Hikosan Jingu Shrine [Fukuoka]

【Hikosan Jingu Shrine summary】

Hikosan Jingu, commonly known as “Hikosan Gongen,” is a Shinto shrine located on Mt. The date of establishment is unknown, but one theory is that it was in the 25th year of the reign of Emperor Tsugitai (531). It is the only shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture with the title of “Jingu” (Shrine). The shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu no Mikoto (Sun Goddess), the son of Amaterasu no Mikoto. In the past, the name “Hikosan” was used only, but in 1729, Emperor Reigen permitted the use of the beautiful name “Ei” for this outstanding mountain, and the name was changed to “Eihikosan”. Eihiko-zan is one of the three most sacred mountains in Japan, along with Omine (Nara) and Dewa Sanzan (Yamagata), and is a sacred mountain with a new spiritual significance.

【Hikosan Jingu Shrine road approaching a shrine】

At the entrance to the approach is a huge copper torii gate. It was built about 400 years ago, and I wonder how it was transported and erected in the middle of an inconvenient deep mountain… It is amazing. This is the start of the Jingu pilgrimage. It takes about 45 minutes while taking a break.

A gently sloping stone-paved pathway that feels old continues for 1 km from here to the Hikosan Jingu Shrine. At first, the stone-paved path changes to stone steps, and then to steep steps as you approach the main shrine.

The beauty of this mountain in the spring was superb, with mountain cherry blossoms in bloom and the entire mountain tinted in spring. I was told that the mountain is also popular in the fall for its autumn foliage, but I was grateful to be able to climb the quiet approach to the mountain in the midst of this blizzard of cherry blossoms.

【Hikosan Jingu Shrine Zaizoubou】

Both sides of the austere approach to the temple are terraced fields, the site of a former monastery. This is where the monks used to perform rituals, practice asceticism, and study. It is thought that many pilgrims stayed here. Unfortunately, the monastery lost its role as an esoteric Buddhism dojo due to the movement to abolish Buddhism, and the monastery fell into disuse.

We stopped at Zaizobo on the way. The Zaizobo is an old Shugendo monastery that has been preserved as it was in the past, and exhibits tools and materials that tell the history and lifestyle of the mountain ascetics and the severity of Shugendo. Visitors can also take a tour of the interior when an attendant is present. The nostalgic aroma of the hearth, especially when the fire is burning, is very special.

In the modern world, the number of visitors has decreased and there are now only two teahouses. Stick canes are available for rent around the teahouse. If you are not physically strong enough, you might want to use the rope car.

The approach to the temple continued to be tough, but the air was clean and we were able to enjoy the scenery as we climbed.

【Hikosan Jingu Shrine Houheiden】

After climbing up, you will see the hall of worship. This “Hoheiden” is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. It was the main lecture hall of Reisenji Temple during the Shugendo period, and the present building was rebuilt in 1616 by Hosokawa Koshinaka Tadaoki, lord of the Ogura domain.

Further up the mountain from here is the Kamigu, which is undergoing renovation until 2025.

【Hikosan Jingu Shrine flower garden】

There are gardens and flower gardens along the approach to the temple. Hikosan Hanazono is a flower garden located along the slope of the mountain above the Hana Station of the slope car. Visitors can enjoy rhododendrons, hydrangeas, lavenders, autumn leaves, and many other flowers and plants throughout the four seasons.

【Hikosan Jingu Shrine Access】

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