Exploring the Mysteries of Oki: Shrines to Visit in Nishinoshima Town
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Known as the “Islands of the Deities”, the Oki Islands are mentioned in the Kojiki. There are many shrines boasting history and culture on the islands. Nishinoshima Town is home to Yurahime Shrine and Takuhi Shrine, and both are places where you can enjoy rich nature and culture.
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Nishinoshima is the second largest island of the Oki Islands. Located in the Sea of Japan, Nishinoshima is approximately 65km off the coast of Shimane Peninsula in Shimane Prefecture. Nishinoshima is one of the four inhabited islands in Oki, and the town on Nishinoshima Island is called Nishinoshima Town. Formed by volcanic activity about 5.5 million years ago, Nishinoshima is the home to Oki’s must-see sightseeing spots, Matengai Cliff and Tsutenkyo Arch, fresh seafood such as Oki rock oysters, traditional cultures such as Kagura Shinto dance and Dengaku dance. Nishinoshima is a charming island filled with nature, culture, rich food and warmth of people.
- Table of Contents
- Oki Islands, the Islands of the Deities
- 1. Yurahime Shrine: a Shrine Where the Squid Legend Lives On
- History and Rank of Yurahime Shrine
- The Legend of Gathering Squid
- Highlights of Yurahime Shrine
- Access to Yurahime Shrine
- Takuhi Shrine and Mt. Takuhi: Oki Island’s Highest Shrine and Sacred Place
- History and Origins of Takuhi Shrine
- Faith and the Role as a Lighthouse
- Hiking and Nature
- Grand Festival and Dōzen Kagura (Shinto Dance)
- Hatsumairi (First Shrine Visit of the Year)
- Access to Takuhi Shrine
Oki Islands, the Islands of the Deities
It is said that there are over 100 shrines in Oki
Islands, and the history and culture of the islands truly tell the story of a
land where deities dwell. The Oki Islands appear in the Kojiki, one of Japan’s
oldest and most important historical texts. According to the record, the Oki
Islands were the third islands created by the deities Izanagi and Izanami.
Furthermore, four of the six myōjin taisha (important shrines dedicated to powerful
deities) in Shimane Prefecture are on the Oki Islands, which explains why the
region is called the “Island of Deities”.
Join us in this article, where we will introduce to you two of the shrines in Nishinoshima Town.
1. Yurahime Shrine: a Shrine Where the Squid Legend Lives On
Located in Uragō area, Yurahime Shrine is a shrine of prestige and ancient legends. An interesting legend about the deity, Yurahime-no-Mikoto, and squid has been passed down.
History and Rank of Yurahime Shrine
Yurahime Shrine was founded in the mid-9th
century and this myōjin taisha is one of the prestigious shrines listed in the Engishiki
Jinmyocho, a list of historical Shinto shrines recorded in the compilation
of regulations and customs, Engishiki, which was completed in 927. At
the end of the Heian period, the shrine was designated as one of the Ichinomiya
(highest-ranking) shrines of the former Oki Province. Yurahime Shrine is known
as a shrine with a long history.
The Legend of Gathering Squid
It is said that when Yurahime-no-Mikoto was returning from Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, a squid pulled the deity’s hand into the sea. To apologise for the misconduct, shoals of squid swarmed the bay in front of the shrine, giving it the name “Ika-yose-no-hama”, which directly translates into “squid gathering bay”.
Panels have been set up in the bay that recreate
the scene of locals catching the squid when they swarm up, allowing visitors to
imagine the situation. In recent years, squid have barely swarmed the bay, but
diamond squid (Thysanoteuthis rhombus), which can grow up to one meter
in length, can be seen from autumn to winter.
Highlights of Yurahime Shrine
Carvings of squid can be seen throughout the shrine grounds, suggesting the relationship between the deity and the marine creature. The main hall stands behind the worship hall, and the sacred space is enveloped in a solemn atmosphere.
In spring, cherry blossoms in the shrine grounds bloom cheerfully. The blossoms are illuminated at night, allowing visitors to experience a fantastical atmosphere, different to that during the daytime.
Access to Yurahime Shrine
From Beppu Port:
10 minutes by car
30 minutes by bicycle
Takuhi Shrine and Mt. Takuhi: Oki Island’s Highest Shrine and Sacred Place
Takuhi Shrine stands half-way up Mt. Takuhi, which is located at the centre of the Dōzen Islands. The shrine attracts many worshippers because of its mystical appearance, and you can enjoy hiking at the same time when visiting.
History and Origins of Takuhi Shrine
Mt. Takuhi is the highest mountain in the Dōzen Islands, and Takuhi Shrine is located half-way up this 450-meter-high mountain. The deity of Takuhi Shrine is revered as the patron deity of safe sea travel and fishery. The shrine has a long history, and is said to have originated from three glowing balls of flame rising from the sea. On New Year’s Eve of the lunar calendar, the orbs rose from the sea and entered the cliffside cave on Mt. Takuhi, where the shrine building now stands.
The main hall is uniquely shaped and stands neatly inside the rock face, making it an interesting piece of architectural art. The wooden shrine building, rebuilt in 1732, is the oldest in the Oki Islands, and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Faith and the Role as a Lighthouse
Takuhi Shrine also played a role as a lighthouse during the heydays of maritime transport in Japan, attracting the faith of sailors. The scenery has also been depicted in the works of famous ukiyo-e artists, Utagawa Hiroshige and Katsushika Hokusai.
Hiking and Nature
The path leading to Takuhi Shrine is also a popular hiking trail that brings visitors through the rich greens of the mountain. It takes about an hour from the trailhead to Takuhi Shrine, and visitors can observe beautiful seasonal plants and a wide variety of birds. However, do keep an eye out for hornets and mamushi pit vipers when you are there.
Lovely view along the way
Flower of fringed iris (Iris japonica), around May
Grand Festival and Dōzen Kagura (Shinto Dance)
Takuhi Shrine Grand Festival is held once every two years, and Dōzen Kagura, the shinto dance that has been passed down in the Dōzen Islands, is dedicated. Dōzen Kagura has been designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Shimane Prefecture. Attending a performance of Dōzen Kagura is a rare and great way to experience the culture and history of the area.
Hatsumairi (First Shrine Visit of the Year)
Unlike many other shrines, the first shrine visit of the year to Takuhi Shrine is scheduled according to the lunar calendar. Locals gather to pray for the safety of their household, bountiful catch, profitable business success, etc. After the ceremony, participants attend a feast together, where dishes unique to the region are served.
Access to Takuhi Shrine
From Beppu Port:
25 minutes by car
50 minutes by bicycle
25 minutes on foot from Takuhi Shrine Car
Park to Takuhi Shrine
Around 1 hour on foot from Takuhi Shrine Car Park
to summit of Mt. Takuhi / lookout.
Nishinoshima is the second largest island of the Oki Islands. Located in the Sea of Japan, Nishinoshima is approximately 65km off the coast of Shimane Peninsula in Shimane Prefecture. Nishinoshima is one of the four inhabited islands in Oki, and the town on Nishinoshima Island is called Nishinoshima Town. Formed by volcanic activity about 5.5 million years ago, Nishinoshima is the home to Oki’s must-see sightseeing spots, Matengai Cliff and Tsutenkyo Arch, fresh seafood such as Oki rock oysters, traditional cultures such as Kagura Shinto dance and Dengaku dance. Nishinoshima is a charming island filled with nature, culture, rich food and warmth of people.
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