[Himeji City] Right near Himeji Castle! “Harima Kuni Soja” How much do you know about Soja?

• Table of Contents
• What kind of god is “Harima Kunisoja Etatehyoshi Shrine”?
• Visiting starts with gratitude.
• Soja's events
• Mitsuyama Grand Festival, a big festival held once every 20 years
• There are many things to see in the Soja shrine grounds.
• Useful information
• basic information

What kind of god is “Harima Kunisoja Etatehyoshi Shrine”?

Before introducing ``Harima Kuni Soja Etatehyoshi Shrine'' (hereinafter referred to as Soja Shrine), let's first take a look at the Goshuin.

If you're a fan of goshuin stamps, you'll probably know right away that this goshuin stamp is a little unusual.

Generally, a shrine crest or shrine seal is stamped on top of the shrine name written in ink in the center. However, the name of the different shrines is now on one sheet, with the words ``Seitai Hyōsu Shrine'' written on it and the red stamp of ``Harima Kunisoja Shrine'' stamped on it.

This is the only type of Goshuin that is given and received at Soja. Many people seem to be wondering, ``What is Yatatehyoshi Shrine?'' or ``What is Soja-san's Goshuin?'' so let me explain.

This is National Route 2 heading east. This photo was taken from the south side of Soja.

In 1652 (Keian 5), the granite torii gate (a prefecturally designated cultural property) was donated by Tadatsugu Sakakibara, the lord of the Himeji domain. The only words on the stone pillars and shrine plaques are the words ``Yatae Hyoshu Shrine.'' (“Harima Kokusoja” means Tamagaki)

To briefly explain the history passed down to Soja-san, it dates back to 564 (Emperor Kinmei's 25th year), about 1,450 years ago. It began when Hyōsu-no-Okami (Okuninushi-kami) was enshrined at Mt. Mizuo-san, Iwari, Shikama-gun (Iwano-Satomi-no-Oyama, present-day Yamanoi-cho, Himeji City, probably around Mizuo Shrine in Otokoyama).

Later, in Indari, Shikama District (present-day Shinzaike Honmachi, Himeji City, also known as Hachijo Iwayama), Idate no Omikami (the god of the 50 fierce deities, the son of Sushoson) was enshrined during the Heian period (late 800s). ) is said to have been enshrined there.

The main shrine is the Etate Hyōsu Shrine, where these two gods are enshrined.

Many people in the Harima area have been familiar with the terms ``Harima Kuni Soja'' and ``Soja-san,'' so even when it is called ``Yatae Hyoshi Shrine,'' it doesn't ring a bell. It is known nationwide for ``Yatae Hyōsu Shrine,'' and there are times when tourists who do not think that Harima Kunisoja Shrine and Yatate Hyōsu Shrine are located in the same place have a hard time communicating with each other. So be careful.

So, where is Harima Kokusoja? First, after passing through the large torii gate and passing through the approach, you will see the words ``Harima Kuni Soja Shrine'' written on the plaque on the shrine gate on the south side of the main shrine.

Harima Kunisoja Shrine is a ``Harima Kuniso Shrine'' that enshrines 174 large and small Myojin deities from the 16 districts of Harima (counties are today's administrative divisions such as cities and towns). It has been worshiped by the people of Harima (from Kobe's Nishi Ward and Akashi in the east to Ako in the west).

The reason why we gathered the gods is that in the days when the Kokuga (similar to today's prefectural offices) was located in this area, praying to the gods was an important job for government officials, and every morning and evening all the gods in the territory were Apparently they had to go around the shrine.

In reality, it's impossible, and even if you don't do it every day, it's still difficult, so Soja decided to bring it all together in one place.

There is a red torii gate in the precincts that says ``Harima Kuni Somyojin'', and behind it, in other words, behind the main shrine, there are three shrines called ``Harima Kuni Sojin''. This is "Harima Kokusoja".

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Photographing "Harima National Shrine" from the west side

There is the ``Junisha Goden'' in the center, which enshrines 12 gods, the ``Higashi-Harima So-jin,'' which enshrines the 8 districts of Higashi-Harima, to the east, and the ``Nishi-Harima So-jin,'' which enshrines the 8 districts of Nishi-Harima, to the west. ``I'm going to Soja-san'' originally means visiting this place.

The name of each county is written on it.

Visiting starts with gratitude.

When we go to a shrine, we always keep in mind that this place is dedicated to a certain god, but what about Soja Shrine, where the gods are gathered together? Please look at this photo.

It seems like anything is fine. He watches over all aspects of life, such as a good match, childbirth (easy delivery), family safety, and prosperous business.

We asked Mr. Sugihara of Gonegi about visiting the shrine. Rather than asking for a favor, first of all, be grateful. I think you will feel more comfortable if you start by thanking the person before expressing your request. Please say ``Thank you'' and say ``I am able to pray today only if I am in good health or receive help,'' and then say ``By the way, I have a request to make of you.''

It's like breathing, you can't inhale without exhaling. If the drawer is full, you won't be able to fit it in. Just because you ask God for something doesn't mean your wish will always come true. Even if you are praying for passing the exam or praying for victory, there is a partner. If you can safely face the day of battle, be able to stand on the field of battle, rouse yourself, and exert more strength than usual, that is one of the powers of God. Even if the results are not satisfactory, God will encourage you to remain positive. It is important to remember to be grateful every day.

Soja's events

The most lively event is New Year's visit. Approximately 300,000 people will visit on the 3rd, which is expected to be the largest crowd in the Harima area. The first Ebisu Festival (January 14th, 15th, and 16th) is also crowded with events such as the Takarae palanquin procession, and here you can see a lively start of the year that will make your heart dance.

The most important festival days are Shimotsuki Taisai (November 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th). The funeral ceremony is held to commemorate the enshrining of 174 gods, large and small, from 16 districts. The Soja Summer Festival (July 10th and 11th) is a day to celebrate the establishment of the Shotate Hyoshu Shrine in this area.

Other familiar places include the "Setsubun Festival" (February 3rd), "Minazuki Daipurification Ceremony Ring Festival" (June 30th), and "Doll Thanksgiving Festival" (June 1st to July 31st). There are many events such as

After visiting the shrine, enjoy Shinon porridge

For about 20 years, on the 1st (Sunday Festival) and 15th (Chunichi Festival) of every month, there has been a ``Shin-on-gayu'' event in which porridge made from rice offered to the gods is served. The event begins at 7 a.m. and is a blessing-filled porridge that says, ``Let's receive God's strength and work hard with a new spirit.''

Contains one pickled plum

Mitsuyama Grand Festival, a big festival held once every 20 years

In addition to annual events, Soja-san also has very important events. They are the "Mitsuyama Grand Festival" and the "Hitotsuyama Grand Festival." It is an event to welcome the Yaoyorozu gods from all over Japan and pray for the happiness of all of Harima.

The Hitotsuyama Grand Festival is held once every 60 years, the last time being in 1987 (Showa 62), and the next one is scheduled for 2047.

The Mitsuyama Grand Festival is an extraordinary festival of the Hitotsuyama Grand Festival and is held once every 20 years.

The last time it was held from March 31st to April 7th, 2013, a total of 650,000 people visited. The next one will be in 2033, so this year (2023) will be 10 years since the last one, and 10 years until the next one.

From the front: Mt. Nishiki, Mt. Goshiki, and Mt. Kosode (photograph date: April 7, 2013)

The Mitsuyama Festival is ``a festival to pray for the elimination of the eight misfortunes, peace in the country, and happiness for everyone.'' Three large mountains (Okiyama) will be built within the precincts (Goshikiyama, Nishikiyama, and Kosodeyama). Its height is 18 meters. It is exactly the same height as the national flag hoisting platform inside the temple grounds.

Scenery seen from the observation deck of Soja Gomon (photograph date: March 27, 2013)

Above the shrine gate are the shrines of the shrines of Itate-no-Okami and Heishu-Okami, who welcome us. We invite gods from all over the country to the shrine on Mt. Mitsuyama. It's so high that even the priests' legs are shaking when they climb up to the shrine (it seems that it's surprisingly not scary during Shinto rituals).

Yabusame (shooting date: April 3, 2013)

In addition, the five types of Shinto rituals (horse racing, hitotsumono, mikowatari, yumihokoji, and yabusame) are held, and the castle town is decorated with ``structures,'' and the whole castle area is filled with festivals. Preparations for the 2033 event are already underway, including the activities of the Harima Kunisoja Hitotsuyama Grand Festival/Mitsuyama Grand Festival Preservation Society.

Specifically, we are training people to participate in the Hatsuebisu Festival and to hold "Tsukurimono" production sessions (August and September), who will play a central role in the production of the 2034 festival (official website) We are looking for participants.)

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"Benkei and Shoshazan Engyoji", one of the structures created in 2013 (photograph date: March 18, 2013)

``Tsukurimono'' are objects that are displayed throughout the castle town during the festival. Ten years ago, high school students, university students, local volunteers, members of the Self-Defense Forces, and others made these statues and installed them in 10 locations, including temple grounds and shopping streets. Walking around the castle town to see it was one of the pleasures.

Kosodeyama, one of the three mountains, is decorated with many kimonos. It is necessary to dry the clothes in the shade once a year, and about five years before the event, we begin collecting donations of used clothing.

The reason we need a kimono is because we welcome the gods from all over the country, so they are needed as a futon for the gods (in the past, there were no comforters and people could sleep in kimonos). God will accept you, even if you are a poor person, if you are willing to do so, so it is most important to have a desire to welcome you as a resident of the community.

There are many things to see in the Soja shrine grounds.

Soja is also a recommended tourist spot.

There is a large red gate called ``Soja Gomon'' on the west side of the precincts. In 2006, the castle gate ``Sojamon,'' which was located on the west gate of Himeji Castle, was rebuilt in the style of shrine architecture.This Sojamon is one of the largest tower gates in Japan.

The top floor (3rd floor) is a temple/observation room. On the second floor, you can view valuable materials from the Mitsuyama Taisai Festival (free of charge). There are pictures and other documents depicting the grand festival. In times like now, when photographs and videos were not available, this painting must have been reliable.

The past 20 years have been a time of generational change, and I'm sure they must have been facing this painting as they prepared. In particular, the okiyayamas used in the actual Mitsuyama Taisai Festival are torn down once the festival is over. The model, a one-tenth scale model of Okiyama (a nationally designated important tangible folklore material), has been passed down from generation to generation.

As for historical buildings, in addition to the Otorii gate (prefectural important cultural property), there is still a bronze bell donated in 1506 (Eisho 3).

There are several shrines within the precincts, including Osakabe Shrine. It is the third Osakabe Shrine after Osakabe Shrine, located on the top floor of Himeji Castle's castle tower, and Osakabe Shrine in Tatemachi, which is the center of the Yukata Festival. It seems that the shrine was relocated or enshrined separately due to fires or epidemics.

During the Yukata Festival, there are some people who come all the way here to pray.

This ``Mimizuku'' is the ``Mimizuku'' of a divine messenger. It is worshiped as a symbol of intelligence and is said to be a bird that brings good luck.

A plate is embedded in the approach

In the new area, the approach leading from the front of the Otorii gate to the main shrine is named ``Himeji Enmusubi Dori'', and there are face panels and matchmaking votive tablets in the precincts.

Face panel. There is also an ema hanging in the precincts.

“Enmusubi ema” and matchmaking charm “Goen-san”

There are many kinds of connections, and it's not just love. There are amulets that will bring you many blessings.

The ``Go-san'' amulet has a shape that connects many pieces, like pieces of a puzzle.

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"Kachimamori" (left) and "Shiawasesanmori" (right)

There are other charms as well. Popular ones include ``Kachimamori,'' named after the military commander Kuroda Kanbei, who is said to have never lost in his life, and ``Shiawasesanmori,'' which is based on the design of the Mitsuyama Festival.

There are 3 types of fortune. There are fortune slips with lucky charms attached.

It comes with a ``Fuku Omikuji'' (300 yen) and a lucky charm. The contents of number 12 drawn are a secret.

Lastly, I would like to introduce some fun things to do in spring. This is the cherry blossoms in the precincts. The weeping cherry blossoms next to the shrine office are particularly beautiful.

When we think of cherry blossoms in Himeji, Himeji Castle comes to mind, but we also recommend the cherry blossoms at Soja.

Weeping cherry blossoms beside the shrine office Photo date: April 7, 2013

(Writer Takashi Tsukamoto)

*This article is information as of September 2023. Prices include tax. Product contents and prices may change.

Useful information

Hyogo Amazing Pass

With this ticket, you will not only be able to ride the route bus (Orange Shinki Bus) that runs within Hyogo Prefecture as many times as you like for one day, but also the City Loop and Port Loop, which connect Kobe's main tourist spots. This is a ticket that allows you unlimited rides.

Use this to travel around Hyogo Prefecture at a great price!

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basic information

Harima Kokusoja Shrine

Address: 190 Soja Honmachi, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture

Phone number: 079-224-1111

Access: 15 minutes walk from JR Himeji Station North Exit/Sanyo Railway Himeji Station, get off at Shinki Bus “Shinkaikan-mae” stop

Parking: Available (paid) 30 minutes free for worshipers, 2 hours and 30 minutes free for prayers, other conditions apply

HP: https://www.sohsha.jp/

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