事任八幡宮
642 Yashaka, Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Located in Hisaizaka-juku along the old Tokaido, Kotonomama Hachimangu Shrine is the Ichinomiya of Totomi Province. The shrine, established between 84 and 190 AD, was originally known by names such as Machinokami and Mamano Kotojinja. It is said to have been located on Mount Hongu to the north and was relocated to its current site in 807 AD by imperial command of Emperor Kanmu. In 1062, Minamoto no Yoriyoshi brought the Hachiman deity from Iwashimizu Hachimangu, spreading Hachiman worship. The shrine's name, meaning "wishes granted as desired," made it a popular stop for travelers in the Edo period praying for safe journeys and wish fulfillment.
The shrine grounds can be accessed from two locations: a torii gate on the western path and another on the southern path. The sacred grounds are lush with large cedar and camphor trees, with subsidiary shrines like Konpira Shrine and Inari Shrine lined up. The serene environment, surrounded by large trees, exudes a calming atmosphere.
At the top of the stone steps beyond the second torii gate stands the haiden, built in the irimoya-zukuri style. The honden, a three-bay nagare-zukuri style structure surrounded by a sacred fence, has a simple yet dignified presence, made of plain wood without elaborate decorations.
| Location | 642 Yashaka, Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Website | http://www.geocities.jp/kotonomachihime/ |
| Deities | Kotonoma no Chihime no Mikoto, Honda Wake no Mikoto, Okinaga Tarashihime no Mikoto, Tamayorihime no Mikoto |
| Main Hall | Three-bay Nagare-zukuri, Copper Roof |