2025.04.12

The Gods of Hitachi Country, Kumoi Miyagozo Shrine

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Located in Hitachi Province, Kumoi Miya Gozo Shrine attracts visitors with its majestic appearance and sacred atmosphere. This shrine has been revered by the people of the region since ancient times, and many myths and legends have been passed down. The shrine is surrounded by nature, and in its silence visitors can calm their minds.

Although there are few detailed records of the founding of the shrine, it is deeply connected to the history of Hitachi Province, and by exploring its origins, it is possible to see the history and culture of the region from a new perspective. There are many shrines within the shrine, each with its own traditions, so you will discover something new every time you visit.

In this article, we will introduce you to all the charms of Kumoi Miyagozo Shrine, from the historical background to its mysterious legends. We hope that you will be able to experience the story of this mysterious place and rediscover the charm of Hitachi Country from a new perspective.

Article Contents

Kumoi Miyagozo Shrine ・ Guardian deity of Shinji Province floating in the morning mist
- Niihari no Kuni ・Memories of Ancient Hitachi

Kumoi Miyagozo Shrine ・ Guardian deity of Shinji Province floating in the morning mist

Kumoi Miyagozo Shrine located in Kuramochi, Chikusai City, Ibaraki Prefecture. The precincts, shrouded in morning mist, welcome visitors with a tranquil air and awaken memories of the past. This shrine is deeply engraved in its history as a shrine of the Shinji Kingdom, which existed before the ancient ritsuryō system. The shrine is centered on the god Takemikazuchi, and has been worshipped by the people of the region as a place to pray for abundant fruits and the well-being of the people, enshrining numerous deities, such as the chief god of the Thing, the god of Awe Nara, the Lord of the Kingdom, and the life of Takeminakata.

Niihari no Kuni ・Memories of Ancient Hitachi

Shinji Province was a country that existed in the western part of present-day Ibaraki Prefecture before the reform of Daika. His name appears in a song written by Yamato Takeru in the Kojiki as "Nihibari". This song is said to be a remembrance of the land that Wu Jianmei passed through during the Eastern Conquest and to express his feelings for his hometown. The origin of the place name Shinji is described in detail in the article on Shinji County in the "Hitachi Kokufudoki".

According to the legend of the elders, during the reign of Emperor Mimaki (the 10th Emperor Sujin), Hinara Tamami, the ancestor of Shinji Kokuzo, was sent to subdue the ferocious bandits of the eastern Ebisu. When he arrived at this place, he dug a new well, and pure water gushed out. The people were delighted with this, praised the well for "healing" it, and named the county "Shinji" to commemorate this event. This tradition shows that the name Shinji is derived from the blessings of water that support people's lives and the achievements of their ancestors who protected and guided them.

In addition, in the early modern period, which existed until 2006 (Heisei 18), Ibaraki Prefecture Shinji County (Niiharigun) has the same name of Shinji, but the scope is different from the ancient Shinji country. In ancient times, Shinji Province referred to a vast area that included parts of present-day Chikusai, Sakuragawa, and Kasama cities, and the Kumoi Miyagozo Shrine was the spiritual pillar of the region as its central presence.

History of Kumoi Miyagozo Shrine ・ From Ancient Times to the Middle Ages

It is said that the founding of the Kumoi Miyagozo Shrine dates back to the 41st year of Emperor Jinggyo (111). It is said that it began when the Shinji Kokuzo at that time, Hinara no Mikoto, enshrined the three gods of the Martial Hammer, the Lord of the Kingdom, and the Lord of Things. These gods are known as the gods of valor, land management, and oracles, respectively, and have been worshipped since ancient times as gods who preside over the protection of the nation, the fertility of the five grains, and the happiness of the people.

After that, the era went down, and at the beginning of the Heian period, in the 2nd year of Datong (807), the Iyo prince's rebellion broke out. This incident was said to have been a rebellion by Prince Iyo, the younger brother of Emperor Heijo, and it became a major incident involving many people. One of them, Fujiwara Munenari, was arrested for encouraging Prince Iyo to rebel and exiled to Hitachi Province.

Munenari spent his days in despair in Hitachi, the place of exile, but one day he learned of the existence of the Kumoi Miyagozo Shrine and began to visit it almost every day. He repented of his sins before God and prayed earnestly for forgiveness. Perhaps his sincere prayers were answered, and a few years later, Sonari was pardoned and was able to return to Kyoto.

Upon his return to Kyoto, Munenari did not forget his gratitude to the Kumoi Miya Gozo Shrine and gave the shrine the title "Kumoi Miya". Kumoi means a palace of clouds that towers high in the sky, and is a word that symbolizes the sanctuary where the gods live. With this issue, the shrine has increased its prestige and is revered not only by the people of the region but also by the people of the capital.

The precincts of Kumoi Miyagozo Shrine ・ Sacred space

The precincts of the Kumoi Miyagozo Shrine are filled with a sacred atmosphere. The approach, which stretches for about 200 meters, is lined with cherry blossom trees in full bloom in spring, creating a gorgeous scenery. When you walk along the path, the fresh air cleanses you and you can quietly go to the presence of the gods.

In the middle of the approach, there is a water fountain, and it is etiquette to cleanse oneself before visiting. The water in the water is pure and cold, and cleanses the mind and body. At the end of the water house, the Sui Shrine Gate towers, guarding the entrance to the sanctuary. To the left and right of the Sui God Gate, a powerful wolf dog sits with a majesty that keeps evil things at bay.

When you pass through the Sui God Gate, a worship hall appears in front of you. The worship hall exudes a solemn atmosphere and overwhelms visitors. In front of the worship hall, a money box is placed, and worshippers offer money with daily gratitude. At the back of the worship hall is the main shrine, where the god of the festival, the god of martial arts, is enshrined.

In the corner of the temple grounds, the god Dōsō is enshrined. The god Dōsō is enshrined in the borders of villages and along the roads, and is worshipped as a god of safety in travel and prevention of the invasion of evil epidemics. In addition, the Heavenly Shrine is also enshrined, and Sugawara Michishinko, the god of learning, is enshrined. Examinees and people wishing for academic achievement come to pray for success.

The Shrine of Kumoi Miyagozo Shrine ・ The Power of Various Gods

The shrine deities of Kumoi Miyagozo Shrine are centered on the god Taketsuchi, and various deities are enshrined, such as the chief god of the Jidai, the god of Awe-Nara, the life of the lord of the great country, and the life of the founding god. Each god has a different role and power, and responds to the various wishes of the people.

Known as the god of martial prowess, it is said to be beneficial for national protection, martial arts achievement, and prayers for victory. He is also believed to be the god of thunder and the god of swords.
Known as the chief god of affairs and the god of oracles, it is said to be beneficial for prosperous business, safety of fisheries, and safety of the family. He is also known as Ebisu-sama.
He is the ancestor of Hinara and Shinji Kokuzo, and is revered as the guardian deity of the region.
Known as the god of the life of the lord of the country and the management of the country, it is said to be beneficial for marriage, abundant harvests of five grains, and healing of illnesses. It is also famous as the shrine deity of Izumo Taisha.
Takeminakatakami: Known as the god of valor, he is enshrined as the shrine deity of Suwa Taisha.

It is believed that by enshrining these gods, the Kumoi Miya Gozo Shrine can protect the lives of the local people in general and respond to all their wishes.

Kumoi Miyagozo Shrine ・ Significance in modern times

In modern society, shrines are not just religious facilities, but also play an important role in conveying the culture and history of the region. The Kumoi Miyagozo Shrine is indispensable for conveying the memories of the ancient Shinji Province to the present and for shaping the identity of the region.

Shrines also serve as a place of support for people's hearts. People who have worries and anxieties in their daily lives can find peace of mind by calming their minds and praying to the gods in the tranquil space of the shrine.

The Kumoi Miyagozo Shrine is said to have the benefits of fertility, exorcising sins and defilements, and returning to the original good luck, and many people come to worship. In particular, in recent years, it has been attracting attention as a power spot, and the number of people visiting the shrine, especially the younger generation, is increasing.

From ancient times to the present day, the Kumoi Miyagozo Shrine has inherited the history and culture of the region, and has enhanced its significance as a place of people's hearts.

Summary

Kumoi Miyagozo Shrine is a shrine with a long history and tradition located in Chikusai City, Ibaraki Prefecture. As one of the palaces of the ancient Shinji Kingdom, the main deity is the god of the martial hammer, and it has been revered by the local people. The temple grounds are filled with a sacred atmosphere and envelop visitors in a tranquil atmosphere.

The Kumoi Miyagozo Shrine is not just a religious facility, but also plays an important role in conveying the culture and history of the region, and its significance is increasing even in modern society. I would like you to visit the Kumoi Miyagozo Shrine once and feel the sacred air firsthand.

Visiting this shrine will not only be an opportunity to experience the memories of the ancient Shinji Kingdom, understand the history and culture of the region, but also reflect on one's own heart and gain new vitality. The Kumoi Miyagozo Shrine gives peace and hope to all those who visit.

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