Haniatsu Shrine [Fukushima]

【Haniatsu Shrine summary】

Hanitsu Shrine was built in 1675 (Empo 3). The main shrine was rebuilt in 1868 after being burnt down in the Boshin-no-Yakuwari Battle (August 23, 1868), in which the Aizu forces were defeated. The main deity is Masayuki Hoshina. Successive lords from the third to ninth generations of the Tokugawa clan are enshrined as the deity of the shrine. Masayuki Hoshina was the son of Hidetada Tokugawa, who assisted Ietsuna Tokugawa, laid the foundation of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and became the founder of the Aizu domain.

【Haniatsu Shrine precincts】

The pure white torii gate is very impressive. It is said that the shrine adopted the modest white color because its deity, Lord Masayuki Hoshina, was a humble and modest person.

On the stairway is the “Makoto” flag of the Shinsengumi. The flag of “sincerity,” which means pure, untruthful loyalty, is the meaning of the ideal bushido that the Shinsengumi strived for.

Climbing the stairs, you will see the wind chime decorations. Since it was a summer visit, the wind chimes were cool and soap bubbles were dancing, creating a beautiful fantasy scene.

The floral decorations in the handbasin show the individuality of the shrine. The blue hydrangea and ornaments expressed Japanese summer and coolness. It is in good taste.

Very well cleaned and maintained.

When I visited the shrine, the ritual of crossing the cogon grass ring was being performed.

The shrine pavilions built at the time of its construction were so gorgeous that they were compared to those of Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire during the Boshin War, but the current shrine was rebuilt in 1880.

【Haniatsu Shrine place behind main hall of a temple enshrining temple founder, miraculous Buddhas, hidden statues, etc.】

About 4-500 meters north of the shrine building is Okuno-in, the Okutsu Castle (grave) of the main deity, Masayuki Hoshina. The path paved with cobblestones and lined with cedar trees on both sides may be quite difficult to walk, and there are not many visitors, but it is a place you should definitely visit if you visit the Doitsu Shrine.

Okuno-in (Tomb of Lord Masayuki Hoshina) Both are designated as a national historic site as the gravesite of the Matsudaira family, the feudal lords of Aizu. The perimeter is fenced off and visitors are not allowed to enter, but there is an octagonal stone that is believed to be the gravesite. It is a unique tomb that I have rarely seen. It may have been influenced by the Yoshikawa Shinto that Lord Masayuki revered. The Yoshikawa Shinto is based on the Yoshida Shinto, excluding the Buddhist coloring, and incorporating the ideas of Shuji studies, and teaching the way to rule the country through Rigaku Shinto, a leading school of Shinto that emphasized the moral aspect of Shinto.

【Haniatsu Shrine GOSHUIN】

Seasonal goshuin are available. It is the first time I have seen such a delicate cutout goshuin, and although it is expensive at 2,000 yen, it is very beautiful. There are many other types of goshuin available.

【Haniatsu Shrine Nearby attractions】

Lake Inawashiro, Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum, Tsurugajo Castle, Aizu Sazae-do

Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum [Fukushima]

Tsuruga Castle [Fukushima]

Sazae Temple [Fukushima]

【Haniatsu Shrine Access】

Manager’s Comments

Although the shrine is relatively young in history, it is a wonderful shrine, with ingenuity and care taken to make visitors enjoy the shrine with their own eyes. It is rare to see a shrine where the charm of the four seasons can be felt so clearly: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and deep snow in winter. It is no wonder that many visitors come to the shrine again and again. I heard that the shrine is crowded with many people during the season of autumn leaves, so it might be better to visit the shrine early in the morning or at night when the lights are turned on.

scenery

 (4.5)

ambience

 (4.5)

access

 (2.5)

my opinion

 (4.5)

Haniatsu Shrine

3, Mineyama, Inawashiro-cho, Yama-gun, Fukushima 969-3102

※Free parking available in nearby Inawashiro Town parking lot

About 10 minutes by cab from Inawashiro Station on the JR Ban-Etsu-Nishi Line.

参考

[福島] 土津神社【公式】｜こどもと出世の神さま・会津の歴史に触れる観光

[福島] 土津神社【公式】｜こどもと出世の神さま・会津の歴史に触れる観光