Sumiyoshi Shrine [Yamaguchi]

【Sumiyoshi Shrine summary】

Sumiyoshi Shrine in Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, was built in the 9th year of Emperor Chuai (200 AD) according to the “Chronicles of Japan. The origin of the shrine is said to be that Empress Jingu, who was on her way to Silla during the conquest of the three Koreas, received an oracle from the three Sumiyoshi deities (Sumiyoshi Daijin) and built a shrine there. Therefore, the shrine has been revered as a god of military affairs and maritime traffic since its foundation.

Together with Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Osaka and Sumiyoshi Shrine in Fukuoka, it is one of the three major Sumiyoshi shrines in Japan. It is also one of the 600 Sumiyoshi shrines located throughout Japan. The three deities enshrined at the shrine are the three Sumiyoshi deities, Emperor Ojin, Takeuchi Shukune-no-Mikoto, Empress Jingu, and Kenmikazuno-No-Mikoto.

Sumiyoshi-Taisya Shrine [Osaka]

【Sumiyoshi Shrine road approaching a shrine】

When you pass through the torii gate, you will see a red Shinto bridge in front of it. The bridge has now been reclaimed, but it is probably a remnant of a pond that existed at that time.

The bronze guardian dogs in front of the stairs were quite unique. It was recently restored.

The tower gate is a registered tangible cultural property.

【Sumiyoshi Shrine main shrine】

The main shrine was rebuilt in 1370 (Oan 3) and is representative of the early Muromachi period. Each of the five deities is enshrined in this unique structure, which is rare in Japan.

It is a structure of nine kenja-nagare-zukuri, or one roof covering the entire building, consisting of one kenja-nagare-zukuri shrine building connected in parallel, and is designated as a national treasure. From left to right, the three deities of Sumiyoshi are the first three deities, followed by Emperor Ojin, Takeuchi Shukune, Empress Jingu, and Kenmyo-no-kata.

The roof of the main hall shows a unique bending technique, and the skill of the master craftsman is impressive. This main hall is not only unusual as a Nagare-zukuri style shrine building, but is also valuable for its well-organized structural design.

【Sumiyoshi Shrine stone for breaking the year’s bad luck】

The Yakuwari Stone is located on the side of the shrine grounds, where you can purchase a Yakuwari Jade, which has a hole in it, and throw it at the stone to exorcise evil spirits.

It was also at Isasumi Shrine in Fukushima Prefecture.

Isasumi Shrine (Iwashiro Province Ichinomiya Shrine) [Fukushima]

【Sumiyoshi Shrine The camphor tree planted by Takeuchi Shukune-no-mikoto】

At the back of the shrine, in front of the Inari Shrine, there is a large camphor tree said to have been planted by Takeuchi Shukune, a vassal of Empress Jingu. A sacred rope is hung around the trunk of the camphor tree, and a small torii (gateway to the shrine) has been erected. It is a mysterious giant tree and well worth seeing.

【Sumiyoshi Shrine Kamiike and Itsukushima Shrine】

After passing through the torii gate, there is a pond, a small island, and a shrine on the left side of the approach. The shrine is called Itsukushima Shrine, so the deity is probably Princess Ichikishimahime no Mikoto. The construction of the shrine was unknown.

【Sumiyoshi Shrine Access】

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Beppu Itsukushima Shrine and Beppu Benten Pond [Yamaguchi] Sumiyoshi-Taisya Shrine [Osaka] Meiji Jingu Shrine [Tokyo] Isasumi Shrine (Iwashiro Province Ichinomiya Shrine) [Fukushima]