Tsurugi Shrine

Tsurugi Shrine Complete Guide | From the History, Blessings, and Cultural Assets of Echizen’s Second Shrine to its Deep Connection with Oda Nobunaga

What is Tsurugi Shrine?

Tsurugi Shrine is a venerable shrine with a history of over 1800 years, located in Oda, Echizen-cho, Nyu-gun, Fukui Prefecture. As the second-ranked shrine of Echizen Province (the first-ranked is Kehi Shrine in Tsuruga), it has long attracted worshippers and continues to be visited by many as a special shrine of the Association of Shinto Shrines.

Also known as “Ota Myojin,” it is widely known as a shrine where the ancestors of the Sengoku period warlord Oda Nobunaga served as priests. It is a Shikinaisha (a shrine listed in the Engishiki, an ancient Japanese legal code) and, formerly a national shrine of the lowest rank, a highly prestigious shrine, and continues to receive deep reverence as a sacred place of prayer in the Hokuriku region.

Located almost in the center of the Oda Basin, and situated at a crucial transportation hub connecting the central and inland areas of the Nyu Mountains bordering the Sea of Japan, Tsurugi Shrine has functioned as a central place of worship in the region since ancient times.

History and Origins of Tsurugi Shrine

Origin of its Founding

The founding of Tsurugi Shrine dates back to ancient times. According to ancient tradition, during the reign of Emperor Korei, the 7th emperor, the residents of Ibe village enshrined Susanoo-no-Okami on the peak of Mt. Zagatake (elevation 390 meters) to the north, and referred to him as “Tsurugi-no-Okami.”

Mt. Zagatake has been revered as a sacred mountain since ancient times, and Tsurugi-no-Okami, enshrined there, has been worshipped as a guardian deity of the region. This mountain worship is the origin of Tsurugi Shrine.

Relocation to the Current Location

According to shrine records, during the regency of Empress Jingu, Prince Oshikuma, the second son of Emperor Chuai (the 14th emperor), expressed his gratitude for being able to govern this region under the divine power of Tsurugi-no-Okami. He erected a shrine at the current location and enshrined the deity as “Tsurugi Daimyojin.”

This relocation strengthened Tsurugi Shrine’s character from a mountain worship site to a village shrine, making it a more accessible place of worship for local residents. The current shrine grounds are located in the center of the Oda Basin, a strategically important transportation hub since ancient times, making it a center of worship for many people.

Development from the Nara Period Onward

During the Nara period, Tsurugi Shrine was officially recognized as a Shikinaisha (a shrine listed in the Engishiki) in the Engishiki Jinmyocho (a list of shrines compiled in 927 AD) as “Tsurugi Shrine, Niu District, Echizen Province.” This established Tsurugi Shrine’s position as one of the major shrines in Echizen Province.

From the Heian period to the medieval period, it was revered by the imperial court and samurai families as the second most important shrine in Echizen Province, and developed into a powerful shrine possessing many sacred lands. The priests governed this area for generations, performing religious ceremonies and participating in local governance.

From the Late Edo Period to the Modern Era

During the late Edo period, the shrine underwent extensive repairs, and in the Meiji era, under the modern shrine ranking system, it was ranked as a National Shrine of the Lower Rank. This is a rank bestowed upon only a limited number of shrines nationwide, demonstrating the recognition of Tsurugi Shrine’s historical and religious importance at the national level.

After World War II, it became a special shrine of the Association of Shinto Shrines, and continues to be one of the central shrines in the Echizen region, welcoming many worshippers. Tens of thousands of people visit for Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year), and it remains a center of local faith.

The Deep Connection Between Oda Nobunaga and Tsurugi Shrine

The Ancestors of the Oda Clan and Tsurugi Shrine

When discussing Tsurugi Shrine, its deep connection to the Sengoku period warlord Oda Nobunaga is indispensable. Oda in Echizen Town is known as the hometown of Oda Nobunaga’s ancestors and the birthplace of the Oda clan.

The ancestors of the Oda clan were a distinguished family that served for generations as estate managers of the Echizen Oda estate and as priests of Tsurugi Shrine, the second most important shrine in Echizen. In other words, the Oda clan was a family that served as priests of Tsurugi Shrine and were also local lords who ruled this area.

The Oda clan migrated to Owari Province (present-day Aichi Prefecture) during the Muromachi period, but their connection with Tsurugi Shrine never ceased, and the Oda clan continued to deeply revere Tsurugi Shrine as their tutelary deity.

Protection and Donations by Oda Nobunaga

Even amidst the turbulent Sengoku period, Oda Nobunaga deeply revered Tsurugi Shrine as his tutelary deity, praying for military success. He donated numerous lands to the shrine, constructed a shrine building, and dedicated himself to protecting Tsurugi Shrine and ensuring the peace and order of its inhabitants.

In his quest for national unification, Nobunaga never forgot his reverence for Tsurugi Shrine, his own roots, and generously provided financial support. This is believed to have stemmed not only from religious faith but also from a political intention to clearly define his lineage and demonstrate legitimacy.

Even today, historical sites and cultural artifacts associated with Oda Nobunaga remain on the shrine grounds, demonstrating the deep connection between the Oda clan and Tsurugi Shrine. Many visitors are fans of Oda Nobunaga or history enthusiasts, making it a popular pilgrimage site.

Main Deity and Benefits

Main Deity

The main deity enshrined at Tsurugi Shrine is Susanoo-no-Okami. Susanoo-no-Okami is a god appearing in Japanese mythology, known as the god of valor who defeated Yamata-no-Orochi (the eight-headed serpent). He is also widely worshipped as a god of protection against misfortune and disaster, and as a god of agriculture.

Susanoo-no-Okami is also known as “Tsurugi-no-Okami,” which is the origin of the shrine’s name. This god is a symbol of strength and courage, and is revered as a god who grants the strength to face difficulties.

Benefits

The main benefits you can receive at Tsurugi Shrine are as follows:

• Protection from Misfortune and Disaster: Through the powerful divine authority of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, you will be protected from all kinds of misfortunes.
• Long-lasting Military Fortune and Victory: As a shrine where Oda Nobunaga prayed for military fortune, people come to pray for success in competitions and contests.
• Family Safety: Protection of family health and peaceful living.
• Business Prosperity: As a shrine that has supported the development of the region, people pray for business success.
• Matchmaking: Benefits for successful relationships and marital harmony.
• Prayer for Safe Childbirth: Prayers for the health of mother and child and a safe delivery.
• Traffic Safety: Car blessings are also performed today.

Highlights of the Shrine Grounds

Main Shrine and Worship Hall

The main shrine of Tsurugi Shrine is a magnificent example of shrine architecture, welcoming visitors together with the worship hall. The current shrine buildings were constructed between the Edo and Meiji periods, preserving the traditional style of shrine architecture.

Daily prayers are offered in the worship hall, and many visitors come to pray for milestones in life, such as first shrine visits for newborns, Shichi-Go-San (a traditional rite of passage for children), exorcism, and traffic safety, as well as for daily safety.

Subsidiary Shrines

Within the grounds of Tsurugi Shrine, there are several subsidiary shrines in addition to the main shrine, each with its own unique beliefs. It is believed that visiting these subsidiary shrines as well will bring even greater blessings.

Kagura Hall

The grounds also contain a Kagura Hall, where Kagura (sacred dance and music) are performed during festivals. Kagura is a traditional dance offered to the gods, and the Kagura of Tsurugi Shrine is a valuable intangible cultural asset that preserves the traditional culture of the Echizen region.

Cultural Properties

National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties

Tsurugi Shrine houses many valuable cultural properties, possessing extremely high historical and cultural value.

National Treasures include ancient documents and sacred treasures, which are extremely important historical materials for studying Japanese history. In particular, the medieval documents are indispensable for understanding the history of Echizen Province and the lineage of the Oda clan.

Important Cultural Properties encompass a wide range of items, including buildings, sculptures, and crafts. These cultural properties are usually stored in the treasure hall and are occasionally opened to the public on special occasions.

Cultural Properties of Buildings

Some of the shrine buildings and their auxiliary structures at Tsurugi Shrine are recognized as cultural properties in their architectural value. They retain many characteristics of shrine architecture from the Edo to Meiji periods, making them historically significant.

In particular, the detailed carvings and decorations of the main hall represent the pinnacle of the craftsmanship of the time and captivate visitors.

Public Display of Cultural Properties

While some cultural properties are on permanent display, valuable items of national treasure class are sometimes displayed for limited periods during special exhibitions or commemorative events for preservation purposes. Information on public display is announced on the Tsurugi Shrine’s official website and in its newsletter, so those wishing to view valuable cultural properties are advised to check in advance.

Festivals and Annual Events

Major Festivals

Tsurugi Shrine holds various festivals throughout the year.

The Annual Grand Festival is the most important festival, held grandly every autumn. It includes a portable shrine procession, Kagura (sacred dance) performances, and stalls, making it a community-wide celebration. Many worshippers and tourists visit, and the shrine grounds become very lively.

The Spring Grand Festival celebrates the arrival of spring and prays for a bountiful harvest. In the Echizen region, where agriculture is thriving, this festival holds particular significance.

Niiname-sai is a harvest festival held in November to give thanks for the harvest. The year’s new grain is offered to the gods, expressing gratitude for the bountiful harvest and praying for a good harvest in the following year.

Monthly Festivals and Daily Rituals

Monthly festivals are held on the 1st and 15th of each month, with Shinto priests reciting prayers. Also, daily offerings are made at the daily offering ceremony, with prayers offered for daily peace and tranquility.

Special Events

Numerous events are held to coincide with seasonal and life milestones, such as Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year), Setsubun (bean-throwing festival), and Shichi-Go-San (children’s festival). Especially during Hatsumode, tens of thousands of worshippers from within and outside the prefecture visit to pray for safety and prosperity in the new year.

Prayer Services

Various Prayers

Tsurugi Shrine accepts various prayers to address different milestones in life and personal wishes.

• First Shrine Visit: Reporting the baby’s birth to the gods and praying for their healthy growth.
• Shichi-Go-San (7-5-3 Festival): Celebrating the child’s growth and praying for their future health and happiness.
• Exorcism: Praying for protection from misfortune during the unlucky year and for a safe delivery.
• Prayer for Safe Childbirth: Praying for the health of the pregnant woman and fetus, and for a safe delivery.
• Traffic Safety: Praying for the safety of cars and drivers; a car blessing is also performed.
• Family Safety: Praying for the health of all family members and peace in the home.
• Business Prosperity: Praying for the development and prosperity of the business.
• Prayer for Success in Exams: Praying for success in exams and tests.
• Recovery from Illness: Praying for recovery from illness.
• Prayer for a Good Relationship: Praying for being blessed with a good relationship.

Groundbreaking Ceremony and Other On-Site Ceremonies

We also offer on-site ceremonies, such as groundbreaking ceremonies before construction, completion ceremonies, and well-digging purification ceremonies. A Shinto priest will travel to your location to perform the ceremony; please contact the shrine in advance.

Prayer Requests

While advance reservations are recommended for prayers, same-day requests are also accepted. However, waiting times may occur on festival days or during busy periods (New Year’s, Shichi-Go-San season, etc.), so we recommend contacting us in advance.

The offering fee (prayer fee) varies depending on the prayer requested; please contact the shrine directly for details.

Wedding Ceremonies

Shinto Wedding Ceremonies at Tsurugi Shrine

Tsurugi Shrine offers traditional Shinto wedding ceremonies. This historic shrine, with its 1800-year history and connection to Oda Nobunaga, offers a fitting and significant milestone for a new chapter in your life.

A Shinto wedding ceremony is a traditional Japanese wedding ritual where the couple exchanges vows of eternal love before the gods. Wearing traditional wedding attire such as a white kimono (shiromuku) or colorful kimono (iro-uchikake) will create a solemn and beautiful memory.

Wedding Ceremony Flow

A Shinto wedding ceremony includes rituals such as the procession, purification, recitation of prayers, the three-cup ceremony (san-san-kudo), recitation of vows, and offering of sacred branches. Led by a Shinto priest, it is a dignified ceremony following tradition.

For details on weddings, dates, costs, etc., please contact the shrine directly. Popular dates tend to fill up quickly, so we recommend planning well in advance.

Access and Visiting Information

Location

Address: 113-1 Oda, Echizen-cho, Nyu-gun, Fukui Prefecture

Transportation Access

Access by Train:

• Approximately 30 minutes by Fukui Railway bus bound for “Oda” from JR Takefu Station, get off at “Tsurugi Shrine Mae” bus stop.

Access by Car:

• Approximately 20 minutes from Hokuriku Expressway “Takefu IC”
• Approximately 25 minutes from Hokuriku Expressway “Sabae IC”

Parking

There is free parking for visitors on the shrine grounds. However, it may be full during busy periods such as New Year’s and the annual festival, so please consider using public transportation.

Visiting Hours

While visiting the shrine grounds is generally free, the reception hours for prayers and the gift shop are generally from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please contact the shrine for details.

Shrine Visiting Etiquette

Please observe basic shrine visiting etiquette:

• Bow when passing through the torii gate
• Cleanse your hands and mouth at the water basin
• Walk along the sides of the path, as the center is the path for the gods
• At the front of the main hall, perform the “two bows, two claps, one bow” ritual

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Echizen Town Oda Cultural History Museum

Located very close to Tsurugi Shrine, this museum allows you to learn about the history of Tsurugi Shrine, materials related to the Oda clan, and the history and culture of Echizen Town. Visiting it in conjunction with a visit to Tsurugi Shrine will deepen your understanding.

Oda Townscape

The Oda district retains a townscape that evokes a sense of history, making it enjoyable even just to stroll around. As the ancestral home of Oda Nobunaga, it is a place where you can feel the romance of history.

Echizen Coast

The Echizen Coast, facing the Sea of Japan, is about a 20-minute drive from Tsurugi Shrine. Enjoy the beautiful coastline and fresh seafood, expanding your sightseeing options.

Items Offered & Amulets

Various Amulets

Tsurugi Shrine offers amulets for various blessings:

• Protection from Evil
• Traffic Safety
• Academic Success
• Matchmaking
• Safe Childbirth
• Health

And many other amulets are available.

Goshuin (Shrine Seals)

You can receive a goshuin as a memento of your visit. For those who do not have a goshuincho (seal book), Tsurugi Shrine offers its own original goshuincho.

Due to the recent goshuin boom, the goshuin reception can be crowded, especially on weekends and festival days, so it is recommended to visit with plenty of time to spare.

Talismans & Divine Talismans

Dial talismans for enshrining in your home shrine are also available. Even without a shrine, respectfully enshrining them in a clean place will bring protection for your family’s safety.

Tsurugi Shrine in the Reiwa Era

Information Dissemination Initiatives

Currently, Tsurugi Shrine disseminates information about festivals and the seasonal scenery of the shrine grounds through its official website and social media (Instagram, etc.). This serves as a valuable source of information for worshippers from afar and those considering visiting the shrine.

On Instagram, beautiful photos of the shrine grounds and seasonal events are posted, attracting many followers.

Reiwa Supporters’ Association

Tsurugi Shrine has organized the “Reiwa Supporters’ Association” to support the maintenance and development of the shrine. By becoming a supporter, you can contribute to the preservation of the shrine and receive various benefits. Please contact the shrine for details.

Publication of Shrine Newsletter

A shrine newsletter is published regularly, containing reports on festivals, updates on the shrine, and information on Shinto. Past newsletters are available as PDFs on the official website and are valuable resources for learning about the history and activities of Tsurugi Shrine.

Summary

Tsurugi Shrine, as the second most important shrine in Echizen Province with a history of over 1800 years, is a venerable shrine that has attracted the faith of people from ancient times to the present day. Its historical importance as the tutelary shrine of Oda Nobunaga, its abundant cultural assets including national treasures and important cultural properties, and the various festivals and rituals that continue to this day make it beloved by a wide range of people, from history enthusiasts to local residents.

When visiting Fukui Prefecture, be sure to visit Tsurugi Shrine and experience its timeless history and sacred atmosphere. You can receive various blessings such as protection from evil, lasting military fortune, and family safety, and it will be a valuable experience to touch upon Japanese history and culture.

As a place associated with Oda Nobunaga and an important sacred site in the Hokuriku region, Tsurugi Shrine is a special place well worth visiting. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the shrine grounds throughout the seasons, pray in peace, and receive the blessings of the gods.