Furosaki Shrine (Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture) Complete Guide | History and Visiting Information Related to Mizuno Katsunari
About Furosaki Shrine
Furosaki Shrine is a historic shrine located in Tajiri-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Situated on a small hill overlooking the Hiuchi Sea, it boasts a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea. Locally known as “Furo Shrine,” it still preserves fascinating legends related to Mizuno Katsunari, the first lord of the Fukuyama Domain.
The shrine’s name originates from the area’s nickname, “Furo-ga-hana” (bath nose), and it is a venerable shrine that has attracted local faith since the early Edo period. Even today, it plays an important role as an outpost of Takenomiya Hachimangu Shrine and functions as the first temporary resting place during the annual festival’s portable shrine procession.
History and Origin of Furozaki Shrine
Circumstances of its Founding and the Legend of Mizuno Katsunari
The founding of Furozaki Shrine dates back to the 20th year of the Kan’ei era (1643). In that year, Mizuno Katsunari, the first lord of the Fukuyama domain, suffered from hernia. Hernia is a general term for diseases accompanied by severe abdominal and lower abdominal pain, and at the time, it was considered a difficult disease to treat.
Suffering from the illness, Mizuno Katsunari constructed a “karaburo” (a type of steam bath) at the foot of the cliffs on the east and west sides of this area for treatment. A karaburo is a type of steam bath, a therapeutic method in which water is poured over heated stones to generate steam. It is believed that treatment utilizing the sea breeze and steam was carried out in this location facing the sea.
After recovering from his illness, Mizuno Katsunari enshrined Furo Myojin (the Furo deity) on the top of a small hill as a token of gratitude. This is considered the beginning of Furozaki Shrine. Since this event, this area has been called “Furo-ga-hana” (Furo’s Nose), which became the origin of the shrine’s name.
Mizuno Katsunari and the Fukuyama Domain
Mizuno Katsunari (1564-1651) was a samurai and cousin of Tokugawa Ieyasu. In 1619, he became the first lord of the Fukuyama Domain. Katsunari is known as a wise ruler who laid the foundation for Fukuyama, including the construction of Fukuyama Castle, the development of the castle town, and the creation of new rice fields.
Katsunari worked energetically in the domain’s administration until his later years, and it is said that he frequently visited Furozaki Shrine for recuperation. A large, cave-like depression remains at the foot of the cliff where the shrine is located; this is believed to be the site of the tidal bath used by Mizuno Katsunari. This historical site is a valuable relic that conveys the medical culture of the Edo period.
Relationship with Takenomiya Hachimangu Shrine
Furozaki Shrine is positioned as an outlying shrine of Takenomiya Hachimangu Shrine. A river flows from Takenomiya Hachimangu Shrine towards the sea, and Furozaki Shrine is located on the coast beyond the river.
Particularly important is its role in the annual festival. Furozaki Shrine serves as the first stop for the portable shrine procession, making it an indispensable part of the festival. It also plays a crucial role in the summer insect-repelling ceremony, functioning as a shrine deeply rooted in the local religious life.
Highlights of Furozaki Shrine
A Stunning Location Overlooking the Sea
The most distinctive feature of Furozaki Shrine lies in its location. Situated atop a small hill jutting out into the Hiuchi Sea, the shrine grounds offer a panoramic view of the beautiful Seto Inland Sea. Especially on clear days, visitors can enjoy the tranquil Seto Inland Sea and the passing ships, providing a sense of peace and tranquility.
The seaside location was also the reason why Mizuno Katsunari chose it for recuperation. He likely believed that the sea breeze and ocean views had a healing effect on his mind and body. Even today, this peaceful environment remains a special space for worshippers.
Historical Site of the Seawater Bath
Below the cliff of Furozaki Shrine, the remains of a seawater bath believed to have been used by Mizuno Katsunari can be found. It is a large, cave-like depression, and it is said that a Chinese-style bath was built here.
This seawater bath site is a valuable historical site that tells the story of the medical and therapeutic culture of the early Edo period. It conveys to us the wisdom of people at that time who tried to maintain their health by utilizing the power of nature. Given its location at the bottom of a cliff, it can be inferred that a unique therapeutic method utilizing the ebb and flow of the tides and sea breezes was practiced here.
Origin of the Place Name “Furogahana”
The unique place name “Furogahana” originates from the founding of Furozaki Shrine. The fact that this area came to be called Furogahana after Mizuno Katsunari enshrined Furo Myojin is an interesting example of a deep connection between a place name and a shrine.
“Hana” is a place name term referring to a cape or protruding landform, and many place names like “○○gahana” can be found along the Seto Inland Sea coast. The name Furo-ga-hana (meaning “beach of bath”) is a place name that arose from a combination of its geographical feature of jutting out into the sea and its historical background of being a shrine dedicated to Furo Myojin.
Deities and Benefits of Furozaki Shrine
About Furo Myojin
Furozaki Shrine enshrines Furo Myojin. This deity was enshrined in gratitude for the recovery of Mizuno Katsunari from illness, and is therefore believed to grant blessings for health and recovery from illness.
In particular, it is believed to be effective for prayers related to water-related illnesses, skin diseases, and hot spring therapy. Furthermore, due to the history of Mizuno Katsunari being cured of colic, prayers for abdominal illnesses have also been offered.
Expected Benefits
At Furosaki Shrine, the following benefits are expected:
- Healing from Illness and Prayer for Good Health: Due to its history of Mizuno Katsunari’s recovery from illness, it is particularly known for its blessings of healing from illness.
- Safety at Sea: Due to its location facing the sea, it is also a place of worship for those involved in fishing and for praying for the safety of ships.
- Protection from Misfortune and Good Fortune: As an outlying shrine of Takenomiya Hachimangu Shrine, it is also expected to offer blessings for protection from misfortune and good fortune.
Access and Visiting Information for Furosaki Shrine
Location
Address: Tajiri-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Furosaki Shrine is located in the southern part of Fukuyama City, near the coast of Tajiri-cho. It sits on a small hill beyond Takenomiya Hachimangu Shrine, heading towards the sea.
Access Information
Access by Car:
- Approximately 20 minutes from Fukuyama East IC on the Sanyo Expressway
- Approximately 15 minutes from central Fukuyama City via National Route 2
- We recommend checking parking availability in advance.
Access by Public Transportation:
- Taking a bus from JR Fukuyama Station is convenient.
- It is possible to access the shrine on foot from the nearest bus stop, but please check the details in advance.
Precautions When Visiting
Furozaki Shrine is located on top of a small hill, so there is a slight uphill climb to reach it. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Also, as it is located on the coast, it may be windy depending on the weather.
When visiting the remains of the tidal bath at the bottom of the cliff, please be very careful of your footing. The situation may change especially during rainy weather or depending on the tides.
Nearby Attractions and Tourist Spots
Takenomiya Hachimangu Shrine
Takenomiya Hachimangu Shrine, the main shrine of Furozaki Shrine, is one of the representative shrines of Fukuyama City. When visiting Furozaki Shrine, we recommend also visiting Fukuyama Castle. During the annual festival, a portable shrine procession connects the two shrines, allowing you to experience the region’s traditional culture.
Fukuyama Castle
Fukuyama Castle, built by Mizuno Katsunari, is a symbol of Fukuyama City. In 2022, it celebrated its 400th anniversary, and the keep was renovated to restore its original appearance. Visiting Fukuyama Castle is essential to understanding the achievements of Mizuno Katsunari, the founder of Furozaki Shrine.
Tomonoura
Tomonoura, a representative tourist destination in Fukuyama City, is about a 30-minute drive from Furozaki Shrine. Known for its beautiful scenery that retains the atmosphere of an Edo-period port town, it is also famous as a filming location for movies and dramas.
Festivals and Events of Furozaki Shrine
The Mikoshi Procession of the Grand Festival
Furozaki Shrine plays an important role as the first stop in the procession of the portable shrine during the annual festival of Takenomiya Hachimangu Shrine. The procession of the portable shrine from Takenomiya Hachimangu Shrine to Furozaki Shrine is a valuable festival that conveys the region’s traditions to the present day.
During the grand festival, parishioners and local residents gather, and traditional festival events are held. The procession of the portable shrine is an important opportunity to deepen community bonds.
Summer Insect Extermination Ceremony
Furozaki Shrine also holds the Summer Insect Extermination Ceremony. This is a traditional event to exterminate pests that damage crops and pray for a bountiful harvest, a custom widely seen in the Setouchi coastal region. A unique festival form can be seen, taking advantage of Furozaki Shrine’s location facing the sea.
The Charm of Visiting Furozaki Shrine
A Pilgrimage Experience Filled with Historical Romance
Visiting Furozaki Shrine offers an experience far beyond a simple shrine visit. You can feel firsthand the story of Mizuno Katsunari’s recovery from illness, the Edo period’s healing culture, and the history of faith rooted in the region.
In particular, the remains of the sea bath are a valuable historical site that allows us to imagine the state of medicine approximately 380 years ago. We can touch upon the wisdom of our ancestors who sought to maintain their health in ways different to ours today.
Healing in the Nature of the Seto Inland Sea
The location on a small hill overlooking the Hiuchi Sea is a unique charm of Furozaki Shrine. The calm seascape of the Seto Inland Sea, the sea breeze, and the sound of waves—these natural elements soothe the hearts of visitors.
Mizuno Katsunari likely chose this place for his recuperation because of this rich natural environment. Even today, it remains a special place to refresh mind and body away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Experiencing Local History and Culture
Furozaki Shrine is a symbol of the history and culture of Tajiri-cho, Fukuyama City. Its relationship with Takenomiya Hachimangu Shrine, its role in the annual festival, and the summer insect-repelling ceremony all convey deeply rooted forms of local faith.
Through worship, you can experience the traditional culture that the local people have carefully preserved. The unpretentious atmosphere, untouched by commercialization, is also a major attraction of Furozaki Shrine.
Summary
Furozaki Shrine is a shrine steeped in history and tradition, located in Tajiri-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Its origins date back to 1643, when Mizuno Katsunari, the first lord of the Fukuyama domain, enshrined Furo Myojin at the site where he recovered from illness. For nearly 380 years since then, it has been a center of local faith.
This shrine boasts many attractions and charms, including its spectacular location atop a small hill overlooking the Hiuchi Sea, the remains of a sea bath at the foot of the cliff, and its role as an outpost of Takenomiya Hachimangu Shrine. It’s a recommended spot not only for those seeking healing from illness or prayers for good health, but also for those interested in the history of Fukuyama, Mizuno Katsunari, and those seeking solace in the nature of the Seto Inland Sea.
When you visit Fukuyama City, be sure to stop by Furosaki Shrine. A special space where historical romance and the nature of the Seto Inland Sea intertwine awaits you.
