Kumano Shrine (Hirano, Iizaka-machi, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture) Complete Guide | History, Deities, Access, and Surrounding Information
Kumano Shrine, located in Hirano, Iizaka-machi, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, is a historical shrine that received a divided spirit from Kumano in Kishu during the Tensho era. This guide provides detailed information about this shrine, which has been cherished by the local people as the guardian deity of the Hirano area, including its history, enshrined deities, access methods, and surrounding information.
Basic Information about Kumano Shrine
Location and Contact Information
Address: 28, Hirano, Iizaka-machi, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture 960-0231
Kumano Shrine is located in the Hirano area, in the northern part of Fukushima City, close to Iizaka Onsen (hot springs). Iizaka-machi has long been known as a hot spring resort and attracts many tourists, but Kumano Shrine remains a quiet shrine that attracts the faith of local people.
Basic Data
- Former Place Name: Hiratsuka, Tenno-shita, Hirano Village, Shinobu District
- Former Name: Guardian deity of Tenno-shita village, Hirano Village
- Deities Enshrined: Kumano Three Gods (Izanagi-no-Mikoto, Izanami-no-Mikoto, Hayatamao-no-Mikoto, etc.)
- Founding: Tensho era (1573-1593)
- Shrine Rank: Village Shrine
- Annual Festival Day: Local festivals are held throughout the year
History and Origins of Kumano Shrine
Founding in the Tensho Era
The founding of Kumano Shrine dates back to the Tensho era. It is said to have begun when Iizaka Shogen Muneyasu, who was the steward of the Tennoji territory at the time, received a divided spirit from Kumano-dera Temple in Kishu, Wakayama Prefecture, and enshrined a stone shrine within the village.
The Tensho era was the end of the Sengoku period, a time of continuous warfare in the Tohoku region. Even amidst such turmoil, people cherished their faith in gods and Buddhas as a source of spiritual support. It is believed that Iizaka Shogen Muneyasu’s introduction of Kumano faith to the region held great significance for the people of Hirano Village.
Connection to Kishu Kumano
Kumano faith is a religion with the Kumano Sanzan (Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha) in Wakayama Prefecture as its head shrine. From the Heian period onward, it attracted so many pilgrims that it was called “the ant-like pilgrimage to Kumano,” with people from all walks of life, from royalty to commoners, visiting Kumano.
While there are several Kumano shrines in Fukushima Prefecture, each has a history of receiving a divided spirit from Kishu Kumano. The Kumano Shrine in Hirano, Iizaka Town, is also a shrine that has maintained a spiritual connection to the distant Kishu.
As the Guardian Deity of Hirano Village
The Kumano Shrine, formerly located in Hiratsuka, Tenno-shita, Hirano Village, Shinobu District, has been revered as the guardian deity of the Tenno-shita district of Hirano Village. In a region centered on agriculture, it is believed to have played a central role in the community, serving as a place to pray for abundant harvests, family safety, and good health.
Following the reforms of the shrine system during the Meiji era, it was designated a village shrine and also took on the role of a public place of worship for the region.
Deities and Divine Virtues
About the Kumano Three Deities
The deities enshrined at the Kumano Shrine are the gods generally known as the Kumano Three Deities. This is a collective term for the principal deities enshrined at each of the three Kumano shrines, and includes the following gods:
- Izanagi-no-Mikoto: The god of creation in Japanese mythology
- Izanami-no-Mikoto: The wife of Izanagi-no-Mikoto, the goddess who gives birth to all things
- Hayatama-no-O-no-Mikoto: The principal deity of Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine
- Kotosaka-no-O-no-Mikoto: One of the principal deities of Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine
These deities are believed to possess divine virtues such as the creation of life, matchmaking, purification, and regeneration.
Divine Virtues and Faith
A characteristic of Kumano faith lies in its tolerance and acceptance of all people. As the saying goes, “Kumano is visited by people of all social classes and backgrounds,” indicating that it was a faith open to all people regardless of status or gender.
The main divine blessings are:
- Longevity and Longevity: Faith as a source of vitality
- Healing from Illness: Purification of mind and body and restoration of health
- Family Safety: Peace and prosperity for the family
- Abundant Harvest: Protection of agriculture
- Matchmaking: Successful relationships
- Protection from Misfortune: Protection from disaster
Seeking these divine blessings, local people have continued to visit the shrine daily.
Access Information
Access by Public Transportation
The following is how to access the shrine by public transportation to Hirano, Iizaka-machi, Fukushima City.
Access from the nearest station:
- Fukushima Kotsu Iizaka Line, Iizaka Onsen Station
- Approximately 20-25 minutes on foot from the station
- Approximately 5 minutes by taxi
- If using the bus, walk from the nearest bus stop
- JR Tohoku Main Line, Fukushima Station
- Approximately 20 minutes from Fukushima Station to Iizaka Onsen Station on the Fukushima Kotsu Iizaka Line
- Then, proceed to the shrine using the method described above.
Iizaka Onsen is a representative hot spring resort in Fukushima City, and public transportation access is relatively good. However, since the shrine itself is located in a residential area, it is recommended to check its location on a map beforehand.
Access by Car
Access from Major Roads:
- From Fukushima Iizaka IC on the Tohoku Expressway
- Travel Time: Approximately 10-15 minutes
- Take National Route 13 towards Iizaka
- From the Center of Fukushima City
- Travel Time: Approximately 20 minutes
- Head north on National Route 13
Parking Information:
Due to the size of the shrine, there may not be a dedicated large parking lot. When visiting, please consider using nearby parking spaces or public parking lots. Especially during events such as festivals, we recommend using public transportation.
Location Confirmation using a Smartphone
Nowadays, you can obtain accurate location information and route guidance by using a smartphone map app. Entering “28 Hachimasu-maki, Hirano, Iizaka-machi, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture” or searching for “Kumano Shrine Iizaka-machi Hirano” will allow you to check the route from your current location.
Because it’s displayed on major map services like Google Maps and Yahoo! Maps, even first-time visitors can easily access it.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
Stone Shrine and Main Hall
Records indicate that a stone shrine was originally enshrined here. While detailed records don’t exist regarding the construction of the current main hall, it has been carefully maintained as a center of local faith.
Despite its small size, the shrine, imbued with the faith of the local people, possesses a simple and tranquil atmosphere. Unlike large urban shrines, it offers a warmth unique to a community-based shrine.
Atmosphere of the Shrine Grounds
Located within the residential area of Hirano district, Kumano Shrine is an integral part of local life. The grounds are meticulously maintained, demonstrating the care and dedication of the local parishioners.
The shrine grounds display different expressions with each season, offering the beauty of spring’s fresh greenery, summer’s deep green, autumn’s vibrant foliage, and winter’s snowscapes.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Iizaka Onsen
The closest tourist attraction to Kumano Shrine is undoubtedly Iizaka Onsen. This historic hot spring resort is considered one of the three most famous hot springs in Oshu, and there is a legend that it was already being used as a hot spring around the 2nd century.
Characteristics of Iizaka Onsen:
- Spring Water Quality: Simple Hot Spring
- Efficacy: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue recovery, etc.
- Public Baths: Nine public baths, including “Sabako-yu”
- Inns/Hotels: Numerous accommodations line the streets
You can relax and soothe your fatigue in the hot springs after visiting the shrine.
Former Horikiri Residence
Located in the heart of Iizaka Onsen, the Former Horikiri Residence is a facility that opens to the public the former residence of a wealthy farmer and merchant from the Edo period. It is a valuable cultural asset that conveys the architectural style of the Meiji era, and can be viewed along with its beautiful garden.
The entrance fee is reasonable, making it a valuable spot to learn about the history of Iizaka.
Iōji Temple
Located near Iizaka Onsen, Iōji Temple is an ancient temple known as the burial place of Fujiwara no Tsunekiyo, the first head of the Ōshū Fujiwara clan, and Gōgozen, the principal wife of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. It’s a particularly recommended spot for history buffs.
Hanamiyama Park
Hanamiyama Park, a representative flower viewing spot in Fukushima City, boasts a variety of flowers in spring, including plum blossoms, peach blossoms, cherry blossoms, forsythia, and magnolias, creating a veritable paradise.
It’s about a 20-minute drive from Kumano Shrine, and attracts many tourists during the spring sightseeing season.
Other Kumano Shrines in Fukushima City
There are several Kumano Shrines in Fukushima Prefecture, especially within Fukushima City. Each has its own unique history and characteristics.
Kumano Shrine (Shimo-Iizaka, Fukushima City)
This Kumano Shrine is located approximately 1.7 km northwest of Higashi-Fukushima Station on the Tōhoku Main Line. It’s characterized by its bright and clean grounds and is known as a shrine that has undergone recent renovations. The address is Shimo-Iizaka Kumano, Fukushima City, and it is a different shrine from the Kumano Shrine in Hirano, Iizaka Town.
Shingu Kumano Shrine (Kitakata City)
One of the most famous Kumano Shrines in Fukushima Prefecture is Shingu Kumano Shrine in Kitakata City. It is an ancient shrine said to have been founded in 1055 (Tenki 3) by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi, and its worship hall, the “Nagatoko,” is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
It is a valuable building that conveys the style of the Shinden-zukuri architecture of the Heian period, and the sight of the 44 columns lined up in an orderly fashion is breathtaking. The large ginkgo tree on the shrine grounds is also magnificent, and in autumn, a golden carpet of leaves spreads out.
Manners and Etiquette for Visiting Shrines
Basic Etiquette for Visiting Shrines
Knowing the basic etiquette for visiting shrines will allow you to offer a more heartfelt prayer.
Walking Procedure:
- Bow Before Passing Through the Torii Gate
- Bow lightly before entering the sacred area.
- Walking Path
- Walk along the edge of the path, as the center is considered the path of the gods.
- Purify at the Water Basin (If there is one)
- Hold the ladle in your right hand and purify your left hand.
- Switch the ladle to your left hand and purify your right hand.
- Switch the ladle back to your right hand, receive water in your left hand, and rinse your mouth.
- Finally, hold the ladle upright and purify the handle.
- Worship at the Main Hall
- Quietly place your offering in the offering box.
- Ring the bell if there is one.
- Perform the two bows, two claps, and one bow (bowing deeply twice, clapping twice, and bowing deeply once).
- When Leaving
- After leaving the torii gate, turn around and bow once.
Dress Code for Visiting the Shrine
Unless it’s a special festival, everyday clothing is acceptable for visiting the shrine. However, please be mindful that it is a sacred place and strive to wear clean, understated attire.
Annual Events and Festivals
As a local shrine, Kumano Shrine is believed to hold various festivals throughout the year.
Main Annual Events (General Examples)
- New Year’s Day Festival: January 1st, a festival celebrating the New Year
- Spring Festival: Spring, a prayer for a bountiful harvest
- Summer Purification Ceremony: Around June 30th, a purification ceremony to cleanse away the impurities accumulated over the past six months
- Autumn Festival: Autumn, a festival to give thanks for the harvest
- Niiname-sai Festival: Around November 23rd, offering of new grain to the gods
- Great Purification Ceremony: December 31st, a purification ceremony to cleanse away the impurities accumulated over the year
Specific dates and details may vary depending on local customs. When planning a visit, we recommend checking local information beforehand.
Connection with the Community
Relationship between Parishioners and the Shrine
Kumano Shrine has been protected by the local people as the tutelary deity of the Hirano district. Under the parishioner system, the maintenance and management of the shrine and the operation of festivals are supported by the local community.
In modern times, while the number of parishioners is decreasing in many areas, the fact that such a small shrine is still maintained can be said to be a manifestation of the faith and love for their hometown of the local people.
As the Center of the Local Community
Shrines have also played a role as the center of the local community, not just as religious facilities. During festivals, local people gather and it becomes a place for interaction.
Especially in rural areas, there is a strong sense of community centered around the shrine, and intergenerational interaction has taken place through festivals. Even in modern times, with increasing urbanization, this traditional form of community still remains in part.
History and Culture of Fukushima City
History of Shinobu District
The former Shinobu District, where Kumano Shrine is located, is a historical region with a history dating back to ancient times. The place name “Shinobu” is ancient, even appearing in the Manyoshu (an ancient collection of Japanese poetry), and was known for a dyeing technique called “Shinobu-mojizuri.”
Under the Ritsuryo system (ancient Japanese legal and administrative system), it was Shinobu District in Mutsu Province and one of the important bases in the Tohoku region. In the Middle Ages, it came under the control of the Date clan, and in the early modern period, it developed as a castle town of Fukushima Castle.
History of Iizaka
Iizaka has been known as a hot spring resort since ancient times, and there is a legend that Yamato Takeru stopped there during his eastern expedition. In the Middle Ages, the Sato clan ruled Iizaka, producing the famous Sato brothers, Tsugunobu and Tadanobu, who were retainers of Minamoto no Yoshitsune.
During the Edo period, it flourished as a post town on the Oshu Kaido (highway) and attracted many visitors seeking therapeutic hot springs. It continued to develop as a hot spring tourist destination after the Meiji era, and remains so to this day.
Spread of Kumano Faith
Kumano Shrines Nationwide
Kumano faith spread throughout Japan from the Heian period to the Kamakura period. As pilgrimages to the Kumano Sanzan (Three Grand Shrines of Kumano) became popular, Kumano shrines were established in various locations, becoming objects of local faith.
There are said to be over 3,000 Kumano shrines throughout Japan, and numerous exist in the Tohoku region. Each shrine maintains a connection to Kishu Kumano while developing its own unique form of worship.
Kumano Faith in Tohoku
The spread of Kumano faith in the Tohoku region is thought to have occurred primarily through the following routes:
- Spread through Shugendo (mountain asceticism): Mountain ascetics spread Kumano faith throughout the region.
- Establishment by the Samurai Class: Samurai who practiced Kumano faith, such as the Minamoto and Taira clans, established shrines when they migrated to Tohoku.
- Spread by Merchants and Travelers: Those who had experienced Kumano pilgrimages brought the faith back to their local areas.
The Kumano Shrine in Hirano, Iizaka Town, was established by a samurai named Iizaka Shogen Muneyasu, suggesting it falls under the second pattern.
Precautions When Visiting a Shrine
Visiting Hours
Shrines are generally open 24 hours a day for worship, but it is recommended to avoid nighttime visits and visit during daylight hours. Especially at shrines located in residential areas, consideration for surrounding residents is necessary.
Photography
Photography is generally permitted on the shrine grounds, but please note the following:
- Do not take photos in areas where photography is prohibited, such as inside the main hall.
- Refrain from taking photos during religious ceremonies, or obtain permission.
- Use flash sparingly.
- Be considerate of other worshippers.
Pet Policy
Policies regarding pets at shrines vary from shrine to shrine. Generally, it is advised to refrain from bringing pets onto the grounds, but smaller shrines may not have clear regulations.
If you bring a pet, please carry it or keep it on a leash and take sufficient care not to disturb other worshippers.
Summary
Kumano Shrine, located in Hachimasumaki, Hirano, Iizaka-machi, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, is a historical shrine that received a divided spirit from Kumano in Kishu during the Tensho era. Founded by Iizaka Shogen Muneyasu, it has been cherished by the local people as the guardian deity of Hirano Village.
Although small in scale, it is carefully preserved as a place of worship deeply rooted in the community, providing visitors with a quiet space for prayer. It is also close to Iizaka Onsen, making it possible to visit in conjunction with a hot spring trip.
When visiting Fukushima City, why not visit not only tourist spots but also small local shrines like this one? There, you will find the history of the region and the faith of the people, things not found in tourist guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact address of Kumano Shrine (Hirano, Iizaka-machi, Fukushima City)?
The address of Kumano Shrine is “28 Hachimasumaki, Hirano, Iizaka-machi, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture,” and the postal code is “〒960-0231.” It is located in the Hirano area, close to Iizaka Onsen.
How to get to Kumano Shrine?
By public transport, it is about a 20-25 minute walk or a 5 minute taxi ride from Iizaka Onsen Station on the Fukushima Kotsu Iizaka Line. By car, it is about a 10-15 minute drive from the Fukushima Iizaka Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway.
Who are the deities enshrined at Kumano Shrine?
The deities enshrined at Kumano Shrine are the three Kumano deities: Izanagi-no-Mikoto, Izanami-no-Mikoto, and Hayatamao-no-Mikoto. They are believed to bestow blessings such as longevity, healing from illness, family safety, and abundant harvests.
When was Kumano Shrine founded?
Kumano Shrine was founded during the Tensho era (1573-1593). It began when Iizaka Shogen Muneyasu, the steward of the Tennoji domain, received a divided spirit from Kumano-dera Temple in Kishu, Wakayama Prefecture, and enshrined a stone shrine in the village. ### What is around Kumano Shrine?
Around Kumano Shrine, there are several tourist attractions, including Iizaka Onsen, one of the three famous hot springs of Oshu; the former Horikiri Residence, a wealthy farmer’s house from the Edo period that is open to the public; and Io-ji Temple, which houses the tombs of Fujiwara no Tsunekiyo and Gozen.
Is there parking?
Due to the size of the shrine, there may not be a large dedicated parking lot. When visiting, please consider using nearby parking spaces or public parking lots. During events such as festivals, we recommend using public transportation.
What are the visiting hours?
Shrines are generally open 24 hours a day, but since they are located in residential areas, we recommend visiting during daylight hours. Visiting at night should be avoided out of consideration for the surrounding residents.
Are there other Kumano Shrines in Fukushima City?
There are several Kumano Shrines in Fukushima City. There is another Kumano Shrine in Shimo-Iizaka, Fukushima City, located approximately 1.7 km northwest of Higashi-Fukushima Station. Furthermore, Kitakata City is home to the Shingu Kumano Shrine, which has a long hall designated as a nationally important cultural property.
