Hiratsuka Hachimangu Shrine [Kanagawa]

【Overview of Hiratsuka Hachimangu】

Hiratsuka Hachimangu was founded in 380 AD (the 68th year of Emperor Nintoku’s reign). Legend states that after a massive earthquake devastated the region about 1,600 years ago, the shrine was established to enshrine the 15th Emperor Ojin as “Chinchi Okami” (the great deity who calms the earth), praying for the tranquility of the land and the people.

During the Sengoku (Warring States) period, the shrine was caught in a battle between Takeda Shingen of Kai and Hojo Ujiyasu of Sagami. It burned down, and many of the shrine’s historical documents were lost. However, according to a record written in 1637 (Kanei 14), it received a divided spirit from Usa Jingu Shrine between 724 and 729 (the Jinki era) and was called “Hachiman-sho.” Rebuilt in the Edo period by Tokugawa Ieyasu, it currently serves as the Gonomiya (the 5th ranking shrine) of the former Sagami Province (modern-day Kanagawa) and is one of the “Six Shrines of Sagami.”

The enshrined deities are Emperor Ojin, Empress Jingu, and Takenouchi no Sukune no Mikoto.

【What are the Six Shrines of Sagami？】

The “Sagami Rokusha” is a collective term for the six major shrines of the former Sagami Province. They consist of:

Ichinomiya (1st): Samukawa Shrine

Ninomiya (2nd): Kawawa Shrine

Sannomiya (3rd): Hibita Shrine

Shinomiya (4th): Sakatori Shrine

Gonomiya (5th): Hiratsuka Hachimangu

Rokunomiya (6th): Rokusho Shrine

Samukawa Shrine [Kanagawa]

Sakitori Shrine [Kanagawa]

【Hiratsuka Hachimangu: Giant Lantern and Great Torii】

The main torii gate is large and magnificent. As you pass through, there are ponds on both sides. I felt that the layout was very well designed. Ducks and waterfowl swim in the ponds, creating a very elegant and traditional atmosphere.

【Hiratsuka Hachimangu: Second Torii Gate】

This bronze torii was dedicated in 1765 (Meiwa 2) by a Buddhist monk named Honyokanshin.

【Hiratsuka Hachimangu: Sacred Horse Stable (Shinmesha)】

Right after passing the Second Torii, you will find the Sacred Horse Stable, where you can feed the horses. Please offer a small donation (as a token of your appreciation) in the offertory box located in front.

【Hiratsuka Hachimangu: Main Hall (Shaden)】

The Main Hall collapsed in the past due to wars during the Sengoku period and the Great Kanto Earthquake, but it was rebuilt each time. The current building was completed in 1928 (Showa 3).

【Hiratsuka Hachimangu: Wakamiya Shrine (Subsidiary Shrine)】

Three deities are enshrined at Wakamiya Shrine: Emperor Nintoku, the deity of “child-rearing and protecting children”; Amaterasu Omikami, the deity of “career success and business prosperity” (at the Shinmei Shrine portion); and Takeminakata-no-kami, the deity of “good fortune and traffic safety” (at the Suwa Shrine portion).

【Hiratsuka Hachimangu: Taishido (Subsidiary Shrine)】

Quietly tucked away behind the Main Hall is the Taishido, which enshrines Prince Shotoku as the guardian deity of construction and civil engineering.

【Hiratsuka Hachimangu: Hiratsuka Benzaiten (Subsidiary Shrine)】

If you enter from the parking lot side, you will walk along the West Approach (Nishi-sando) for this Benzaiten shrine.

Viewed from the torii, it sits on the left side of the pond. Carp and ducks were relaxing there peacefully.

The deity’s spirit was divided and transferred here from the Benzaiten Shrine in Okazaki, Hiratsuka City, in 2011.

【Hiratsuka Hachimangu: Tsurumineyama Inari Shrine (Subsidiary Shrine)】

To the right of the Great Torii is an Inari Shrine that has a layout similar to a Benzaiten shrine.

Its deity was transferred here from Kawayo Inari, located within the Yasaka Shrine grounds in the city’s Hachiman district, in 2016.

You visit by crossing over to an island floating in the pond, and there is a path that allows you to walk all the way around the island. This is a very rare architectural layout for an Inari shrine.

【Hiratsuka Hachimangu: Hosenzuka & Kawarake-wari (Plate Breaking)】

The Hosenzuka mound was established on the shrine grounds in 2021 as a new attraction. It enshrines the Aramitama (the fierce, energetic spirit) of the Wakamiya deity, which helps sever bad relationships and strengthen good ones. The ritual performed here is Kawarake-wari (plate breaking).

Kawarake-wari is a traditional ritual for warding off evil at shrines and temples. You transfer your breath and your troubles (bad luck) into an unglazed earthenware plate, and then smash it against a stone or in front of the altar to drive away the misfortune. At this shrine, you break the plate and place the pieces into an iron cauldron.

【Hiratsuka Hachimangu Goshuin】

【Tourist Spots Near Hiratsuka Hachimangu】

Samukawa Shrine,Sakatori Shrine

Samukawa Shrine [Kanagawa]

Sakitori Shrine [Kanagawa]

【Hiratsuka Hachimangu: Access】

Admin’s Impressions

Despite being located right in the middle of the city, once you step inside, the ponds and trees make it a very quiet and calming shrine. There are seasonal flowers, and ducks in the ponds that you can apparently feed. The grounds are packed with so many highlights that I couldn’t write about them all, and it really seemed like they put a lot of thought into making the experience enjoyable for worshippers. Overall, I think it is loved by many as a place where you can spend a slow, relaxing time.

Scale

 (4.5)

Accessibility

 (5)

History / Origins

 (4.5)

Nature / Scenery

 (4.5)

Quietness

 (3)

Goshuin Variety

 (4)

Hiratsuka Hachimangu Address

1-6 Sengenchō, Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa 254-0041

*Note: Paid parking is available (First 15 minutes are free).

About an 8-minute walk from Hiratsuka Station (JR Tokaido Line).

参考

相模國一國一社【平塚八幡宮】神奈川県・湘南平塚市の神社

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Sakitori Shrine [Kanagawa] Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine [Kanagawa] Samukawa Shrine [Kanagawa] Enoshima Shrine [Kanagawa]