Hachimangu Shrine (Oyama-cho, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture) Complete Guide | History, Access, and Surrounding Information
Hachimangu Shrine, located in Oyama-cho, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, is a beloved local shrine. This article provides a comprehensive overview, from basic information about Hachimangu Shrine to information about surrounding shrines and helpful details for visitors. While there are several Hachimangu Shrines in Toyama City, this article focuses on the one located in Oyama-cho.
Basic Information about Hachimangu Shrine
Hachimangu Shrine in Oyama-cho, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, is a registered shrine with official address information and a corporate number. Detailed basic information is summarized below.
Location and Contact Information
Location: 6-17 Oyama-cho, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture
Postal Code: 〒939-8092
Corporate Number: 5230005000975
This corporate number is assigned based on the corporate number system managed by the National Tax Agency and serves as the official identification number for religious corporations. Using this corporate number when searching for shrines or checking detailed information will allow you to access accurate information.
Characteristics of Hachiman Shrines
Hachiman shrines are a general term for shrines found throughout Japan, primarily those dedicated to Emperor Ojin. Several Hachiman shrines are located within Toyama Prefecture, each functioning as a center of local faith. The Hachiman shrine in Oyama-cho also has a long history of being revered as the guardian deity of the local residents.
Its role as a shrine is to pray for the peace and prosperity of the region, and various festivals are held throughout the year. It is also used as a place of worship for important life events such as New Year’s visits, Shichi-Go-San (a traditional rite of passage for children), and exorcisms.
Differences from other Hachiman Shrines in Toyama City
Besides the Hachiman Shrine in Oyama-cho, there are several other Hachiman Shrines in Toyama City. Each shrine has its own unique history and characteristics, allowing visitors to choose a shrine according to their purpose.
Etchu Gokoku Hachiman Shrine (Hachiman no Miya)
Located in Hachiman, Toyama City, Etchu Gokoku Hachiman Shrine is one of the most famous Hachiman Shrines in Toyama Prefecture. It is said to have been established approximately 2000 years ago and is known as one of the oldest shrines in Toyama.
Location: Yahata, Toyama City
Common Names: Yahata-no-Miya, Gokoku Hachiman-gu, Ikkoku Issha Hachiman-gu
History: According to ancient accounts, the shrine was founded in the 84th year of Emperor Suinin’s reign (55 AD) when the principal deity, Ohata-nushi-no-Mikoto, subdued the notorious bandit “Abiko” of Echigo Province and established Yahata-no-Miya.
During the reign of Emperor Shomu, it was designated as the “One Hachiman Shrine per Province,” and has been affectionately known by various names such as “Yahata-no-Miya,” “Gokoku Hachiman-gu,” “Ikkoku Issha Hachiman-gu,” and “Hachiman-sama.” Its former shrine rank was Gosha (village shrine), and it holds a historically significant position.
Kumonna Hachiman Shrine
Location: 50 Kumonna, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture
Postal Code: 〒939-8002
Corporate Number: 5230005001008
This is another Hachiman shrine located within Toyama City. It is an independent shrine with a separate corporate number from the Hachiman shrine in Oyama-cho. It is the tutelary shrine of the Kumonna area and enjoys the faith of the local community.
Iino Hachiman Shrine (Hachiman Shrine)
This is a historical shrine founded in the third year of the Jogan era (861 AD) during the Heian period. Tachibana no Ason Harunari, a descendant of the Fujiwara clan, founded it in the village of Mikami (御神) in Iino-go, Niikawa-gun, as a place of prayer for the protection of the nation. It is a historically significant shrine designated as the principal shrine of the 17 villages of Iino-go, Niikawa-gun.
The Relationship Between Hachiman Worship and Toyama Prefecture
Hachiman worship is a form of faith that spreads throughout Japan, combining the characteristics of a god of war and military affairs with those of a god of agriculture and industry. In Toyama Prefecture, Hachiman worship has been deeply rooted since ancient times, and Hachiman shrines are located throughout the prefecture.
Characteristics of Hachiman
Hachiman is often worshipped with Emperor Ōjin as the principal deity, and is believed to possess the following divine virtues:
- Long-lasting military fortune: Revered as the guardian deity of samurai
- National protection: A god who protects the peace of the country
- Promotion of industry: A god who assists in the development of industry
- Exorcism and good fortune: A god who wards off disaster and brings good fortune
Toyama Prefecture has long been known as Etchū Province and has occupied an important position as a strategic point in the Hokuriku region. Therefore, it is thought that Hachiman worship, which prays for national protection and regional peace, was particularly prevalent there.
How to Visit Hachiman Shrine
There are general customs for visiting shrines. When visiting Hachiman Shrine, following the basic etiquette below will allow for a more respectful visit.
Basic Etiquette
- Bow before passing through the torii gate: As a sign of respect before entering the sacred area, bow before the torii gate.
- Purify yourself at the water basin: Purify your left hand, then your right hand, then your mouth.
- Walking along the approach: The center of the approach is considered the path of the gods, so walk along the sides.
- Etiquette at the main hall: The basic procedure is two bows, two claps, and one bow.
- Bow deeply twice.
- Clap your hands twice.
- Pray sincerely.
- Bow deeply once.
Suitable Time to Visit
While you can generally visit shrines at any time, it’s good to consider the following points.
- Morning: A time when you can visit the shrine with a refreshing feeling.
- Festival Days: On days when special Shinto rituals are held, you can feel an even more sacred atmosphere.
- Quiet Times: If you want to offer your prayers quietly, it is recommended to visit during times when there are fewer people.
Local Information for Oyama-cho, Toyama City
Oyama-cho is a region located in the southern part of Toyama City. Here is some basic information about this region where the Hachiman Shrine is located.
Characteristics of Oyama-cho
The name Oyama-cho is thought to originate from Mount Oyama, the main peak of the Tateyama mountain range. This indicates that the faith in Mount Tateyama, a sacred mountain representative of Toyama Prefecture, is deeply rooted in the local culture.
The area with postal code 939-8092 is relatively close to the city center of Toyama City and offers an environment where residential areas and nature are in harmony.
Access Information
The main ways to access Oyama-cho are as follows:
If using public transportation:
- Take a bus from Toyama Station
- Access on foot from the nearest bus stop
If using a car:
- Use national or prefectural roads from the center of Toyama City
- We recommend checking parking availability in advance
For detailed access information, we recommend checking the latest traffic information before your visit.
Visiting Shrines in Toyama Prefecture
Besides the Hachiman Shrine in Oyama-cho, Toyama Prefecture has many other historical shrines. For those who enjoy visiting shrines, we introduce some of the major shrines in the surrounding area.
Major Shrines in Toyama City
Hie Shrine: Known as the guardian shrine of Toyama City
Toyama Prefecture Gokoku Shrine: A shrine dedicated to the war dead of Toyama Prefecture
Imizu Shrine: An ancient shrine located within Toyama Castle Park
Oyama Shrine: A central shrine of Tateyama faith
These shrines each have different histories and characteristics, shaping the religious culture of Toyama Prefecture.
Visiting Hachiman Shrines in Toyama Prefecture
Those interested in Hachiman worship should consider visiting Hachiman shrines in Toyama Prefecture.
Hanyu Gokoku Hachiman Shrine (Oyabe City): Famous for being the place where Kiso Yoshinaka prayed for victory in the late Heian period. With a history of over 1300 years, the shrine buildings are designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The shrine buildings, donated by the Kaga Domain in the early Edo period, are also valuable cultural assets from an architectural history perspective.
Each Hachiman shrine has its own unique history and traditions, and visiting them allows for a deeper understanding of Toyama Prefecture’s history and culture.
Shrine Visits and Modern Society
In modern times, shrines serve not only as places of worship but also in various other roles.
Centers of Local Communities
Shrines are central to local festivals and events, functioning as places for interaction among local residents. The various events held throughout the year provide important opportunities to deepen community bonds.
Value as Cultural Assets
Many shrines possess valuable cultural assets, including buildings, works of art and crafts, and ancient documents. These are important assets that convey Japan’s history and culture and must be passed down to future generations.
A Place of Peace and Tranquility
Shrines play an important role as a place to escape the stresses of modern society and find peace of mind. The tranquil atmosphere of the shrine grounds brings peace of mind to visitors.
Maintenance and Future of Shrines
The maintenance of shrines requires the support of parishioners and devotees. Many shrines face the following challenges:
Modern Challenges
- Decreasing Number of Parishioners: Urbanization and population decline make it difficult to maintain the traditional parishioner system.
- Aging Buildings: Repairing historical buildings requires significant expense.
- Shortage of Successors: Securing personnel for Shinto priests and shrine management.
Methods of Support
There are various ways to support shrines.
- Regular Visits: The foundation for maintaining a relationship with the shrine
- Participation in Festivals: Continuing local traditional events
- Donations and Offerings: Financially supporting the maintenance and operation of the shrine
- Participation in Cleaning Activities: Cooperating in beautifying the shrine grounds
Map of the Area Around Hachimangu Shrine
Hachimangu Shrine, located at 6-17 Oyama-cho, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, is situated in the southern area of Toyama City. Surrounded by residential areas, it functions as a shrine closely integrated into the daily lives of the residents.
Surrounding Facilities
Facilities necessary for daily life are scattered around the shrine, making it part of the local residents’ living area. When visiting, it is desirable to be considerate of the surrounding environment and worship quietly.
How to Use the Map
Nowadays, you can easily check the location of the shrine using a smartphone map app. You can obtain accurate location information by searching using the address “6-17 Oyama-cho, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture” or the postal code “939-8092”.
Map services like Google Maps allow you to use their route search function to display the best route from your current location.
List of Nearby Shrines
Besides the Hachiman Shrine in Oyama-cho, there are many other shrines located within Toyama City. Below is a list of some of the major shrines for your reference.
Hachiman Shrines in Toyama City
- Etchu Gokoku Hachiman Shrine (Hachiman, Toyama City) – Corporate Number: Assigned Separately
- A historical shrine known as the only Hachiman shrine in the province
- One of the oldest shrines in Toyama, with a history of approximately 2000 years
- Hachiman Shrine (50 Kumonna, Toyama City) – Corporate Number: 5230005001008
- The guardian deity of the Kumonna district
- Postal Code: 939-8002
- Hachiman Shrine (6-17 Oyama-cho, Toyama City) – Corporate Number: 5230005000975
- The shrine introduced in this article
- Postal Code: 939-8092
Other Major Shrines
Besides Hachiman shrines, there are various other shrines in Toyama City.
- Hie Shrine: The general guardian shrine located in Sanno-cho, Toyama City.
- Imizu Shrine: An ancient shrine within Toyama Castle Park.
- Toyama Prefecture Gokoku Shrine: A Gokoku shrine in Isobe-cho, Toyama City.
- Oyama Shrine Maetate Shadan: A center of Tateyama worship.
These shrines each enshrine different deities and possess their own unique history and traditions. When planning a shrine visit, researching the characteristics of each shrine beforehand will lead to a deeper understanding.
Shrine Search and Information Utilization
Nowadays, it is easy to search for detailed information about shrines via the internet.
Search by Corporate Number
Under the corporate number system, each shrine is assigned a unique number. By using the corporate number “5230005000975” for Hachimangu Shrine (Oyama-cho), you can access accurate information.
The National Tax Agency’s corporate number publication site allows you to check basic information such as the official name and address by entering the corporate number.
Using the Shrine Database
A database site that aggregates information on shrines nationwide allows you to search for the following information:
- National Shrine List: Lists of shrines by prefecture and municipality
- Ranking of Shrines with the Same Name: How many shrines have the same name
- Ranking of Shrines by Prefecture: Comparison of the number of shrines in each prefecture
- Ranking of Shrines by Municipality: More detailed regional distribution of shrines
This information is useful for shrine research and planning shrine visits.
Shrine Culture in Toyama Prefecture
Toyama Prefecture is a region where a unique religious culture has developed, including the Tateyama faith.
Relationship with the Tateyama Faith
The Tateyama faith, a representative form of faith in Toyama Prefecture, is a mountain worship that reveres the Tateyama mountain range, with Mt. Oyama as its main peak, as a sacred mountain. The place name Oyama-machi is also thought to originate from Mt. Oyama, and the influence of the Tateyama faith can be seen throughout the region.
History of Etchu Province
Ancient Etchu Province held a crucial position as a key point on the Hokuriku Road. Under the rule of the Yamato court, shrines were established throughout the region, becoming places to pray for national protection and regional peace.
The fact that Etchu Gokoku Hachimangu Shrine was designated as “the only Hachimangu shrine in the province” stems from this historical background.
Precautions When Visiting a Shrine
When visiting a shrine, please note the following points:
Attire and Manners
- Clean Attire: Dress appropriately for a sacred place.
- Quiet: Avoid loud conversations.
- Photography: Do not take photos in areas where photography is prohibited.
- No Smoking: Smoking is generally prohibited on the shrine grounds.
Behavior on the Shrine Grounds
- Pets: Many shrines prohibit pets.
- Eating and Drinking: Avoid eating and drinking outside of designated areas.
- Garbage: Take your trash with you.
- Plants and Animals: Do not touch or collect them unnecessarily.
Summary
Hachimangu Shrine, located at 6-17 Oyama-cho, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, is a formally registered religious corporation with corporate number 5230005000975. It has long been revered by local residents as the guardian deity of the region.
There are several Hachimangu shrines in Toyama City, each with its own unique history and characteristics. From ancient shrines with a history of approximately 2,000 years, such as Etchu Gokoku Hachimangu Shrine, to small, community-based shrines, a diverse range of shrines shapes the religious culture of Toyama Prefecture.
Shrines are not merely tourist attractions; they are important places that convey the history and culture of the region. When visiting, it is important to observe proper manners and respect the sacred atmosphere.
In modern society, shrines are being re-recognized as precious spaces where one can find peace of mind. When visiting Toyama Prefecture, be sure to visit local shrines, including Hachimangu Shrine in Oyama Town, and experience Toyama’s history and culture.
The maintenance of shrines requires the support of parishioners and devotees. It is up to each of us to pass on the region’s traditional culture to future generations through regular visits and participation in festivals.
