Complete Guide to Ryōzen Shrine | A Thorough Explanation of the History, Benefits, and Highlights of the Fifteen Shrines of the Kenmu Restoration, Dedicated to Loyal Retainers of the Southern Court
Ryōzen Shrine, located in Ryōzen-machi, Date City, Fukushima Prefecture, is a historic shrine dedicated to the Kitabatake family, who served Emperor Go-Daigo during the Nanboku-chō period and contributed greatly to the Kenmu Restoration. As a former special-rank government shrine, it enjoys deep reverence from the Imperial Family and has recently gained attention as a power spot. This article provides a detailed introduction to Ryōzen Shrine, including its history, enshrined deities, benefits, highlights within the grounds, access methods, and information on the annual festival.
What is Ryōzen Shrine? | A Historic Shrine Dedicated to Loyal Retainers of the Nanboku-chō Period
Ryōzen Shrine is a relatively new shrine, founded in 1881 (Meiji 14), but its history is rooted in the Nanboku-chō period, a crucial era in Japanese history. The sacred mountain on which the shrine stands was once the site of Ryōzen Castle, an important stronghold of the Southern Court, and functioned as the center of the Southern Court in the Tohoku region.
Status as one of the Fifteen Shrines of the Kenmu Restoration
Ryōzen Shrine is counted as one of the “Fifteen Shrines of the Kenmu Restoration,” which enshrines members of the imperial family and military commanders of the Southern Court who contributed to the Kenmu Restoration. These fifteen shrines were established after the Meiji Restoration amidst the rise of reverence for the Emperor, with the purpose of honoring the loyal retainers of the Southern Court. Among them, Ryōzen Shrine is positioned as an important shrine dedicated to the Kitabatake family, central figures of the Southern Court’s power in the Tohoku region.
Its former shrine rank was a special government-sponsored shrine, and it is known as a shrine that enjoys particularly deep reverence from the Imperial Family. Valuable materials demonstrating its deep connection with the Imperial Family and the Meiji government are preserved, including the “Imperial Banner” donated by Iwakura Tomomi, a leading figure of the Meiji Restoration.
Deities Enshrined | The Lives and Achievements of Four Members of the Kitabatake Clan
Reizan Shrine enshrines four deities of the Kitabatake clan who were particularly deeply involved with Mutsu Province (present-day Tohoku region).
Kitabatake Chikafusa
Kitabatake Chikafusa was a court official who supported the Kenmu Restoration as a close confidant of Emperor Go-Daigo and was one of the highest-ranking leaders of the Southern Court. He was also an accomplished scholar, writing the *Jinnō Shōtōki* (Chronicle of the Legitimate Succession of the Divine Emperors) which discussed the legitimacy of the emperor. He played a crucial role as a spiritual pillar for his sons, Akiie and Akinobu, when they were active in Tohoku.
Kitabatake Akiie
Akiie, who was appointed as Mutsu no Taisuke (Governor of Mutsu Province), took command of the Southern Court forces in the Tohoku region at the young age of 16. He possessed exceptional talent as a military commander and was a crucial military pillar for the Southern Court, repeatedly advancing to Kyoto in battles against Ashikaga Takauji. His loyalty and bravery touched the hearts of many until his death in battle at the young age of 21.
Kitabatake Akinobu
Akinobu, the younger brother of Akiie, assisted his brother as Mutsu-no-suke (Governor of Mutsu Province). Even after his brother’s death, he continued fighting in Tohoku, defending Reizan Castle, a stronghold of the Southern Court. Ultimately, he committed suicide when Reizan Castle fell, dedicating his life to loyalty to the Southern Court.
Kitabatake Morichika
Morichika, Akinobu’s son, inherited the will of his father and uncle as the Governor of Mutsu Province. He bore a heavy responsibility for the Southern Court at a young age and dedicated himself to maintaining the Southern Court’s influence in the Tohoku region. As the youngest member of the Kitabatake clan, he upheld the family’s pride and mission to the very end.
Benefits of Reizan Shrine | A Power Spot with the Power to Strengthen Your Luck
Reizan Shrine is known as a “shrine that strengthens luck” and is believed to offer various benefits. A sacred atmosphere permeates the grounds, and it is a power spot that empowers visitors, attracting many worshippers from both within and outside the prefecture.
Main Benefits
Family Safety: Protects the health and peaceful life of the family. Because the Kitabatake clan valued family unity, it is believed to strengthen family bonds.
Business Prosperity: You can pray for the development of your business and the prosperity of your trade. The spirit of the Kitabatake clan, who persevered even in difficult situations, is believed to bring success in business.
Traffic Safety: Many worshippers visit to pray for safe travels. It is believed that the protection of the warlords who fought through the Sengoku period ensures safety on the road. Academic Success: Because Chikafusa was particularly outstanding as a scholar, many visitors pray for success in their studies and exams.
Protection from Misfortune and Good Fortune: You can receive the strength to overcome life’s turning points and difficult situations. You can benefit from the strength of the enshrined deity who remained loyal even in adversity.
The shrine offers not only purification rituals but also various consultations, supporting people who visit at various stages of their lives.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds | Five-Colored Maple Trees and Historic Buildings
The grounds of Reizan Shrine boast a beautiful landscape where history and nature harmonize.
Five-Colored Maple Trees | Maple Leaves Transplanted from Arashiyama, Kyoto
The maple trees on the shrine grounds are said to have been transplanted from Arashiyama in Kyoto and are praised as “five-colored maple trees.” In autumn, they are adorned in five colors: red, orange, yellow, yellow-green, and green, captivating many with their vibrant colors, unlike anything else in the region. The unique beauty of Ryōzen Shrine, a fusion of Kyoto’s elegant culture and Tohoku’s harsh nature, is its own special charm.
The best time to see the autumn leaves is usually from late October to early November, coinciding with the Autumn Grand Festival, making it a popular destination for tourists and worshippers.
Shrine Buildings and Grounds
The shrine buildings of Ryōzen Shrine are magnificent structures that reflect the architectural style of the Meiji era. Both the worship hall and the main hall are built in a dignified style, reflecting its former status as a special government-sponsored shrine.
Within the grounds, there are stone monuments and explanatory plaques that tell the history of the Kitabatake clan, allowing visitors to learn about the history of the Nanboku-chō period while praying. The entrance to the hiking trail leading to the Ryōzen Castle ruins is also nearby, making it an ideal base for historical exploration.
Imperial Banner and Treasures
The shrine office houses valuable treasures, including the “Imperial Banner” donated by Iwakura Tomomi. These are not usually open to the public, but may be viewable on special occasions. The Brocade Banner is an important item symbolizing the legitimacy of the Southern Court and a valuable cultural asset that demonstrates the historical value of Ryōzen Shrine.
Spring and Autumn Grand Festivals | Annual Events Featuring Traditional Performing Arts
Ryōzen Shrine holds grand festivals every spring and autumn.
Spring Grand Festival (April 29th)
The Spring Grand Festival is held every year on April 29th. It is an important festival held during the beautiful season of fresh greenery, offering gratitude and reverence to the enshrined deities.
Autumn Grand Festival (Early October)
The Autumn Grand Festival is held in early October, coinciding with the beautiful season of autumn leaves, and attracts many worshippers.
Dedication of the Ransho-no-mai and Shishi-mai Dances
At the annual festival, the traditional performing arts of “Ransho-no-mai” (the dance marking the beginning of things) and “Shishi-mai” (lion dance) are dedicated. These dances are sacred performing arts that have been passed down in the region for centuries and are an important element that colors the annual festival of Reizan Shrine.
The Ransho-no-mai dance symbolizes the beginning of things and embodies gratitude to the gods and a prayer for a new beginning. The Shishi-mai is a traditional performing art that wards off evil spirits and prays for a bountiful harvest and good health. Many tourists from within and outside the prefecture visit to see these dances.
Access and Parking Information | Transportation Information to Know Before Visiting
The most convenient way to access Reizan Shrine is by car, but public transportation is also available.
Location
Address: 1 Furuyadate, Oishi, Ryozen-machi, Date City, Fukushima Prefecture
Access by Car
Approximately 30 minutes from the Tohoku Expressway’s “Fukushima-Nishi IC” or “Kunimi IC”. The shrine has multiple parking lots: one near the main hall and a larger one located slightly downhill.
Parking Precautions: Reaching the parking lot next to the main hall requires navigating a narrow road with a 45-degree incline. This is only suitable for confident drivers. The road is particularly slippery and dangerous during rainy weather and winter. Those unsure of their driving abilities or with large vehicles are advised to use the larger parking lot below and walk from there to the shrine.
During winter (December to late March), extra caution is required due to the risk of snow and icy roads.
Access by Public Transportation
Train: The nearest station is JR Tohoku Main Line’s “Kaketa Station”.
Bus: Take a bus from Kaketa Station and get off at the “Ryōzen Shrine” bus stop. The shrine is approximately a 10-minute walk from the bus stop. However, bus service is limited, so it is recommended to check the timetable in advance.
Prayer and Worship Information | Advance Reservations and Reception Hours
Ryōzen Shrine accepts various types of prayers.
Prayer Reception Hours
Reception Hours: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Reservations: Reservations required
Those wishing to receive prayers must make a reservation in advance by phone or other means. We offer various prayers, including those for family safety, business prosperity, traffic safety, protection from evil, and success in examinations.
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding worship and prayers, please contact the Ryōzen Shrine office directly. The shrine priests will provide courteous assistance.
Tourist Attractions Around Ryōzen Shrine | Enjoy History and Nature
When visiting Ryōzen Shrine, you can enjoy a more fulfilling trip by also visiting the surrounding tourist attractions.
Ryōzen Castle Ruins
Following the mountain trail from Ryōzen Shrine, you will arrive at the ruins of Ryōzen Castle, an important historical site from the Nanboku-chō period. This mountain castle utilized the rugged mountainous terrain, and the remains of the original stone walls and baileys still exist. It’s a must-see spot for history buffs.
Ryōzen Satoyama School
This facility offers nature and agricultural experiences and is popular with families. You can experience the local traditional culture and nature.
Ryōzen Spring Water Village
This spot allows you to draw spring water nurtured by the rich nature of Ryōzen. The pure water is cherished by the local people.
Tourist Attractions in Date City
Date City has many other attractive tourist spots. With excellent access to surrounding cities such as Fukushima City, Nihonmatsu City, and Aizuwakamatsu City, it is conveniently located as a tourist base in Fukushima Prefecture.
History of Ryōzen Shrine | From the Nanboku-chō Period to the Present
The history of Ryōzen Shrine dates back to the Nanboku-chō period.
Ryōzen in the Nanboku-chō Period
In the 14th century, when Emperor Go-Daigo’s Kenmu Restoration began, Kitabatake Chikafusa and his son Akiie were dispatched to Mutsu Province. Ryōzen was developed as an important base for the Southern Court in the Tohoku region and for a time functioned as the Mutsu Provincial Office. Ryōzen Castle was known as an impregnable fortress utilizing the rugged mountainous terrain and became the base of the Kitabatake clan.
However, as the Nanboku-chō conflict intensified, Ryōzen Castle also came under attack from the Northern Court. Even after Akiie’s death in battle in 1338, Akinobu continued to defend the castle, but it eventually fell, and Akinobu committed suicide. This tragic history left a deep impression on future generations.
Founding in the Meiji Era
After the Meiji Restoration, with the rise of reverence for the Emperor, movements to honor loyal retainers of the Southern Court became active. In 1881, in honor of the achievements of the Kitabatake family, Reizan Shrine was founded at the foot of the Reizan Castle ruins.
The shrine was granted the high rank of “Bekkaku Kanshae” (a special government-ranked shrine) and received deep reverence from the Imperial family. Meiji-era statesmen, including Iwakura Tomomi, also supported the shrine’s founding and donated valuable items such as the Imperial banner.
As a Modern Power Spot
Although the shrine ranking system was abolished after the war, Reizan Shrine has continued to be carefully preserved by the local people. In recent years, it has attracted attention as a “shrine that strengthens luck” and a “power spot,” drawing many visitors from both within and outside the prefecture.
It has also become a topic of conversation on social media, and is especially bustling with tourists during the autumn foliage season. While preserving tradition, it continues to carve out new history as a shrine that resonates with modern people.
Summary | Experience History and Blessings at Ryozen Shrine
Ryozen Shrine is a valuable shrine that conveys the turbulent history of the Nanboku-cho period, and at the same time, it is a power spot that empowers people living in modern times. As one of the fifteen shrines of the Kenmu Restoration, it enjoys high status and deep reverence from the Imperial Family. It is a rare existence that harmoniously combines historical value with practical blessings such as family safety, business prosperity, and traffic safety.
The five-colored maple trees that spread throughout the shrine grounds have a history of being transplanted from Arashiyama in Kyoto, and despite being in the Tohoku region, they possess a beauty that evokes the elegance of the capital. During the spring and autumn festivals, traditional performing arts such as the Ransho dance and lion dance are offered, allowing visitors to experience the local culture.
While access requires some caution, the experience is all the more rewarding. When visiting Date City in Fukushima Prefecture, be sure to pay your respects at Reizan Shrine and experience its historical significance and sacred atmosphere. You may receive the power to strengthen your luck and find inspiration to take a new step forward.
