About Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine
Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine is a shrine located in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and enshrines Ninomiya Sontoku, a well-known agricultural reformer and thinker of the late Edo period.
Ninomiya Sontoku is widely known by his nickname “Ninomiya Kinjiro,” and his bronze statues, depicting him reading a book while carrying firewood on his back, were installed in schools throughout Japan, making him a beloved symbol of diligence and learning.
History of Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine
Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine was founded in 1894 (Meiji 27) by people who admired Ninomiya Sontoku’s teachings, the “Hotoku philosophy.” Located in a corner of Odawara Castle Park, its construction in Odawara, Sontoku’s birthplace, holds profound significance.
Ninomiya Sontoku restored over 600 villages during the Great Tenpo Famine, and his achievements are remembered in the form of the “Hotoku Method.” The shrine plays a role in honoring this great feat and passing on his spirit to the present day.
Benefits of Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine
At Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine, you can receive various benefits related to the life and achievements of Ninomiya Sontoku.
Academic Success and Passing Exams
Due to Ninomiya Kinjiro’s dedication to his studies, the shrine is particularly famous for its benefits in academic success and passing exams. During exam season, many students and their parents visit the shrine, and the grounds are adorned with votive tablets praying for success.
Business Prosperity and Success
The “Hotoku philosophy” practiced by Sontoku is also an economic philosophy based on diligence, moderation, and sharing. Therefore, the shrine enjoys strong faith from business owners praying for business prosperity and success, and many visitors come to pray for the development of their companies.
Other Benefits
- Good Fortune and Prosperity: Drawing on Sontoku’s philosophy of success
- Family Safety: From the Hotoku philosophy’s emphasis on “family harmony”
- Abundant Harvest: From his achievements as an agricultural administrator
- Career Advancement: In honor of his life, rising from a poor farmer to a shogunate official
Points of Interest and Highlights for Visitors
Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine has many points of interest related to Ninomiya Sontoku.
Statue of Ninomiya Kinjiro
Within the shrine grounds stands a bronze statue of Ninomiya Kinjiro reading a book while carrying firewood on his back. This statue depicts Sontoku in his childhood and is a popular spot for many visitors to take commemorative photos, symbolizing diligence and a thirst for knowledge.
Hotoku Museum
Adjacent to the shrine is the Hotoku Museum, where you can learn in detail about the life of Ninomiya Sontoku and his Hotoku philosophy. Valuable historical materials, such as Sontoku’s handwritten letters and documents on the Hotoku method, are on display, making a visit in conjunction with your shrine visit highly recommended.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
- Closed: New Year’s holidays
- Admission Fee: Adults 200 yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students 100 yen
Sacred Tree and Kinjiro Cafe
Within the shrine grounds is a sacred tree said to be several hundred years old, a popular power spot. Also located on the grounds is the “Kinjiro Cafe,” perfect for a break after your visit.
Goshuin and Amulets
At Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine, in addition to regular goshuin (shrine stamps), seasonal special goshuin are also available. The shrine’s most popular amulets are the “Academic Success Amulet” and the “Passing Exam Amulet,” making them popular souvenirs for students taking exams.
Annual Events
Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine holds various festivals throughout the year.
Main Annual Events
- January 1st: Saitansai (New Year’s Festival)
- April 17th: Reitaisai (The most important festival held on the anniversary of Ninomiya Sontoku’s death)
- November 23rd: Niinamesai (A festival to give thanks for a bountiful harvest)
The Reitaisai also includes lectures on Hotoku philosophy, attracting people from all over Japan who admire the teachings of Hotoku.
Access Information
Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine is located within Odawara Castle Park, making it easily accessible as a base for sightseeing.
Access by Train
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Odawara Station (JR Tokaido Line/Odakyu Line)
- Exit the east exit of the station and proceed straight towards Odawara Castle. You will see signs once you enter the castle park.
Access by Bus
From the east exit of Odawara Station, take the Hakone Tozan Bus or Izu Hakone Bus and get off at “City Hall” bus stop. 3 minutes on foot.
Access by Car
- Approximately 10 minutes from Ogikubo IC (Odawara-Atsugi Road)
- Approximately 40 minutes from Oi-Matsuda IC (Tomei Expressway)
Parking Information
There is no dedicated parking lot for the shrine, but there are several paid parking lots around Odawara Castle Park.
- Fujidana Parking: 300 yen per hour for regular cars (first 30 minutes free)
- Odawara Castle Park Parking: 300 yen per hour
Due to congestion on holidays, we recommend using public transportation. ## Visiting Hours
- Open to Visitors: The shrine grounds are open 24 hours a day.
- Shrine Office: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Prayer Reception: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Nearby Tourist Attractions
The area around Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine is full of tourist attractions where you can experience the history and culture of Odawara.
Odawara Castle
Odawara Castle, located a 5-minute walk from the shrine, is known as a famous castle from the Sengoku period, and offers a panoramic view of Sagami Bay from its keep. Visiting Odawara Castle and Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine together is a classic itinerary.
Odawara Castle Ruins Park
In spring, approximately 300 cherry trees bloom, making it a famous cherry blossom viewing spot that attracts many tourists during the cherry blossom season.
Odawara Kamaboko Street
This street is lined with shops selling Odawara’s famous kamaboko (fish cake), where you can sample and purchase them. Perfect for choosing souvenirs after your visit to the shrine.
Summary
Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine is a valuable shrine that conveys the achievements and Hotoku philosophy of Ninomiya Sontoku to the present day. It’s a worthwhile spot not only for those seeking academic success or business prosperity, but also for anyone interested in Japanese history and philosophy.
Visiting it in conjunction with sightseeing at Odawara Castle will make your Odawara stroll even more fulfilling. Why not pay a visit sometime?
