CEC diary [Kyoto/Yawata City (around Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine)]

A deep place where "God and Buddha" gather - Shinto and Buddhism syncretism - The origin of Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine

Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine is located on Mt. Otokoyama in Yawata City. Since ancient times, it has prospered as a shrine for the protection of the nation. Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine is now known as a shrine, but its former name was Iwashimizu Hachimangu Gokokuji Temple. In other words, it was a ``shrine'' and a ``temple.'' The history of Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine lies in this fusion of beliefs.

However, due to the separation of Shinto and Buddhism during the Meiji period, many of the Buddhist facilities in this area were demolished, and Jizo and Buddhist statues were also forced to be moved. Some of the statues, such as the Hachiman Daibosatsu statue and the crowned Amida Nyorai statue, can be seen at Zenpōji Temple, located at the foot of Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine.

God and Buddha have been the stronghold of the Japanese soul since ancient times. They are still enshrined here in Yahata, watching over us.

If you look closely at Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine Ichino Torii Gate, you will see that it looks like a pigeon.

A deep land where “water” gathers - Living with huge rivers -

What does “water gather” mean? I think there are many people who thought so.

This is related to the river that flows through Yawata City. Yawata City is the place where three huge rivers, the Kizugawa, Ujigawa, and Katsuragawa rivers, converge. This is called the "three river confluence" and is known nationwide as being extremely rare. This confluence point is the beginning of the Yodo River. The rich flow of these three rivers has been closely linked to the development of the surrounding area since ancient times, bringing water to people, enriching farmland, and making transportation by boat possible.

In relation to “water,” what you should pay attention to as you walk around town are the foundations of old houses built around Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine. If you look closely, you will see that the old architecture of the house is built on raised stones. This shows that people who lived in flood-prone areas tried to avoid as much damage as possible by raising the ground.

It might be interesting to walk around the city a little more than usual and question the commonplace scenery that you take for granted.

A deep place where people gather

Lastly, it is a city where people gather.

Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine has been an extremely important religious site since ancient times, and many people have visited this place. In addition, this area was a key transportation hub between Kyoto and Nara, and between Kyoto and Osaka, and it is said that many people started their journeys from here.

You can also feel the crowd gathering from the famous Tsurezuregusa's ``Hoshi at Ninnaji''. The clumsy priest of Ninnaji Temple visited Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine. However, this priest mistook Kora Shrine at the foot of the mountain for the main shrine of Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine and returned home. When Kenyoshi heard this, he became acutely aware of the importance of ``senadatsu'' (senders), people who are knowledgeable about the area and can lead the way.

“Kora Shrine” at the foot of Mt. Otokoyama is so beautiful that it needs no mention.

Zenpo-ji Temple is the family temple of Yoshiko Ashikaga, the mother of Yoshimitsu Ashikaga, who founded Kinkaku-ji Temple.

Even today, Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine is affectionately known as "Yawata no Hachiman-san." In addition, there are many other attractions in the surrounding area, such as Zenpoji Temple, where you can see the beautiful autumn leaves, the Flying Shrine, which enshrines Chuhachi Ninomiya, who was the first to invent the principle of flight in Japan, and the long-established Yawata Hashirii Mochi store, which was founded in 1764 and sells Iwashimizu Hachiman's famous Hashirii Mochi. There are fun and delicious spots to eat.

Why not visit the wonderful city of Yawata City and the area around Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine?

I hope this article will serve as a guide for you and help you have a fulfilling journey.

Planning cooperation｜Maimai Kyoto

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