Myogi Shrine [Gunma]

【Myogi Shrine summary】

Myogijinja is located halfway up Mt. Hakuun, the main peak of Mt. Myogi (1,104m), one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, and was founded in 537, the second year of the Emperor Seonka, boasting a history of 1,500 years. It is an ancient shrine of Myogi mountain worship and Shugendo, a syncretism of Shinto and Buddhist practices, and was originally called Hakoso no Okami (Great God), which was later changed to Myogi. The main shrine is a solemn black lacquered Gongen-zukuri structure, a rarity in Japan, with such magnificent carvings that it could be considered the Nikko of Joge. The deities worshipped at the shrine are Yamatotakeru no Mikoto, Toyoke no Okami, Sugawara no Michizane, and Gonon Dainagon no Nagachika.

【Mt. Myogi Daigongen】

From the roadside station and the entrance of the approach to the mountain, the Chinese character for “large” can be seen in the center of the hillside. It means “Myogi Daigongen,” and it is said that in the old days of Edo (1603-1867), visitors coming and going along the Nakasendo Road worshipped at this “Dai” character instead of visiting the temple in person. It is now made of iron plate 5m in size, but in the old days, it was made by weaving a large amount of grass. It may look small, but it is 5m long, so you can expect it to be quite far away…

After proceeding through the first torii gate, you will see the main gate in front of you. I think the weeping cherry blossoms are beautiful, so it is good to visit in spring.

【Myogi Shrine Main Gate】

The present main gate is said to be the Niomon gate of Ishito-ji, which was closed at the beginning of the Meiji period (1868-1912). The current main gate is said to be the Niomon of Ishitouji, which was closed at the beginning of the Meiji period. The Niomon of Hakuunsan Ishitouji became the main gate of Myogi Shrine, and statues of the Niomon are still enshrined on both sides.

【Myogi Shrine Premises】

There is a copper torii gate that can be seen after passing the main gate. In front are 165 steps. Sanbon-sugi (three cedars) is on the left. The shrine office and Namiso Shrine are on the right. The precincts of the shrine are always swept clean, making you feel as if you are in a Shinto sanctuary. I visited the shrine in early March, but there was still snow on the ground.

【Myogi Shrine precincts Namiso-jinja Shrine】

To the right of the torii gate is the Hako Shrine. According to documents, the area around Mt. Hakuun in Mt. Myogi was called “Nanahamisou,” and Namisou Shrine was distributed at the foot of the mountain, where Niutsuhime-no-mikoto was enshrined. Originally, Namikizo-jin was the main deity, but at some point, Myogi Daigongen was established separately and became the head shrine, and Namikizo-jin was moved to a shrine within the precincts of the temple. The ancient name of Mt. Myogi is said to be “Hakkosayama,” and in the villages at the foot of the mountain, “Hakkoso Shrine” is enshrined. It is interesting to consider various things.

【Myogi Shrine precincts Shrine office and former palace】

The Myogi Shrine office and the old palace are located at the far right side of the torii gate. This Kyu-no-Miya-sama-Goden is said to be the former residence of Rinnoji-no-Miya, the head of Kan’eiji Temple on Toeizan, Edo. It is designated as an important cultural property by the city. This museum is open to visitors for a fee, but was closed on the day of the visit.

【Myogi Shrine precincts. three main Japanese solitary cryptomeria trees (Cryptomeria japonica var. japonica)】

To the left of the torii gate, there is a place surrounded by 500-year-old Sanbon-sugi (three cedars), from which the hall of worship can be seen in front. Those who have difficulty climbing up can visit the shrine from here. The cedar trees, which must be long in age, are awe-inspiring, as if a god resides in them.

【Myogi Shrine precincts. Otokozaka and Suijinmon Gate】

Now we are heading for Myogi Shrine. The moss growing on the rocks and lanterns by the side of the approach weaving through the trees is a sign of the times.

The 165 steps have remained since the Edo period. The huge stumps heaped up by the roots of cedar trees by the side of the approach also tell the history of the stairway. The Suijinmon Gate of Myogijin Shrine can be seen at the end of the stairs.

Two pairs of “aun” statues are enshrined on both sides of the gate. It is unusual for a demon to be enshrined at a temple gate. Is it meant to be a demon gate?

【Myogi Shrine precincts. Karamon Gate and Head Office】

A short distance from the Suishin Gate is the gorgeous Karamon Gate. It is colorful and splendidly carved.

There is a powerful and splendid dragon painting on the ceiling of the Karamon gate. Is it a work by Mr. Nakazawa? I could not find any detailed information.

Looking back at the Karamon gate, the three cedars are in front of it. It is a well-calculated arrangement.

The gorgeous and gorgeous head shrine (main hall, hall of offerings, and hall of worship) underwent a major renovation during the Horeki period (1757-1764). The splendid carvings were created by the sculptors of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, and all are designated as National Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

The gold leaf on the pillars, dragons, and phoenixes on the wainscot walls are gorgeous. There is a Tengu shrine behind the main hall, which is said to be beneficial for the fulfillment of one’s wishes and will grant one wish. There are many other sights to see, and I will update this page when I visit the shrine again.

【Myogi Shrine GOSHUIN】

【Nearby attractions】

Tomioka Silk Mill, Gunma Safari Park, Minogo Plum Grove

【Access】

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