertwined with the history of the development and growth of Tanito-cho. Through worship, you can experience the history and culture of the region.
Diverse Blessings from Three Deities
Because it enshrines three deities—Tamayorihime-no-Mikoto, Oyamakui-no-Mikoto, and Onamuchi-no-Mikoto—it is a shrine that can grant a variety of wishes, including safe childbirth and child-rearing, agricultural prosperity, business success, and matchmaking.
Summary
Obatake Shrine is a historic shrine located in Tanito-cho, Wakaba-ku, Chiba City, founded in 1775 (An’ei 4). It enshrines three deities: Tamayorihime-no-Mikoto, Oyamakui-no-Mikoto, and Onamuchi-no-Mikoto, and is believed to grant blessings for safe childbirth, child-rearing, agricultural prosperity, and business success.
Nearby in a quiet rural setting, it enjoys deep devotion as the local guardian shrine, offering a precious place to pray in peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is conveniently located, accessible by bus from Chiba Station and just a 1-minute walk from the Tanito-cho bus stop.
We recommend visiting Obatake Shrine for those who want to experience Chiba City’s history and culture, those seeking a peaceful environment for worship, and those wishing to visit a community-based shrine. During festivals such as the annual grand festival, you can experience the local traditional culture even more deeply.
