Complete Guide to Kojo Shrine (Okayama Prefecture) | Thorough Explanation of History, Goshuin (Shrine Seals), and Access
Kojo Shrine, located in Nakaze, Minami-ku, Okayama City, is a shrine founded as the guardian deity of Kojo Shinden, a new rice field created by land reclamation projects in the late Edo period. With a history spanning from the Bunsei to Tenpo eras, it remains a beloved center of local faith. This article provides a detailed explanation of Kojo Shrine’s history, enshrined deities, goshuin information, annual events, and access methods.
History and Origins of Kojo Shrine
Background of the Development of Kojo Shinden and the Founding of the Shrine
The area where Kojo Shrine is located was originally a sea area called Kojima-umi. In 1820 (Bunsei 3), the Bizen Okayama Domain, under orders from the Edo Shogunate, began a large-scale land reclamation project. Construction began in earnest in 1821 (Bunsei 4) and was completed in the autumn of 1823 (Bunsei 6), establishing the area as Kōjō Shinden in Bizen Province.
The name “Kōjō” originated in 1822 (Bunsei 5) at the suggestion of the domain’s Confucian scholar, Ohara Baipa. It was named after the phrase “Xing Li Jao Hai” (興利除害), found in the Chinese classic *Guanzi*. This name embodies the wish that the development of the new rice fields would bring benefits to the people and eliminate disasters.
Founding in 1832 (Tenpō 3) and the Protection of the Ikeda Family
Kōjō Shrine was founded on September 21, 1832 (Tenpō 3). At the behest of Lord Ikeda, the divine spirit was divided and enshrined from the Yoshida Jingihaku (a leading Shinto temple in Kyoto at the time).
The shrine’s founding was made possible through the efforts of the development investors (funders of the land reclamation project), led by the paper merchant, Masuharu Iwasaki. Even today, the names of Masuharu Iwasaki and other development investors are inscribed on the stone fence surrounding the main shrine, preserving the history of the land reclamation project.
The shrine received generous patronage from the Ikeda family, the feudal lords of the domain. At the beginning of each year, they donated decorative pine trees and bamboo with leaves, and annually donated 3 koku of unpolished rice as shrine land. This deep devotion demonstrates the importance of the Kojo Shinden (reclaimed land) development project to the domain.
History after the Meiji Restoration
The current main shrine was rebuilt in 1878 (Meiji 11). Its former rank was a village shrine, and in 1925 (Taisho 14), it was designated a shrine receiving offerings of sacred food and cloth. This signifies its official recognition as an important shrine in the region.
Despite the changes in the shrine system after the Meiji Restoration, Kōjō Shrine has continued to attract worshippers as the local tutelary deity, and this continues to this day.
Deities of Kōjō Shrine
Kōjō Shrine enshrines nine deities. The main deities are as follows:
Kukunochi-no-kami
Kukunochi-no-kami, known as the god of trees, is a deity that appears in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. He presides over the growth of trees and is worshipped as the guardian deity of agriculture and construction. In Kōjō Shinden, a reclaimed land area, he was enshrined as a deity who watches over the development and progress of the new land.
Haniyasuhime-no-kami
Haniyasuhime-no-kami, the goddess of earth, is a goddess who presides over the stability and fertility of the land. She is revered as a deity who protects the newly created land through reclamation and brings about bountiful harvests.
Other Deities
The nine deities enshrined here are each associated with agriculture, land development, land stability, and abundant harvests. The composition of the deities reflects the wishes of the people living in the unique environment of reclaimed land.
Grounds and Highlights of Kojo Shrine
Main Hall and Architectural Style
The main hall, rebuilt in 1878 (Meiji 11), preserves the traditional style of shrine architecture. Architectural techniques that considered the characteristics of the reclaimed land were employed, and it maintains its beautiful appearance even after more than 140 years.
Stone Wall Inscribed with the Names of Development Loan Holders
The stone wall surrounding the main hall is inscribed with the names of the loan holders who contributed to the development of Kojo Shinden. The names of people such as Iwasaki Masuji are valuable historical materials that tell the history of land reclamation projects in the late Edo period. Seeing this stone wall allows one to feel the passion and faith of the people of that time for pioneering.
Atmosphere of the Shrine Grounds
Despite being located in a residential area of Minami Ward, Okayama City, the shrine grounds are enveloped in a tranquil atmosphere. Nestled amidst the flat terrain characteristic of reclaimed land, the shrine is cherished as a spiritual center for the community.
Information on the Goshuin (Shrine Seal) of Kojo Shrine
About the Issuance of Goshuin
Kojo Shrine offers Goshuin. Goshuin can be obtained at the shrine office, but since the chief priest may be absent, it is recommended to call ahead to confirm before visiting.
Contact: 086-298-2465
Precautions for Visiting for Goshuin
The chief priest may be out for ceremonies such as ground-breaking ceremonies. If you want to be sure to receive a Goshuin, it is best to call the day before or the morning of your visit to confirm his presence. The shrine is known for its courteous service and has a good reputation among visitors.
Annual Rituals and Festivals
At Kojo Shrine, various rituals and ceremonies are held throughout the year.
New Year’s Day Festival and First Shrine Visit of the Year
Many local worshippers visit the shrine for their first shrine visit of the year to pray for happiness in the new year. On New Year’s Day, the New Year’s Day Festival is held, praying for peace and a bountiful harvest throughout the year.
Annual Grand Festival
The Annual Grand Festival of Kojo Shrine is an important annual event for the community. It is a valuable opportunity for local residents to gather and pass on the history and traditions of the shrine to future generations.
Groundbreaking Ceremony and Various Prayers
Kojo Shrine also accepts various prayers, including groundbreaking ceremonies. Groundbreaking ceremonies, praying for the safety of new construction and land, are important rituals unique to Kojo Shrine, which was founded as the guardian deity of reclaimed land.
Access and Basic Information
Location
Address: 26-27 Nakaze, Minami-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 701-0213
Access by Train
Nearest Station: JR Seto-Ohashi Line, “Bitchu-Minoshima Station”
- Approximately 13-18 minutes on foot from the Bitchu-Minoshima Station exit (approx. 1.1 km)
- Head south from the station exit, and you will arrive at the shrine after passing through the residential area.
Access by Car
The shrine has a parking lot. It takes approximately 20-30 minutes from Okayama city center via National Route 30.
Visiting Hours
While you can generally visit the shrine grounds freely, if you wish to receive a Goshuin (shrine stamp) or make a prayer, you must visit during the shrine office’s operating hours. It is recommended to confirm by phone in advance.
Phone Number: 086-298-2465
Attractions Around Kojo Shrine
Historical Landscape of Kojo Shinden
The area around Kojo Shrine is part of Kojo Shinden, a reclaimed land area created during the Edo period. The flat terrain and well-organized waterways speak to the advanced civil engineering techniques of the time. A stroll through the historical landscape of the reclaimed land is recommended in conjunction with a visit to the shrine.
Tourist Spots in Minami Ward, Okayama City
In addition to Kojo Shrine, Minami Ward in Okayama City boasts numerous historical shrines and temples, as well as a rich natural landscape facing the Seto Inland Sea. The reclaimed land around Kojima Bay is an important area that supported Okayama’s modernization, and you can learn about its history there.
Charms and Summary of Kojo Shrine
Kojo Shrine is a unique shrine in Okayama Prefecture, with a historical background rooted in the land reclamation project of the late Edo period. Many historical elements remain on the shrine grounds today, including its founding during the Bunsei and Tenpo eras, the patronage of the Ikeda family (feudal lords), and the faith of the land developers.
As the origin of the place name, “Kōri Jōgai” (meaning “bringing benefits and warding off disasters”), suggests, the wish to bring benefits to people and ward off disasters holds unchanging meaning even today. Founded as the guardian deity of reclaimed land, Kōjō Shrine has a history of nearly 200 years and continues to be cherished by the local people.
When visiting Minami Ward in Okayama City, be sure to pay your respects at Kōjō Shrine and experience the history of land reclamation projects in the Edo period and the faith of the people who have protected and passed down this legacy. As you pray in the tranquil grounds, you will feel the passion of the pioneers and the presence of the gods protecting the land.
If you wish to receive a Goshuin (shrine stamp), please remember to call ahead to confirm availability. Enjoy a peaceful moment at Kōjō Shrine, where you will be warmly welcomed.
