Complete Guide to Kine Shrine (Nose Town, Osaka Prefecture) | A Thorough Explanation of the History and Highlights of this Engishiki-Listed Shrine
Kine Shrine, located in Moriue, Nose Town, Toyono District, Osaka Prefecture, is a historical shrine said to have been founded in 782 AD. As a Shikinaisha (shrine listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho) of Settsu Province, it has long been a center of local worship. This article provides a detailed explanation of everything you need to know before visiting, from the history of Kine Shrine and its enshrined deities to its highlights and access methods.
What is Kine Shrine? | A Representative Engishiki-Listed Shrine in Nose
Kine Shrine is one of the three existing Shikinaisha shrines in Nose Town, Osaka Prefecture. A Shikinaisha is a historically significant shrine listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, compiled during the Heian period, indicating its high status and recognition by the imperial court at that time.
In Nose Town, in addition to Kine Shrine, there are three other shrines known as Shikinaisha (shrines listed in the Engishiki): Noma Shrine (Togo district) and Kusasa Shrine (Shukuno district). All three are important sites that convey the history and culture of the region to the present day.
Historical Background of the Shrine
Morikami in Nose Town, where Kine Shrine is located, was once the center of a region called “Kine-sho.” The shrine’s name, “Kine,” is said to originate from “Kine-no-mikoto,” who is believed to have descended to this land.
Since its founding in 782 AD, the shrine has been called by various names such as “Kine,” “Kine,” “Kine,” “Kinemiya,” or “Kine Daimyojin.” All of these names derive from the sound “kine” and are related to the agricultural tool, the pestle (kine).
Deities Enshrined | Connection to the Myth of the Descent of the Heavenly Grandson
The deities enshrined at Kine Shrine consist of gods deeply connected to Japanese mythology and figures involved in the history of this region.
Main Deities
Ninigi-no-Mikoto
The grandson of Amaterasu-Omikami, and a god known as the main character in the myth of the descent of the heavenly grandson. He is an important god said to have descended from Takamagahara to earth and begun the rule of Japan.
Amenokoyane-no-Mikoto
A god considered the ancestral deity of the Nakatomi clan, known as the god who recited the Shinto prayer in the Amano-Iwato myth. He is revered as the god who presides over rituals.
Kine-no-Mikoto
Said to be the son of Oonakusahiko-no-Mikoto, this god is said to have descended to this land. He is the god from whom the shrine’s name originates and is enshrined as the guardian deity of the region.
Minamoto no Mitsunaka
A military commander of the mid-Heian period, known as the ancestor of the Seiwa Genji clan. He has deep ties to the Nose region as the founder of the Tada Genji clan and is enshrined as a deity.
Legend of the Descent to Tenjin-yama
According to legend, when Kinen-no-Mikoto descended to the nearby Tenjin-yama (also known as Mikusa-yama), the villagers welcomed the deity by placing a pestle on top of a mortar. This story is the origin of the shrine’s name and the background to the sacred regard of the pestle, an agricultural tool.
This descent myth incorporates the story of the descent of the heavenly grandchild into local beliefs, indicating that Nose has long been recognized as a sacred place.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds | Historic Shrine Buildings and Nature
The grounds of Kinen Shrine are a tranquil space surrounded by the rich nature of Nose Town. Visitors are enveloped in the weight of history and a sacred atmosphere.
Main Shrine and Worship Hall
The shrine buildings are constructed using abundant cedar wood in a traditional style, creating a warm and solemn atmosphere. The simple yet meticulous craftsmanship speaks to the shrine’s long history and prestige.
The main shrine is protected by a protective structure, and worship is conducted from the worship hall. The entire grounds are enveloped in tranquility, providing a peaceful environment for worship.
Poetry Monument
Within the grounds stands a poetry monument inscribed with poems by the poet Saigyo Hoshi. This monument, bearing two poems, is a valuable historical site suggesting the possibility that Saigyo, a poet active from the late Heian period to the early Kamakura period, visited this area.
Saigyo is known as a poet who traveled throughout Japan, and it is believed that he visited Nose during his journey. The existence of this monument indicates that Kini Shrine was not merely a local shrine, but a widely known and significant place.
Natural Environment of the Shrine Grounds
Kine Shrine is located in the mountainous area of Moriue, Nose Town, surrounded by lush forests. In a quiet environment where cell phone signals are sometimes weak, it offers a precious space for peaceful worship, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.
You can experience the changing seasons, from the fresh greenery of spring to the vibrant autumn leaves. The ancient trees and moss-covered stone steps within the grounds tell the story of the shrine’s long history of protecting this land.
Historical Connection to Minamoto no Mitsunaka
One of the distinctive features of Kine Shrine is that it enshrines Minamoto no Mitsunaka as its deity. Minamoto no Mitsunaka is considered the de facto ancestor of the Seiwa Genji clan and was based in Tada (present-day Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture).
The Tada Genji and Nose
The Nose region was within the sphere of influence of the Tada Genji clan and had deep ties to the Genji. Minamoto no Yorimitsu and Yorinobu, descendants of Mitsunaka, were also active around Nose, and this region is known as a place associated with the Genji.
The enshrinement of Minamoto no Mitsunaka at Kine Shrine stems from this historical background, demonstrating that the shrine is not merely a place of worship but also a place that conveys the history of the region.
Relationship with the Samurai Government
As the Minamoto clan rose to become the center of the samurai government, reverence for their ancestor, Mitsunaka, increased. The worship of Mitsunaka at Kine Shrine likely intensified after the medieval period, making it an interesting case study for considering the role of shrines in samurai society.
Status as an Engishiki Shrine
The Engishiki Jinmyocho is a legal code completed in 927 AD, recording major shrines throughout Japan at the time. The inclusion of “Kine Shrine” in the section for Settsu Province indicates that it was already recognized as an important shrine during the Heian period.
Significance of an Engishiki Shrine
Being listed as an Engishiki shrine signifies that the shrine was officially recognized by the imperial court and became an object of national worship. Among the approximately 3,000 shrines listed nationwide, the inclusion of Kine Shrine speaks to the importance of the shrine in the region.
The presence of three Shikinaisha (shrines listed in the Engishiki) in Nose Town is also evidence that this region has been important since ancient times.
Relationship with Nearby Shikinaisha
Along with Noma Shrine and Kusasa Shrine, Kine Shrine has supported the local faith as one of the three Nose shrines. While each has its own distinct characteristics, they play an important role in conveying the history and culture of Nose to the present day.
A “Shikinaisha pilgrimage” visiting all three shrines will be a valuable experience for gaining a deeper understanding of Nose’s history.
Access Information | Points to Check Before Visiting
Kine Shrine is located in a mountainous area, so caution is needed when accessing it.
Location
Address: 103-3 Morikami, Nose-cho, Toyono-gun, Osaka Prefecture
Access by Car
The most convenient way to access Kine Shrine is by car. From the center of Nose Town, take the prefectural road to the Morikami area. Important Notes:
- This area may experience intermittent signal loss for car navigation systems.
- There are narrow sections of road, so be careful of oncoming traffic.
- Parking spaces are limited, so be aware of potential traffic congestion during peak seasons.
Access by Public Transportation
Direct access by public transportation is difficult. The nearest bus stop is also quite a distance away, so we generally recommend visiting by car.
Nearest Stations:
- Approximately 20 minutes by car from Yamashita Station on the Nose Railway
- Approximately 40 minutes by car from Ikeda Station on the Hankyu Railway
Clothing and Preparations for Visiting
As the shrine is located in a mountainous area, please note the following:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Take insect repellent even in summer.
- Check your mobile phone signal strength beforehand.
- Be careful as the ground may be slippery depending on the weather.
Nearby Tourist Attractions | Enjoy the Charms of Nose
When visiting Kine Shrine, be sure to explore other attractive spots in Nose Town.
Noma Shrine
Located in the Togo district of Nose Town, this is a Shikinaisha (a shrine listed in the Engishiki, an ancient Japanese legal text) and its grounds contain the “Noma Great Zelkova Tree,” a designated natural monument of Osaka Prefecture. This giant tree, estimated to be over 1000 years old, possesses an awe-inspiring presence.
Kusasa Shrine
Located in Shukuno, Nose Town, this is another Shikinaisha and, along with Kine Shrine and Noma Shrine, constitutes the three major Nose shrines. The shrine buildings, nestled in a quiet mountain valley, exude a deeply atmospheric charm.
Nose Myokenzan Mountain
Myokenzan Mountain, known as a sacred site of the Nichiren sect, is a representative tourist spot in Nose Town. The view from the summit is magnificent, allowing visitors to enjoy the changing seasons.
Nose Chestnut Picking and Agricultural Experience
Nose Town is also known as a chestnut producing area, and in autumn, there are farms where you can experience chestnut picking. This is a valuable opportunity to connect with the local nature.
Manners and Mindset for Visiting the Shrine
Kine Shrine is a shrine located in a quiet environment. Please keep the following points in mind when visiting.
Basic Worship Etiquette
- Bow before passing through the torii gate.
- Avoid walking in the center of the path (the center is the path of the gods).
- Cleanse your hands and mouth at the purification fountain.
- Worship in front of the main hall using the two bows, two claps, and one bow ritual.
- Be quiet within the shrine grounds and be considerate of other worshippers.
Regarding Photography
Photography is generally permitted within the shrine grounds, but please note the following:
- Obey any restrictions on photography, such as inside the main hall.
- Be considerate of other worshippers when taking photos.
- Refrain from using flash photography.
- When posting on social media, be considerate of the shrine’s dignity.
History of Nose and the Role of Kine Shrine
Nose Town is located at the northernmost tip of Osaka Prefecture, a mountainous town bordering Hyogo and Kyoto Prefectures. From ancient times, Nose has played an important role as a transportation hub and a place of worship.
Ancient Nose
The fact that three shrines listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho (a list of shrines compiled in the Heian period) are included indicates that Nose was an important region in ancient times. Despite being a mountainous area, it shows that it had close ties with the imperial court.
Medieval Nose
Nose’s ties with the Minamoto clan and medieval samurai forces deepened, and Minamoto no Mitsunaka was enshrined at Kine Shrine, further strengthening its connection with samurai society. The local samurai clan, the Nose clan, also rose to prominence and contributed to the region’s development.
Changes from the Early Modern Period Onward
During the Edo period, the worship of Nose Myokenzan became popular, and Nose strengthened its character as a place of worship. Kine Shrine also continued to be an integral part of people’s lives as the local tutelary shrine.
Summary | A Sacred Site Where History and Nature Harmonize
Kine Shrine (Morikami, Nose-cho, Osaka Prefecture) is a venerable shrine with over 1200 years of history, said to have been founded in 782 AD (Enryaku 1), and listed in the Engishiki (an ancient Japanese legal code). It is a valuable cultural heritage site with many points of interest, including its enshrined deity connected to the myth of the descent of the heavenly grandchild, its historical connection to Minamoto no Mitsunaka, and a monument inscribed with a poem by Saigyo Hoshi.
The tranquil environment surrounded by the rich nature of Nose-cho is ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life and finding peace of mind. While access requires some caution, a special space awaits those who visit.
As one of the three Nose shrines, visiting Kine Shrine along with Noma Shrine and Kusasa Shrine will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of Nose’s history and culture. While located within Osaka Prefecture, Kine Shrine offers a unique charm of a mountain shrine, distinct from urban areas. Please consider visiting.
For history buffs, those who enjoy visiting shrines and temples, and those seeking a peaceful environment to calm their minds, Kino Shrine will offer an unforgettable pilgrimage experience.
