Atago Shrine (Betsugozawa, Itazawa, Odate City, Akita Prefecture) Complete Guide | History, Access, and Benefits Explained in Detail
Atago Shrine, located in Betsugozawa, Itazawa, Odate City, Akita Prefecture, is a shrine that has long been revered by local residents as a god of fire prevention. This article comprehensively introduces detailed information useful for visiting the shrine, including its history, enshrined deities, benefits, and access methods.
Basic Information on Atago Shrine
Atago Shrine is located in the Itazawa district of Odate City, Akita Prefecture. Its official address is “58 Betsugozawa, Itazawa, Odate City, Akita Prefecture.” Its postal code is “017-0853,” and its corporate number is registered as “9410005003007.”
Location Details
- Address: 58 Betsugozawa, Itazawa, Odate City, Akita Prefecture
- Postal Code: 〒017-0853
- Corporate Number: 9410005003007
- Prefecture: Akita Prefecture
- City/Town/Village: Odate City
- District: Itazawa District
Odate City is located in the northern part of Akita Prefecture, close to the border with Aomori Prefecture. There are 83 shrines within the city, and Atago Shrine is one of them, supporting the local faith.
History and Origins of Atago Shrine
Background of Founding
The exact founding date of Atago Shrine is not clearly known, but the history of Atago worship in Odate dates back to the early Edo period. It is said that the Atago faith was brought to Odate by Keisō Myōtan, the wife of the first castle lord, Koba Yoshinari.
Connection to Odate Castle
In 1666 (Kanbun 6), the Atago Shrine (Atago-dō) was established within Odate Castle, having been invited from Hiyama. It is said that the Atago faith became particularly popular after Shikibu-no-taifu Satake Yoshinari became the first castle lord of Odate.
The Satake clan were daimyo who were transferred from Hitachi Province (present-day Ibaraki Prefecture) to Akita, and a branch of the Satake clan, the lords of the Akita domain, ruled Odate. As a shrine worshipped by the castle lord and his family, Atago Shrine came to be widely revered by people from samurai to commoners.
Relocation to the Current Location
In 1685 (Jōkyō 2), Atago Shrine was relocated to its current location in Itazawa, Betsugosawa. Nearly 340 years after its relocation, the shrine continues to be revered as a guardian deity of the region.
Deity and Benefits
Deity
The deity enshrined at Atago Shrine is Homusubi-no-Kami, known as the god of fire. In Japanese mythology, this deity is said to be the god born from the union of Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto.
Faith as a God of Fire Prevention
Atago Shrine is known nationwide as the “god of fire prevention.” During the Edo period, fires were frequent, so Atago worship as a god of fire prevention and extinguishing became widely practiced among samurai and townspeople.
In Odate City, Atago Shrine is also deeply revered by local residents as the god of fire prevention, and many people visit to pray for protection against fire.
Main Benefits
- Fire Prevention/Fire Protection: The most representative benefit
- Family Safety: Protection of family from fire disasters
- Business Prosperity: Protection of stores from fire and prayers for business safety
- Exorcism: Protection from various calamities
- Safety Prayer: Prayers for safety in daily life
Characteristics of Atago Shrine
Relationship with Atago Shrines Nationwide
There are 817 shrines named “Atago Shrine” throughout Japan, ranking 15th in the number of shrines with the same name. This indicates that Atago worship was widely accepted throughout Japan.
The head shrine is Atago Shrine, located on the summit of Mt. Atago in Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, at an altitude of 924 meters. It is believed that the Atago Shrine in Odate City also inherits the faith from this Kyoto Atago Shrine.
Atago Shrines in Akita Prefecture
There are several Atago Shrines in Akita Prefecture. Within Odate City alone, in addition to the Atago Shrine in Itazawa, Betsugozawa, there is also an Atago Shrine in the Nagakura area (53 Nagakura, Odate City, Akita Prefecture, postal code 017-0895), each attracting local devotion.
Access Methods
Access by Public Transportation
The most convenient way to access Atago Shrine is via the JR Ou Main Line.
- Nearest Station: JR Ou Main Line “Higashi-Odate Station”
- Distance from Station: Approximately 11 minutes on foot (approximately 900 meters)
- Estimated Time: Approximately 10-15 minutes on foot
Higashi-Odate Station is the next station to Odate Station, and local trains stop there. The path from the station to the shrine is relatively flat, making it accessible on foot.
Access by Car
If traveling by car, the following routes are convenient:
- Akita Expressway: Approximately 15 minutes from Odate Kita Interchange
- National Route 7: Approximately 10 minutes from Odate city center
- Parking: Due to the size of the shrine, parking space may be limited. It is recommended to check in advance.
Landmarks in the Surrounding Area
The Itazawa area is located in the eastern part of Odate City and is a mixed area of residential and agricultural land. The place name Betsugozawa indicates a secluded location along a stream, and the shrine is situated in a quiet environment.
Etiquette and Manners for Visiting a Shrine
Basic Etiquette for Visiting a Shrine
When visiting a shrine, please observe the following basic etiquette.
- Bow before passing through the torii gate: This is a courtesy before entering the sacred area.
- Purify yourself at the water basin: Purify your left hand, then your right hand, then your mouth.
- Avoid the center of the approach to the shrine: The center is considered the path of the gods.
- Etiquette in front of the main hall: Two bows, two claps, and one bow are the basic rituals.
Visiting for Fire Prevention Prayers
Atago Shrine is known as the god of fire prevention, so many visitors come to pray for protection from fire and for the safety of their families. It is common to visit the shrine when building or renovating a house, or when opening a restaurant, to pray for protection from fire.
History and Culture of Odate City
Overview of Odate City
Odate City is located in the northern part of Akita Prefecture and has a population of approximately 70,000. It has long been known as a production area for Akita cedar, and forestry and timber processing industries have flourished there. Furthermore, it is famous as the birthplace of Hachiko, the loyal dog, and attracts tourists as the home of the Akita Inu.
History of Odate Castle
Odate Castle was a fortress that existed from the Sengoku period to the Edo period, and was an important base under the rule of the Satake clan. Currently, the castle ruins have been developed into Katsuragi Park, a place of relaxation for citizens. The history of Atago Shrine is deeply intertwined with this Odate Castle.
Shrine Culture of Akita Prefecture
Akita Prefecture has numerous shrines, each conveying the history and culture of its region. In the ranking of the number of shrines by prefecture, Akita Prefecture ranks in the middle, and it also shows a distinctive distribution in the ranking of the number of shrines per capita and per area by city/town/village.
Other Shrines in Odate City
Total Number of Shrines in Odate City
There are a total of 83 shrines in Odate City. These shrines have different histories and beliefs depending on the region, and serve as spiritual support for the citizens.
Major Shrines
- Odate Shinmei Shrine: One of the city’s major shrines
- Hachiman Shrine: A shrine dedicated to the god of war
- Inari Shrine: Worshipped as the god of business prosperity
- Atago Shrine (Nagakura): Another Atago Shrine of the same name
By visiting these shrines, you can learn about the diverse religious culture of Odate City.
Annual Events and Festivals
Festivals at Atago Shrine
Atago Shrine holds various festivals throughout the year. In particular, the fire prevention prayer festival is a long-standing and important local event.
Festival Culture of Akita
Akita Prefecture is a region rich in festival culture, and Odate City also holds traditional festivals such as the “Odate Shinmei Shrine Festival” and the “Amekko Market.” Local shrines are deeply involved in these festivals.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Akita Dog Village
Located in front of Odate Station, “Akita Dog Village” is a tourist facility themed around Akita dogs. It showcases the charm of Odate City, the birthplace of Hachiko, the loyal dog.
Katsuragi Park
This park, developed on the site of Odate Castle, is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in spring, attracting many visitors. Enjoy a stroll while experiencing history.
Birthplace of Kiritanpo
Odate City is also known as the birthplace of “kiritanpo.” Many kiritanpo specialty restaurants are located in the city, allowing visitors to enjoy this local dish.
Significance of Shrine Visits
Center of Local Communities
Shrines are not merely religious facilities; they have functioned as centers of local communities. Atago Shrine also plays an important role as a place to deepen the bonds among the people of the Itazawa district.
Japanese Spiritual Culture
Shrine visits form the foundation of Japanese spiritual culture. It embodies various sentiments, including reverence for nature, gratitude to ancestors, and affection for the community.
Passing on Fire Prevention Awareness
Visiting Atago Shrine is an opportunity to raise fire prevention awareness and reaffirm the importance of fire prevention. Even in modern times, this faith remains significant.
Databases and Research Materials
Comprehensive Dictionary of Japanese Historical Place Names
Atago Shrine is included in Heibonsha’s “Comprehensive Dictionary of Japanese Historical Place Names,” and its academic value is recognized. This material can be searched and viewed in databases such as the Geoshape repository.
Religious Corporation Data
Registered with corporate number “9410005003007,” it can be searched in nationwide temple and shrine databases. It is also included in statistical surveys such as the nationwide ranking of the number of identical shrine names and the ranking of the number of shrines by prefecture.
Map Information
The exact location of Atago Shrine can be confirmed using various map services and GIS (Geographic Information System). Using aerial photographs allows us to understand the surrounding environment and topographical features of the shrine.
Notes on Visiting a Shrine
Attire
While no special attire is required for visiting a shrine, clean and understated clothing is desirable. Formal attire is appropriate if you are receiving a formal prayer.
Photography Etiquette
Photography is generally permitted on the shrine grounds, but photography inside the main hall and in sacred areas should be avoided. Please be considerate of other visitors.
Seasonal Precautions
Akita Prefecture experiences heavy snowfall in winter. When visiting during winter, please take sufficient precautions against the cold and ensure your footing is safe.
Summary
Atago Shrine (Itazawa, Betsugosawa, Odate City, Akita Prefecture) is a historical shrine dating back to the Edo period, and is deeply revered by local residents as a god of fire prevention. Its deep connection to Odate Castle, the spread of faith by the Satake clan, and its continued preservation to the present day speak to the importance of this shrine.
Easily accessible on foot from Higashi-Odate Station, Atago Shrine offers a peaceful environment for worship and is a must-visit spot when you’re in Odate City. Why not visit and pray for various blessings, such as fire prevention, family safety, and protection from evil?
It will be a valuable opportunity to experience traditional Japanese faith while feeling the history and culture of Odate City, Akita Prefecture. Be sure to visit and experience the charm of this community-rooted shrine for yourself.
