Tsuki Shrine [Saitama]

【Tsuki Shrine summary】

Tsuki-jinja Shrine was built about 2,000 years ago by the order of the 10th Emperor Sojin. The deities worshipped at the shrine are Amaterasu Omikami, Toyokehime no Mikoto and Susanoo no Mikoto.

The word “Tsuki” in the name of the shrine comes from the word “tsuki”, which means “goods to be offered”, and it is said that this shrine once had a storehouse of goods to be offered to Ise Shrine from Musashi Province and collected here. Toyokehime-no-Mikoto, one of the deities of the shrine, is the goddess of grain and food, and the goddess in charge of Amaterasu’s diet. The shrine was also called Tsukiyomi-sha during the Edo period (1603-1867), in connection with the spread of the moon-waiting faith in the past.

【Tsuki Shrine precincts】

A rabbit, not a guardian dog, is placed in the shrine. The rabbit, which is said to be the animal of the moon, seems to be the messenger of the god, since the company name “Tsuki” and “moon” read the same.

This shrine is also famous for its lack of a torii gate, which is said to be because the gate interferes with the transportation of tribute outside.

The water closet is also a cute rabbit-shaped structure. However, there is no ladle now…

There is a record of Ashikaga Takauji’s reconstruction of the devastated shrine in 1337 (Engen 2) during the Nanbokucho period (1337-1368), but it was later destroyed by fire again in 1590 (Tensho 18) during the Odawara War in the late Warring States period. After being rebuilt in the early Edo period (1603-1867), the current shrine was reconstructed in 1859 (Ansei 6). It is Gongen-zukuri (the main hall and the worship hall are the same), so the main hall is the one you see.

【Tsuki Shrine Former Main Shrine】

The old main shrine stands quietly in the back. Under restoration? Under construction? Are there cones, warning tapes, or a skeleton of a food stall? The scenery is disappointing.

The Inari Shrine, the former main building of the Tsuki Shrine, is a designated cultural property (building) of Saitama City and is stored indoors. I thought this type of storage was unusual. If possible, I would have liked to have been able to see a little more of it. What a waste of time and effort…

However, there are many trees and a nice atmosphere around this divine pond. Perhaps everyone will stop here.

【Tsuki Shrine GOSHUIN】

【Tsuki Shrine Nearby attractions】

Hikawa Shrine (Musashi Ichinomiya) [Saitama]

【Tsuki Shrine Access】