Detailed History and Overview of Izanagi Shrine

 

　Table of Contents

1. Overview of Izanagi Shrine
2. History of Izanagi Shrine
3. Highlights of Izanagi Shrine
   
   

Introduction

Izanagi Shrine (Izanagi Jingū) is a sacred place where Japanese history and mythology intertwine, and its existence holds great significance in Japan’s Shinto culture. This article will focus on the overview, history, and highlights of Izanagi Shrine, introducing its allure and the depth of faith it represents.

We will provide insights into the mysterious charm and historical background of Izanagi Shrine, helping you understand the key points to focus on when visiting this venerable site.

1. Overview of Izanagi Shrine 

Izanagi Shrine (Izanagi Jingū) is located in Taga, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, and enshrines Izanagi-no-Mikoto, the creator deity of Japanese mythology, as its primary deity. It is considered one of the oldest shrines in Japan, with its history and tradition rooted in ancient legends.

This shrine venerates both Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, the two deities featured in the "Kuni-umi" (creation of the land) myth, who are worshiped as the divine couple that created Japan. Izanagi-no-Mikoto, in particular, is the god who, according to mythology, gave birth to the first islands of the Japanese archipelago and is believed to have spent his later years in this location.

The shrine is said to have been built on the site of the "Yūkū" (Hidden Palace), the place where Izanagi-no-Mikoto spent his final days, making the shrine especially significant as it stands on the very land that was once the residence of the god. Unlike most other shrines, this unique characteristic means that the deity himself is enshrined here. During the Meiji era, Izanagi Shrine was designated as a "Kanpei-taisha" (imperial shrine of high rank) under the modern shrine ranking system, affirming its importance as a state-recognized shrine. Today, it is listed as a "Bekkaku" shrine under the Association of Shinto Shrines, further underscoring its historical and cultural significance.

The shrine grounds feature a beautiful approach that leads visitors from the grand First Torii gate to the Second Torii gate, the ablution pavilion (Chōzuya), and the main worship hall (Haiden). The Haiden and Honden (main sanctuary) are built atop the tomb of Izanagi-no-Mikoto, adding to the sacred atmosphere. There is also a pond known as the "Hōjō no Kami-ike" (Pond of the Releasing Life Deity), where visitors traditionally release carp and turtles to pray for healing and longevity.

Izanagi Shrine is believed to bestow various blessings, including success in love, marital harmony, and family safety, attracting many visitors who pray for good relationships and domestic peace. Furthermore, in 2004, it was recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range," further reaffirming its value as a shrine deeply connected to Japan's creation myth.​

2. History of Izanagi Shrine 

Izanagi Shrine (Izanagi Jingū) is located on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture and is known as one of the oldest shrines in Japan. The following key events are recorded in its history.

　1. Founding and Legend (Date Unspecified) 

The exact date of Izanagi Shrine’s founding is unknown, but its origins are based on mythology. According to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, after completing the creation of the land and the gods, Izanagi-no-Mikoto spent his later years in Taga, Awaji Island, where he established a palace called Yūkū (Hidden Palace). This location is considered the origin of today’s Izanagi Shrine. The site where Izanagi-no-Mikoto is believed to have spent his final days is regarded as sacred, making the shrine an important religious site dedicated to the god.

　2. 859: Elevation to the Highest Rank of Shōichii 

In 859 (the first year of the Jōgan era), the court bestowed the rank of Shōichii, the highest rank for a deity, upon Izanagi Shrine. This rank signified that the shrine was recognized as a state-important religious site. At this time, Izanagi-no-Mikoto was deified under the name "Ippon Izanagi-no-Mikoto" (Nihon Sandai Jitsuroku records this promotion in the deity's rank).

　3. 927: Mention in the Engishiki Jinmyōchō 

In 927 (the fifth year of the Engi era), the Engishiki Jinmyōchō (Register of Deities in the Engishiki) listed Izanagi Shrine as a "Myōjin Taisha," a designation for particularly important shrines. It was also confirmed as the top shrine (Ichinomiya) of Awaji Province. This entry highlights the national recognition and high status of Izanagi Shrine at the time.

　4. 1871: Promotion to Kanpei Taisha 

In 1871 (the fourth year of the Meiji era), under the modern shrine ranking system introduced by the Meiji government, Izanagi Shrine was first ranked as a Kokuhei Chūsha (national middle-ranked shrine) and later, in 1885 (Meiji 18), elevated to Kanpei Taisha (imperial shrine of the highest rank). A Kanpei Taisha was a shrine directly managed by the state, further emphasizing Izanagi Shrine’s national importance. This period solidified the shrine's role within the framework of the government’s Shinto policy.

　5. 1946: Inclusion Under the Association of Shinto Shrines 

In 1946 (Shōwa 21), following the postwar dissolution of State Shinto, a new religious legal framework was established, and Izanagi Shrine became an independent religious corporation under the Association of Shinto Shrines. In 1948, it was designated as one of the Association’s Bekkaku (special status) shrines.

　6. Modern Developments 

Since 1946, Izanagi Shrine has continued to operate under the Association of Shinto Shrines. In 1990 (Heisei 2), the grand 1300th Anniversary Festival was celebrated, commemorating the shrine’s long-standing role as a center of local faith. To this day, the shrine continues to welcome many worshippers and plays a significant role in preserving Japanese traditional culture centered around the worship of Izanagi-no-Mikoto.

3. Highlights of Izanagi Shrine 

Izanagi Shrine is home to many historically and mythologically significant spots. Below are some of the key highlights.

　■ Main Hall and Tomb 

The main hall of Izanagi Shrine is built on the very site where Izanagi-no-Mikoto is said to have spent his later years. Beneath it lies his tomb. This location is significant because, according to mythology, Izanagi-no-Mikoto created the Japanese archipelago and chose Awaji Island as his final resting place. The tomb serves as the foundation of the main hall, a rare feature among shrines, emphasizing that the main hall is built directly upon the resting place of the god.

The grand architectural style exudes a solemn atmosphere, and visitors can feel an extraordinary sense of sanctity here. Since this site is believed to house the god himself, it is renowned as a powerful spiritual spot, offering a special energy that surpasses that of typical shrines.

　■ Meoto Ōkusu (Husband and Wife Sacred Camphor Trees) 

The "Meoto Ōkusu" are two sacred camphor trees believed to embody the spirits of Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto. These trees, over 900 years old, have merged into one over time and are worshipped as symbols of marital harmony and fertility. The trees are designated as natural monuments by Hyogo Prefecture.

This site is also a popular spiritual spot where visitors often touch the trees and feel their warm energy. Many worshippers visit to pray for good relationships and family prosperity, inspired by the connection to Izanagi and Izanami.

　■ Hōjō no Kami-ike (Pond of the Releasing Life Deity) 

Hōjō no Kami-ike is where the ritual of "Hōjō" (the releasing of life) was once held to pray for the continuation of life. Worshippers would release carp into the pond to pray for recovery from illness, and once healed, they would release turtles as an offering of thanks. Today, the pond is still visited by many people who wish to experience its spiritual significance, and it remains a place of prayer for healing and good health. The pond is home to carp, and it holds special meaning for those praying for recovery and health.

　■ Sazare-ishi 

"Sazare-ishi" refers to the small pebbles that, over long periods of time, naturally fuse into a larger rock, symbolizing longevity and prosperity. These stones are mentioned in Japan's national anthem, "Kimigayo." At Izanagi Shrine, two Sazare-ishi stones are on display—one from Awaji Island and the other from Kumamoto Prefecture—representing endurance and growth. Visitors often take photos in front of these stones, as they symbolize personal and national prosperity.

　■ Hinomichishirube (The Sun’s Pathway) 

The "Hinomichishirube" is a stone monument that marks the alignment of important shrines across Japan in relation to the sun's movement during the solstices, with Izanagi Shrine as the central point. On the summer solstice, the sun rises in line with Suwa Taisha to the east and sets in line with Izumo Taisha to the west. On the winter solstice, the sun rises in alignment with Kumano Nachi Taisha and sets in the direction of Takachiho Shrine.

This alignment is believed to have been intentional, created with ancient wisdom to connect the gods. The ley lines formed by these alignments emphasize Izanagi Shrine's role as a central point in Japanese mythology and history.

　■ Sayū Shrine 

Near the main hall of Izanagi Shrine is the "Sayū Shrine," which is known for its blessings related to eye health. This shrine enshrines Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, who was born from Izanagi-no-Mikoto’s right eye, and Amaterasu-Ōmikami, who was born from his left eye. Based on this mythology, many worshippers come to pray for eye health and healing, making this shrine a popular destination for those seeking blessings for their vision.

 In Conclusion 

Izanagi Shrine is a special place that inspires deep reverence and awe, owing to its profound history and mythological background. As one of Japan’s oldest shrines, its existence is closely tied to the origins of the nation, and it is a place of worship dedicated to the deities of ancient myths.

The spots introduced in this article are all spiritually powerful locations, and each is worth visiting. When you visit Izanagi Shrine, take your time to explore these sacred spaces and immerse yourself in their historical and spiritual significance.