A casual stroll through Japanese history

Shrines and Temples

Tosajinjya Shrine | Kochi

Gods and Buildings of “Tosajinjya Shrine

Tosajinjya Shrine is associated with Prince Motochika Nagasogabe, and is affectionately called “Shinane-sama” by the locals.
The shrine enshrines two deities: “Ajisukitakahikone-no-kami,” a son of Okuninushi no Mikoto, and “Hitokotonushi-no-kami,” a rare deity who is said to resolve matters with a single word.

Ajisukitakahikone-no-kami” is a god of prosperity for various industries such as nation-building, agriculture, industry, and commerce.
The spacious precincts cover an area of about 10,000 tsubo (about 1,000 square meters), and a TV drama was filmed there (NHK’s historical drama “Ryomaden”).

The main shrine, the hall of worship, and the hall of offerings, designated as a National Important Cultural Property, were rebuilt in 1570 by Prince Motochika Nagasogabe.
Perhaps related to the fact that “dragonflies” were traditionally called “winning insects,” the temple is built in the “iridobono-shiki” architectural style, which looks like a dragonfly diving toward the main shrine when viewed from above. It seems to have the meaning of a shrine to report a triumphant return.

Tosajinjya Shrine | Found Japan

Precincts of Tosajinjya Shrine

Shinane Forest

The forest can be circled in about 10 minutes, and as you walk through the forest, you will see a cedar tree that is over 800 years old, giving you a sense of history.
The Wanuke Exorcism Center and Iwakura are also located in the forest, where you can feel the different atmosphere and receive power from nature.

The shrine enshrines a cedar tree, the sacred tree, which was cut down due to the fear that it might fall over, with the base of the tree sliced into a circle.
Visitors can walk through the stump and purify their bodies and souls, and it is said to be a power spot where they can be blessed with longevity and resilience in accordance with the longevity of the great tree.

Power SpotThe stone thrown by the gods, the “crushed stone”.

It is said that the god was enshrined in a place some distance away, but in search of a suitable place to live, he threw a stone about 2 meters wide and 3 meters long and this is where it fell.
It is said to be the strongest power spot among the Tosajinjya shrines.

Various types of “good luck charms” for different benefits

There are many kinds of good luck charms and cute amulets to choose from.
Why don’t you find a good luck charm that you like? You can also buy a red seal book as a souvenir of your visit.

Tosajinjya Shrine | Found Japan

Nearby Attractions

Kochi Prefectural Museum of History

It is a comprehensive museum of history located on the site of the former castle of the Nagasogabe family. The museum exhibits the history, culture, and lifestyle of Kochi, and on the second floor are exhibited valuable materials that tell the history of the Nagasogabe family.
The museum store sells original goods that can only be found here, so why not buy some as souvenirs? You can also take a walk around the site of the castle and think about Lord Motochika Nagasogabe.

Jyoseikan, a long-established inn with an imperial warrant

Although it is now a modern building, it is a historic inn founded in 1874. It is a pity that it is not a hot spring bath, but from the bath on the top floor, you can overlook Kochi Castle, and from the “Jomi-yagura” teahouse, you can see the fantastic illuminated Kochi Castle. You can eat straw-roasted bonito, and try the various ways of eating bonito, from salt to original sauce.

Access to Tosajinjya Shrine

2-16-1 Ichinomiya-Shinane, Kochi-shi, Kochi

Parking around Tosajinjya Shrine

Tosajinjya Shrine Official Website

http://www.tosajinja.i-tosa.com/

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