🕓 2024/10/2
#Shrines
A Detailed Guide to the History and Overview of Izanagi Jingu Shrine
Table of Contents
Introduction
Izanagi Jingu is a sacred place where Japan’s history and mythology converge, holding immense significance in Japanese Shinto culture. This article introduces the charm and deep faith associated with Izanagi Jingu, focusing on its overview, history, and major highlights.
This article provides an understanding of the mystical appeal and historical background of Izanagi Jingu, as well as key points to note when visiting.
Overview of Izanagi Jingu
Izanagi Jingu is a shrine located in Taga, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, enshrining Izanagi no Mikoto, the creator deity of Japanese mythology, as its principal deity. As one of the oldest shrines in Japan, its history is rooted in ancient legends.
This shrine jointly enshrines Izanagi no Mikoto and Izanami no Mikoto, the married deities who created Japan according to mythology. Izanagi no Mikoto is particularly revered as the deity who created the first islands of the Japanese archipelago, and is said to have spent his final years in this very land.
The mythological “Yukyu” (Hidden Palace) is the place where Izanagi no Mikoto spent his remaining years, and the shrine was built on that very site. Unlike ordinary shrines, this one holds the special significance of enshrining the deity himself. Under the modern shrine ranking system of the Meiji era, Izanagi Jingu was designated as a Kanpei Taisha (Grand Imperial Shrine), establishing it as a nationally important shrine. Today it is designated as a Beppyo Shrine under the Association of Shinto Shrines, and its prestigious status and historical value are highly regarded.
Within the grounds, a beautiful approach leads from the majestic first torii gate through the second torii, the temizuya (purification fountain), and on to the worship hall. The worship hall and main hall are built upon Izanagi no Mikoto’s mausoleum, lending a palpable sense of sanctity. The grounds also feature the “Hojo no Shinike” (Sacred Pond of Life Release), where the tradition of releasing carp and turtles to pray for healing has been passed down.
Izanagi Jingu bestows various blessings including romantic fulfillment, marital harmony, and family safety. Many visitors come to pray for matchmaking and family well-being. In 2004, it was recognized as part of the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” World Heritage, reaffirming its value as a shrine deeply connected to Japan’s creation mythology.
History of Izanagi Jingu
Izanagi Jingu is located on Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture, and is known as one of the oldest shrines in Japan. The following major events are historically documented.
1. Founding and Legend (Date Unknown)
While there are no clear records of Izanagi Jingu’s founding date, its origins are rooted in mythology. According to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, Izanagi no Mikoto spent his remaining years in Taga on Awaji Island after completing the creation of the land and the birth of the gods, building a Yukyu (Hidden Palace). This palace is believed to be the origin of present-day Izanagi Jingu. As the final resting place of the deity, this site is revered as an important shrine honoring Izanagi no Mikoto.
2. 859: Granting of the Shoichii (Highest Divine Rank)
In 859, Izanagi Jingu received the Shoichii, the highest divine rank bestowed upon shrines by the Imperial Court. This rank served as proof of recognition as a nationally important shrine, and the Nihon Sandai Jitsuroku records that Izanagi no Mikoto was deified as “Ippon Izanagi no Mikoto.”
3. 927: Listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho
In the Engishiki Jinmyocho compiled in 927, Izanagi Jingu was listed as a Myojin Taisha. This designation was given to particularly important shrines, and Izanagi Jingu established its position as the Ichinomiya of Awaji Province. This record confirms the shrine’s high national recognition.
4. 1871: Elevation to Kanpei Taisha
In 1871, under the modern shrine ranking system introduced by the Meiji government, Izanagi Jingu was initially designated as a Kokuhei Chusha and elevated to Kanpei Taisha in 1885. This elevation further strengthened the national importance of Izanagi Jingu as a shrine directly managed by the state.
5. 1946: Placed Under the Association of Shinto Shrines
In 1946, following the postwar Shinto Directive, Izanagi Jingu came under the jurisdiction of the Association of Shinto Shrines, operating as an independent religious corporation. In 1948, it was designated as a Beppyo Shrine.
6. Development to the Present Day
Since 1946, the shrine has continued under the Association of Shinto Shrines. In 1990, the “1300th Anniversary Grand Festival of the Enshrinement” was grandly celebrated. To this day, the shrine welcomes many worshippers, carrying on Japanese traditional culture centered on the worship of Izanagi no Mikoto.
Major Highlights of Izanagi Jingu
Izanagi Jingu features numerous historically and mythologically significant sites. Below are the major highlights.
■ Main Hall and Mausoleum
The main hall was built on the site where Izanagi no Mikoto spent his final years, with the mausoleum located above it. This is a special place originating from the myth where the deity chose Awaji Island as his final resting place. The main hall serving as the mausoleum’s foundation is a rare feature, and it is known as a power spot where visitors can feel extraordinary energy.
■ Meoto Ookusu (Married Couple Camphor Trees)
Over 900 years old and designated as a Natural Monument of Hyogo Prefecture, these were originally two separate trees that merged into one over time. They are revered as symbols of marital harmony and family prosperity. Many visitors come to pray for romantic connections and family blessings.
■ Hojo no Shinike (Sacred Pond of Life Release)
Historically a site for “life release rituals” to pray for healing. Carp swim in the pond, and it remains an important place for those praying for health and healing.
■ Sazareishi
The stone mentioned in Japan’s national anthem “Kimigayo,” where small pebbles bond together over time to form a large boulder. Two Sazareishi are displayed along the approach, symbolizing longevity and prosperity.
■ Hi no Michishirube (Solar Guidestone)
A stone monument showing that important shrines align with the sunrise and sunset directions on the solstices, centered on Izanagi Jingu. Suwa Taisha lies in the summer solstice sunrise direction, Izumo Taisha in the sunset direction. On the winter solstice, sunrise aligns with Kumano Nachi Taisha and sunset with Takachiho Shrine. This ley line emphasizes Izanagi Jingu as the center of mythology and history.
■ Sayu Shrine
Known for healing powers for eye ailments, this shrine enshrines Tsukuyomi no Mikoto (born from the right eye) and Amaterasu Omikami (born from the left eye) of Izanagi no Mikoto. Many worshippers visit to pray for eye health and healing.
Conclusion
Izanagi Jingu is a special place that evokes deep emotion and awe through its profound history and mythological background. As one of the oldest shrines in Japan, its existence is deeply connected to the formation of the nation.
Each site introduced in this article is a power spot worth visiting. When you visit Izanagi Jingu, take your time to soak in its sacred atmosphere and sense of history.