[Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture] Unique in Japan! Ichinomiya Nukisaki Shrine, a shrine located down the approach stairs

At Ichinomiya Nukisaki Shrine, the god is enshrined at a low level at the bottom of the approach. Most of the grounds are covered with trees, so a stroll through the grounds after praying is a soothing and relaxing experience.

This is a spot where kimonos look great, so why not visit the shrine wearing a beautiful hakama, named after the women workers at the nearby Tomioka Silk Mill, a World Heritage Site? For details on the kimono dressing experience, please check the rental summary below.

In this article, Shinto priest Motegi will introduce recommended spots and the shrine's legends.

A collection of rentals for the hakama-style uniforms worn by factory girls at the Tomioka Silk Mill

What is Ichinomiya Nukisaki Shrine?

It has a history of about 1,500 years and is located in Ichinomiya , Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture, about a 15-minute drive from the World Heritage Site , Tomioka Silk Mill. It is particularly crowded with many visitors around the New Year period, and the main hall, worship hall, and tower gate are designated as important cultural properties of Japan.

The deities enshrined are Tsu no Kami, who is famous for bringing good luck and traffic safety, and Hime no Okami, the god of sericulture and weaving. Although not much is known about Hime no Okami, there is a legend that she is an ancient god of immigrants who lived in the area.

Why the shrine is located down the stairs?

According to the chief priest,  "The exact reason has not been passed down." It's a surprising answer, but it is said that originally the gods were enshrined in a lower place, and when the main shrine was remodeled in 1635 (Kan'ei 12), the shrine was purposely built in the same place, or that the residents who lived around Isobe in Annaka City moved and created a village around Nukisaki Shrine. As time passed, a highway was built facing the Kabura River, and a shortcut was made from there for worshippers, which became the descending approach to the shrine. There are legends, but there is no archaeological evidence to support this. It might be fun to speculate on various theories.

Find the golden frog!

As you make your way down the approach to the shrine, take a look next to the offering box! You'll be greeted by golden frogs. This isn't a frog god... it's actually a talisman for "safe return." In 1943 during World War II, a frog-shaped mushroom appeared on a tabu tree on the east side of the main gate. Perhaps because it enshrines a war god, it was said to be a "victory frog" for soldiers returning home victorious. It later became a "safe return frog" and is used as a talisman for road safety, watching over the safety of many people. It may be thanks to this that I've been able to get by without incident. It's golden, so maybe it'll improve your financial luck too?

The secret behind the brilliantly colored shrine

It was built by order of Tokugawa Iemitsu and is somewhat similar to Nikko Toshogu Shrine. It was constructed by carpenters who were also involved in the construction of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, so this style may have been a popular style at the time. It is said that Nukisaki Shrine may have been a simplified version of Toshogu Shrine. There are almost no carvings on the shrine building, and it is made three-dimensional by layering lacquer and mineral pigments. This is a must-see! The carvings became flashy from the middle of the Edo period, when the country was at peace enough to make a living by carving. It may be fun to look at the shrine from this perspective. The main hall at in the back is actually two stories tall, and the god is enshrined in what would be called a modern attic. The god is on the other side of the "thunder god small window" where the god of thunder is painted. Even priests can only enter it twice a year. There is also a legend that it is the window through which the god enters and exits.

Recommended spots by the chief priest

The view from the large torii gate in front is recommended. You can see the town of Ichinomiya and Mt. Miyama in one view, and it is very refreshing in the season of fresh greenery. There are many things to see, but it is important to worship first. A shrine is a place of prayer, and then you can enjoy the buildings and scenery. The ancient grand festival  "Shikinen Sengu" - the ceremony of installing the sacred symbol of a deity in a new shrine - is held once every 12 years. It is held in the Year of the Monkey and Year of the Rooster, and the first ceremony of the Reiwa era will be in 2028 (Reiwa 10). It is a festival with a history of about 1000 years, and is made possible by a large number of parishioners and worshippers, so please look forward to it.

Summary

At Nukisaki Shrine, surrounded by greenery, you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons. Why not take the time to pray for the safety of your family and peace and to calm your mind in the quiet grounds? You can also see important cultural properties up close, so take your time to stroll around.

Information

Ichinomiya Nukisaki Shrine

1535 Ichinomiya , Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture, 370-2452

Ichinomiya Nukisaki Shrine (Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture) is a prestigious shrine with a history of about 1,500 years, characterized by its "downward approach." The shrine has a main hall, worship hall, and tower gate designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and enshrines Tsu-no-kami, known for blessings of victory and traffic safety, and Hime-no-Okami, the goddess of sericulture and weaving. It is easily accessible, being a 15-minute drive from the Tomioka Silk Mill. The shrine grounds are beautiful in all four seasons, and the view from the large torii gate in front is also attractive. Traditional events such as the "Shikinen Sengu" ceremony, which takes place once every 12 years, are also carried on here.

Hotels near Ichinomiya Nukisaki Shrine

Hotel R9 The Yard Tomioka

Gunma Prefecture > Tomioka

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Ichinomiya Nukisaki Shrine

Access: Tokyo Station to Takasaki Station (50 minutes by Shinkansen) Takasaki Station to Joshu Ichinomiya Station (50 minutes by Joshin Dentetsu)

10 minutes walk from Joshin Dentetsu Joshu Ichinomiya Station

Address: 1535 Ichinomiya , Tomioka City

Phone: 0274-62-2009

Opening hours: Main gate open all year round (open 24 hours) Tower gate 6:00-17:00

Closed: None

Shrine office: 8:00-17:00 (prayer service available until 15:00, stamps available until 16:30)

Official website: http://nukisaki.or.jp/index.html