Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu [Ibaraki]

【Overview of Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu】

Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu was founded during the Tenpyo era (729–749). According to shrine legend, it began when Emperor Shomu ordered the enshrinement of the Tenjin Chigi (six primary deities of heaven and earth) to serve as guardians of the nation. Within the grounds lies the “Resting Stone of Yamato Takeru,” which has been revered as a “stone inhabited by a god” since long before the shrine itself was built. It is said that the presence of this sacred stone was the very reason this site was chosen for the “Sosha” (General Shrine) during Emperor Shomu’s reign.

The shrine worships the Six Deities of Rokusho Myojin: Izanagi no Mikoto, Izanami no Mikoto, Ninigi no Mikoto, Okuninushi no Mikoto, Omiyahime no Mikoto, and Furu no Okami.

【Who was Emperor Shomu？】

Emperor Shomu was the 45th Emperor of Japan during the Nara period. He left a massive mark on Japanese history with his ideal of Chingo Kokka—stabilizing the nation through the power of Buddhism. He founded Todai-ji Temple in Nara as the head of all provincial temples and commissioned the “Birushana Butsu” (The Great Buddha of Nara), the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha. He also established a nationwide Buddhist network by ordering each province to build its own state-supported temples.

東大寺【奈良県】

【Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu: The Approach (Sando)】

There appear to be three paths to the shrine: the Old Approach, the Main Approach, and a path leading to the side of the Main Hall. I found myself naturally walking along the side path because it felt so pleasant.

The layout likely follows the original constraints of the land, as it was adjacent to the former Hitachi Provincial Capital and part of the site of Ishioka Castle (Fuchu Castle).

【Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu: Chozu-ya (Purification Fountain)】

The area to purify oneself is located along this uniquely winding path. In recent years, the shrine has delighted visitors with Hana-chozu—water basins beautifully decorated with seasonal flowers.

【Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu: Sumo Ring】

Next to the Zuishinmon Gate is a sumo ring (dohyo). To this day, dedicated sumo matches (Honno Sumo) are held here during the Grand Festival (Ishioka no Omatsuri).

【Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu: Zuishinmon Gate】

Reconstructed around 1627 (Kanbun 4), this is one of the oldest structures in the precinct. It features a thatched (kayabuki) roof—a rarity in modern shrines—giving it a distinct sense of elegance and prestige. As a reminder of the shrine’s history with sumo, Edo-period sumo ranking charts (banzuke) are still pasted on the ceiling.

【Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu: The Precinct】

The spatial design is unique: after passing through the Zuishinmon Gate, you turn 90 degrees to the right to face the Main Hall. Instead of seeing the hall immediately upon entering, the full view is revealed only after you take a few steps inside.

【Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu: The Sacred Tree】

The sacred tree is estimated to be approximately 600 years old. This thick-trunked evergreen spreads its branches wide, keeping its lush green leaves year-round. Due to its powerful vitality, it is revered as a symbol of longevity and good health.

Its presence wraps the entire precinct in a solemn, pure atmosphere, making you feel as though you are deep within a forest.

【Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu: Main Hall (Shaden)】

Reconstructed in 1627, the current hall displays the sophisticated yet calm architectural style of the early Edo period.

The exquisite carvings reflect the high level of craftsmanship of that era. The hall is aligned so that Mt. Tsukuba is visible from the front, possibly in connection with the “Resting Stone.” It is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Ishioka City.

【Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu: The Resting Stone of Yamato Takeru】

Approximately 1,900 years ago, the prince (son of the 12th Emperor Keiko) visited this region (Hitachi Province) to pacify the east and rested his weary body on this very stone.

【Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu: Subsidiary Shrines】

To the left (west) of the worship hall stands a row of shrines known as the “Ju-ni Massha” (Twelve Subsidiary Shrines). These include famous names such as Kashima Shrine, Shizu Shrine, Yoshida Shrine, Oarai/Sakatsura Isosaki Shrine, and Inari Shrine.

【Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu: Ichinen Antai Fortune】

The “Ichinen Antai” (Peace Throughout the Year) fortune is a charming and lucky activity where you “fish” for a sea bream-shaped charm using a small fishing rod. The fortunes are tucked into the tails of red or gold bream. The name is a play on words: Tai means sea bream, and Antai means peace/security. You can take the fish home as a lucky charm or interior decoration.

【Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu: Goshuin】

The ancestors of the legendary manga artist Tezuka Osamu served as official physicians for the Hitachi Fuchu Domain (modern-day Ishioka) during the Edo period. Because of this deep connection, a collaboration with Tezuka Productions began around 2014. Today, the shrine offers official talismans and goshuin featuring Tezuka’s iconic characters.

【Tourist Spots Nearby】

Hitachi Fudoki no Oka, Tayasu Shrine, Soga Shrine, Atago Shrine (Kasama), Tsukuba-san Shrine, Chuzen-ji Temple.

常陸風土記の丘【茨城県】

愛宕神社(笠間)【茨城県】

筑波山神社【茨城県】 2026年4月18日

筑波山 中禅寺 大御堂【茨城県】

【Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu: Access】

Admin’s Impressions

The legends—like the hero from 1,900 years ago gazing at Mt. Tsukuba from the Resting Stone while the 600-year-old tree watched over—don’t just feel like dry facts here. In the silence of the precinct, the story feels incredibly real. The air is exceptionally pure and refreshing, centered around the sacred tree. Also, if you look closely at the Resting Stone, it actually sparkles, suggesting it might be made of a unique type of mineral.

Scale

 (3.5)

Accessibility

 (2)

History / Origins

 (4.5)

Nature / Scenery

 (4)

Quietness

 (4)

Goshuin Variety

 (3)

Address of Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu

2-8-1 Sosha, Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture 315-0016

*Note: Free parking available.

About a 20-minute walk from JR Ishioka Station (Joban Line).

参考

茨城の神社で御朱印授与なら｜常陸國総社宮【公式】

常陸国総社宮

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Kasama Inari Shrine [Ibaraki] Kashima Jingu Shrine [Ibaraki] Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine [Tokyo] Nanasha-jinja Shrine [Tokyo]