2025.04.12

Gods of Hitachi Country, Tsukisuishi Shrine, Iina Shrine

vibration

Hitachi is known as a land where gods have been enshrined since ancient times, and its mysterious charm still attracts visitors to this day. Among them, Tsukisuishi Shrine and Iina Shrine have a particularly unique history and legend, and are popular shrines visited by many worshippers.

The Tsukisuishi Shrine exudes a mysterious atmosphere as a place where the mystery of water and the power of the moon are fused. The architecture of this shrine is in harmony with the natural beauty of the shrine and leaves a deep impression on visitors.

In addition, Iina Shrine is a shrine deeply loved by the locals, and ancient traditions are still passed down to this day. As we explore its interesting history and cultural background, we will feel the depth and richness of Japan's Shintoism.

We will now introduce the history and mythology of each shrine, as well as the points to visit. Let's start our journey into the mythical world of Japan together.

Article Contents

A mysterious place where you can feel the eternal history and the breath of the earth
- The Origin of Mt. Tsukuba and the Memory of the Land

A mysterious place where you can feel the eternal history and the breath of the earth

In Ibaraki Prefecture, Tsukimizuishi Shrine and Iina Shrine stand quietly in the midst of its rich nature. These shrines are not just places of worship, but also mysterious power spots where you can feel the eternal history of Mt. Tsukuba and the breath of the earth. Visiting these shrines, which have been worshipped by people since ancient times with megaliths (Iwaza) that have existed for tens of millions of years as their deities, will be a valuable opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reflect on yourself.

The Origin of Mt. Tsukuba and the Memory of the Land

An indispensable part of talking about the charm of Tsukisuishi Shrine and Iina Shrine is the existence of Mt. Tsukuba in the background. Mt. Tsukuba is a famous mountain that represents Ibaraki Prefecture and has been revered as an object of worship since ancient times. The beautiful mountain changes its expression with the seasons and continues to fascinate visitors.

Mt. Tsukuba is not an active volcano and has no active faults, making it a very stable mountain. The mountain body is composed of rocks called "porphyry" formed by the slow cooling and solidification of magma deep underground. This porphyry was formed about 75 million years ago, and Mt. Tsukuba can be said to be a fossil of magma that solidified underground without erupting on the ground.

You can also see granite around Mt. Tsukuba. This one was formed about 60 million years ago, and at the foot of Mt. Tsukuba, there are large stones lying around that are thought to have been washed away by debris flows.

Ibaraki Prefecture is home to the oldest geological formations in Japan, whose origins can be traced back to about 500 million years ago. Many valuable fossils have been discovered, such as ammonites found on the reefs of the Hiraiso Coast, the Mukashio great white shark found on the Goura Coast, the ancient elephant Stegolophodon recently discovered in Hitachi-Omiya City, and the Naumann elephant found mainly in the Hanamuro River, which flows from Tsukuba City to Tsuchiura City, and many other precious fossils, which tell us that the land of Ibaraki has carved out an eternal history.

It is believed that about 20,000 years ago, Naumann elephants also walked around Mt. Tsukuba. At that time, the Earth had a cold climate called the Last Glacial Age, which was very different from the current climate.

The Iwaza, which is enshrined at Tsukisuishi Shrine and Iina Shrine, has a history of more than 75 million years, even older than these strata. It can be said that these rocks are indeed the ones that harbor the memory of the earth.

Tsukisuishi Shrine, a mysterious sacred place standing in silence

About a 15-minute walk from the first torii gate of Tsukubasan Shrine, Tsukimizuishi Shrine stands quietly. Although there is an information board in the residential area, its existence has the atmosphere of a hideaway known only to those in the know.

As you walk through the quiet houses, you will see the main shrine quietly surrounded by trees. This place is filled with a mysterious atmosphere, as if time has stopped. As the beautiful name of the shrine suggests, the nature around here sparkles and shines, and the clear air seems to purify the mind and body.

A small shrine has been built next to the main shrine. According to the "Origin of the Tsukisuishi Shrine" by the owner of the shrine, this place is said to be a sacred place for the fall of Iwanagahime.

It is said that Ban Nagahime was the fourth son of the two gods of Mt. Tsukuba, and that he was unable to climb Mt. Tsukuba due to illness and collapsed here. After that, it is said that he became the guardian god of the common people by the order of the two gods of Mt. Tsukuba.

The genealogy that makes the two sons of the Bandō princess the parent god of life is unique and different from the Kiki (Kojiki and Japan Shoki). However, in the recently newly constructed "Iwanaga Hime's 'Saying'", the genealogy and description of the Kiki are followed. It can be seen that the tradition of being the son of the two gods of Mt. Tsukuba was supplemented with the names of the gods from the Meiji era onward.

The main shrine of Tsukisuishi Shrine is carefully enshrined by the locals. And that divine body is a rock made of very large porphyry. I am deeply impressed by the fact that a 75-million-year-old rock is still revered as sacred.

Legend has it that red water flows through this rock once a month. This legend is associated with women, and it is said that visiting the shrine will benefit women from diseases and infertility.

It is said that there used to be a waterfront around the shrine. And the moon, which is the origin of the name of Mt. Tsukuba, and this megalithic rock. It is said that the combination of these three elements gave the shrine the name Tsukisuishi Shrine.

Tsukisuishi Shrine is a mysterious shrine that gives you a quiet impression. Please visit once and feel the atmosphere on your skin.

The appearance of Iina Shrine, an ancient shrine that is said to be the oldest shrine in Mt. Tsukuba

Near the Tsukisuishi Shrine is the Iina Shrine. When I visited early in the morning, I saw the parishioners cleaning the precincts. The pure air envelops the area and makes you feel as if your heart is being washed.

The deities of the Iina Shrine are Ukima Chikami (Hoshoku God) and Ichikishima Hime (Benzaiten).

In the chapter on the Shida group in the Hitachi Kuni Fudoki, a shrine that appears to be the Iina Shrine is described.

"To the west of the village is the shrine of Iina, which is the last shrine of the god of Iina on Mt. Tsukuba."

From this description, it is said that the founding of Iina Shrine dates back to before the 8th century, and it is said to be the oldest shrine in Mt. Tsukuba. It is believed to have been built as a shrine for the gods of Mt. Tsukuba, which has been revered as a sacred mountain since ancient times.

You can tell that the main shrine of Iina Shrine is also very carefully enshrined by the locals. And just like the Tsukisuishi Shrine, the deity of the Iina Shrine is also a banda. This is called a female stone, and it is a large porphyry rock that has existed for more than 75 million years.

The precincts of Iina Shrine are dotted with many megaliths, including this female stone. The megaliths, which have been created by the activities of the earth over an endless period of time, seem to tell us about their eternal history when you listen to them quietly.

Behind the Iina Shrine, there is a stream flowing through it. This stream is believed to be a tributary of the Male and Female Rivers (Minanogawa), which originates in Miyukigahara, which is located between the twin peaks of Mt. Tsukuba.

The benefits of visiting two shrines, Tsukisuishi Shrine and Iina Shrine

It is said that if you visit both Tsukisuishi Shrine and Iina Shrine, you will be rewarded for all the hard work you have put in.

It is believed that in each shrine there is a different energy. The Tsukisuishi Shrine is full of feminine energy and is said to have the power to bring out inner beauty and creativity. On the other hand, the Iina Shrine is full of masculine energy and is said to have the power to enhance the ability to take action and execute.

It is believed that by incorporating these two energies in a well-balanced manner, harmony between mind and body is created, leading to self-realization.

Visiting these shrines is more than just a sightseeing trip. It will be a special experience to touch the memory of the earth and reconsider oneself.

The bounty of Mt. Tsukuba and the history of Ibaraki

The blessings of Mt. Tsukuba are not limited to Tsukisuishi Shrine and Iina Shrine, but extend to the whole of Ibaraki Prefecture. The abundant nature has supported people's lives and nurtured history and culture.

Ibaraki Prefecture has flourished as a transportation hub since ancient times, and many cultures have interacted with each other. During the Kofun period, many burial mounds were built, and valuable relics have been excavated from them. In addition, in the Middle Ages, the Mito clan was located, and its own culture developed.

Even today, Ibaraki Prefecture is an important region that supports Japan's economy, with thriving agriculture and industry.

Tsukisuishi Shrine and Iina Shrine are symbols of the history and culture of Ibaraki Prefecture, and their value is immeasurable. Visiting these shrines will be a journey to rediscover the charm of Ibaraki Prefecture.

A message to visitors: Weaving your own story beyond eternity

Tsukisuishi Shrine and Iina Shrine are places that have transcended eternity and are still places that heal and encourage people's hearts.

In our daily lives, we face various difficulties and sometimes feel lost and anxious. At such times, visiting these shrines and praying quietly will bring peace to your heart and give you the courage to take a new step.

These shrines will be a special place for you to weave your own story. By touching the memories of the earth and reflecting on yourself, you may be able to make new discoveries and realizations.

Tsukisuishi Shrine and Iina Shrine will warmly welcome you and gently push you back. Please visit once and feel its mysterious energy on your skin. And weave your own story. Your efforts will surely pay off.

Summary

Tsukisuishi Shrine and Iina Shrine are mysterious power spots nurtured by the rich nature and eternal history of Mt. Tsukuba. Visiting these shrines, which have been worshipped by people since ancient times with megaliths (Iwaza) that have existed for tens of millions of years as their deities, will be a valuable opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reflect on yourself. When you visit Mt. Tsukuba, be sure to visit these shrines and feel the breath of the earth. It will surely bring new light into your life.

I want to read it together