Recommended Sightseeing Shrines and Guide to Receiving Goshuin in Daigo Town

The Daigo Town Shrine Spot VR Tour Map is a map where you can check the registered locations of recommended shrine VR scenes within Daigo Town. On the map below, clicking on the Orange (Town/Village Narrow Area Starting Point), Blue (Aerial), and Yellow (Ground) points will display the names of the VR scene points.
Clicking on that scene display will

allow you to view the VR scene of that location.

Yamizorei Shrine is a shrine located on Mt. Yamizo, the highest peak in Ibaraki Prefecture, and in the Heian period it was an Engishiki-naija shrine of Mutsu Province. Due to the Satake clan's advance into Mutsu Province during the Sengoku period, which led to the current Daigo region becoming part of Hitachi Province, it is now an Engishiki-naija shrine of Mutsu Province located in Ibaraki Prefecture. It is said that the shrine was founded in the 40th year of Emperor Keiko (110 AD), when Yamato Takeru no Mikoto subjugated the bandits of Yamizo during his eastern expedition and **Oonamuchi-no-mikoto and Kotoshironushi-no-kami** were enshrined, marking the beginning.
*Reference: Oonamuchi-no-mikoto (おおあなむちのみこと) is one of the Kunizukuri-no-kami (gods who created the land) in Japanese mythology, generally known as Okuninushi-no-mikoto (おおくにぬしのみこと). Kotoshironushi-no-kami (ことしろぬしのかみ) is a deity appearing in Japanese mythology, the child of Okuninushi-no-kami, and is worshipped as a god of the sea, fishing, commerce, and oracles​. Furthermore, Ebisu-shin (えびす) is often identified with Kotoshironushi-no-kami and is known as a god of business prosperity and abundant catches.
The Bonten Festival, held at Yamizorei Shrine, where about 30 young men carry a Bonten (ぼんでん) up to the summit, is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Daigo Town. Goshuin (shrine seals) can be received once a year on May 3rd, during the Bonten Festival.
At the foot of the mountain, there is the first torii gate of Mt. Yamizo.

• Location〒319-3704 2119 Oonomiya, Yamizo, Daigo-machi, Kuji-gun, Ibaraki Prefecture
• ReferenceDaigo Town Introduction Page for Yamizorei Shrine's Bonten Festival

写真は、八溝嶺神社の山頂の鳥居の景観で、写真をクリックするとVRシーンをご覧いただけます。八溝嶺神社のVRツアーは、空撮50m、社殿前で構成されてしています。なお、八溝山には、麓の一の鳥居付近、林道中、日輪寺等の紅葉スポットがあり、大子町の紅葉スポット案内でご覧いただけます。

• 地上から
• 空から

※On this site, local spot information is explained starting from the north side, but Kintsu Shrine is explained in the order of lower, middle, and upper for explanatory purposes. Kintsu Shrines in Shimonomiya, Machitsuke (Naka no Miya), and Kaminomiya were all formerly revered as "Kintsu Sansho Daimyojin," the head shrine for the 42 villages of Honai.
Kintsu Shrine in Shimonomiya is a Engishiki Shrine, a disputed site for Inamura Shrine (small shrine rank), and is a recommended tourist spot in Daigo Town.
【Enshrined Deities】Shinatsuhiko-no-mikoto, Omodaru-no-mikoto, Kashikone-no-mikoto
※Shinatsuhiko-no-mikoto is a deity appearing in Japanese mythology, written as Shinatsuhiko-no-mikoto in the Nihon Shoki, and also written as Shinatsuhiko-no-kami, etc., as an enshrined deity of shrines.
Omodaru-no-mikoto and Kashikone-no-mikoto are written as Omodaru-no-mikoto (elder brother) and Ayakashikine-no-mikoto (younger sister) in the Nihon Shoki, and are said to symbolize the completion of the human body and the harmony of yin and yang as the sixth generation deities of the Seven Generations of the Age of Gods.
Kintsu Shrine in Shimonomiya is the central shrine among the three Kintsu Shrines in Daigo Town. There is a festival called Naka-taue that has continued since before the Edo period, and it is a designated cultural property of Daigo Town. The giant cedar tree to the left of the shrine building is called Hokosugi, according to the legend that Minamoto no Yoshiie, who was heading for the Oshu Conquest, leaned his spear against it. It is a designated cultural property of Ibaraki Prefecture and a power spot in Daigo Town.
Goshuin can be received on New Year's Day and during the Otaue Matsuri (every year on the summer solstice).

• Location〒319-3555 Ibaraki Prefecture, Kuji-gun, Daigo-machi, Shimonomiya 1626
• Contact：Kintsu Shrine・Tel：0295-72-8329
• ReferenceDaigo Town　Introduction page for Naka-taue at Kintsu Shrine

It was enshrined in the 4th year of Keiun (707 AD) and is respectfully referred to as Kanzu Sansho Daimyojin, along with Shimonomiya and Uwanomiya. The enshrined deities of Kanzu Sansho Daimyojin are the same: Shinatsuhiko-no-mikoto, Omodaru-no-mikoto, and Kashikone-no-mikoto. Additionally, there is a custom called "Sansha Mairi" (three shrine pilgrimage), where people visit Kanzu Shrine in Uwanomiya, Shimonomiya, and Nakanomiya (Machitsuki) from New Year's Eve night to New Year's Day morning.

The stone torii gate at Kanzu Shrine in Machitsuki, Daigo Town, was donated by Tokugawa Yorifusa, the first lord of the Mito Domain, in Kanei 11 (1634), and is now designated as a tangible cultural property (building) of Daigo Town.

• Location〒319-3702 1218 Machitsuki, Daigo-machi, Kuji-gun, Ibaraki
• ReferenceDaigo Town Introduction Page for Kanzu Shrine (Nakanomiya) Stone Torii Gate

In Daigo Town, there are three Kintsu Shrines: Shimonomiya, Machitsuki (Nakanomiya), and Uenomiya. They are collectively known as the Kintsu Sansha Daimyojin and are recommended spots in Daigo Town. The Kintsu Shrine in Uenomiya was a shrine branched off from the Kintsu Shrine in Shimonomiya. It is a magnificent shrine with an Ichino Torii (first gate), a Zuishinmon (gate of guardian deities), a wide precinct, and a worship hall and main sanctuary. The distance from the Ichino Torii to the worship hall along the approach is approximately 110 meters.

• Location〒319-3704 3208 Uenomiya, Daigo-machi, Kuji-gun, Ibaraki
• Contact: Kintsu Shrine・Phone: 0295-72-8329

According to the shrine's tradition, Jūnisho Shrine was founded in the 4th year of Jingi (727 AD) as the guardian deity for the development of this region. The 4th year of Jingi was the year when the Emishi rebellion occurred and Taga Castle was established. Furthermore, in the early Keichō era (1596 AD), the main shrine building was rebuilt through donations from Satake Yoshinobu, and it is recorded in the Ibaraki Prefecture Shrine Register that in April of Meiji 43 (1910 AD), it was extensively damaged by a great fire in this town, resulting in the complete loss of the shrine buildings and sacred treasures.
As the name suggests, the enshrined deities are 12 gods from the Seven Generations of Heavenly Deities (7 generations, 12 pillars), beginning with Kunitokotachi-no-Kami and Toyokumo-no-Kami, making it a shrine with a long history.
The Spring Grand Festival of Jūnisho Shrine is designated as a cultural property by Daigo Town. The Spring Grand Festival is held annually, but the procession of the portable shrine occurs only once every four years. The shrine grounds include a large torii gate, the Hyakudan Kaidan (Hundred Steps), the Shōtoku Taishi Pagoda, and Konnyaku Shrine, and are considered part of the "Historic Sites of Daigo," one of the 100 Landscapes of Ibaraki. The Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) held annually on the Hundred Steps in early March is famous. Goshuin (red stamp impressions) can be received at the shrine office.

Location〒319-3526 458 Daigo, Daigo-machi, Kuji-gun, Ibaraki Prefecture

Contact Information：Jūnisho Shrine・Phone：0295-72-0816

ReferenceDaigo Town 　Jūnisho Shrine Spring Grand Festival Introduction Page

Konnyaku Shrine is a subordinate shrine of Junisho Shrine, dedicated to Nakajima Toemon (1745-1825), who is said to be the founder of the konnyaku industry in the Oku-Kuji region.
※Nakajima Toemon was a farmer from Morosawa Village, Kuji County, Hitachi Province (Ibaraki Prefecture), and the inventor of the konnyaku production method. Konnyaku potatoes had been cultivated in the mountainous northern part of Kuji County since ancient times. The harvested raw potatoes were heavy and susceptible to rot and freezing, posing problems for their distribution. Around 1776 (An'ei 5), Toemon devised a method of slicing the raw potatoes, naturally drying them, and then grinding them into powder. This enabled long-term preservation and weight reduction, expanding sales channels and making it a special product of the Mito Domain. It is a true story that in 1806 (Bunka 3), the Mito Domain permitted Toemon the use of a surname and carrying a sword (Myoji-Taito) and wearing hemp ceremonial robes (Asa-Kamishimo), honoring his achievements.

• Location〒319-3526 Daigo, Daigo-machi, Kuji-gun, Ibaraki Prefecture
• ReferenceDaigo Town Tourism Association Konnyaku Shrine Introduction Page

Suwa Shrine, located in Konamase, Daigo Town, is said to have been founded in 1264 (Bun'ei 1).
The enshrined deities are the god of water, Takeminakata-no-mikoto(takeminakata-no-mikoto), and the god of mountains and slopes, the consort of Takeminakata-no-mikoto, Yasakatome-no-mikoto(yasakatome-no-mikoto), two deities. The shrine crest is still a five-ribbed fan, making it a shrine associated with the Satake clan. The shrine grounds have many large cedar trees, are well-ordered, and have an atmosphere that feels like a power spot. Within the grounds, there are statues of sacred horses, a Zuishinmon gate, and more. A Yubaraishinji (Archery Purification Ritual) (Kin-teki no gi - close-range target ceremony) is performed during the annual festival. Near the shrine, there are Tsukiore Onsen Takimi no Yu, Fukuroda Falls, and Namase Falls, which are recommended tourist spots in Daigo Town.

• Location〒319-3512 2848 Konamase, Daigo Town, Kuji District, Ibaraki Prefecture
• Contact: Suwa Shrine - Phone: 0295-76-0523
• ReferenceKonamase Chinjusha Suwa Shrine Official Website

Nantai Shrine is a shrine founded in 807 (Daido 2) in Korofujikorofuji, Daigo Town.
The enshrined deity is Izanagi-no-Mikoto, enshrined as the main deity in the Okunoin (stone shrine) at the summit of Mt. Nantai (elevation 653m), and Izanami-no-Mikoto is enshrined in the stone shrine at the summit of Mt. Chofuku (Nyotai Shrine: elevation 496m) to the west. Both are enshrined together as Nantai Shrine. The straight-line distance between the summit of Mt. Nantai and the summit of Mt. Chofuku is approximately 1.2 kilometers, with Nantai Shrine located almost at the midpoint (elevation 291m).
Since ancient times, it has been deeply revered as the god of agriculture and fishing. As the god of agriculture, prayers were offered for abundant harvests of all grains and protection from storms, while as the god of fishing, prayers were offered for large catches and safe voyages.
This mountain offers views of the Pacific Ocean and allowed for the measurement of ship positions and routes, which is why it was once called Funenokeyama.
Also, behind Nantai Shrine, there is "Shiraito Falls". In the past, Nantai Shrine was a fusion of Shinto and Buddhism, and the Okumiya (Okunoin) at the summit was also called Zenjo-den. It is said that ascetic practitioners purified themselves at Shiraito Falls, practiced "sanro" (seclusion for prayer) at Zenjo-den, and offered prayers facing the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean.
*The text refers to the Ibaraki Prefecture Shrine Register. "Sanro" in the text means to seclude oneself for prayer for a certain period.
Furthermore, Nantai Shrine and Shiraito Falls are easily accessible for sightseeing as you can drive to the trailhead parking lot. For the Okumiya, mountain climbing equipment such as trekking shoes is required.

Location3154 Korofuji, Daigo-machi, Kuji-gun, Ibaraki Prefecture

Sekido Shrine, also known as Sekidomeせきとめ Shrine, is an ancient shrine located in Korofuji, Daigo Town.
Enshrined Deity: Amatsuhikone-no-Mikoto(あまつひこねのみこと)

According to shrine legends, it was founded in Daito Gannen (806), and it is said that in ancient times, Minamoto no Yoshiie, during his northern expedition, designated this area as the border between Shirakawa County in Mutsu Province and Kuji County in Hitachi Province, enshrined "Sekidome Shrine" here, and prayed for victory in battle. The origin of the shrine's name is that before the Heian period, there was a border (Takeyama no Sekiたけやまのせき) between Shirakawa County in southwestern Oshu and Kuji County in Hitachi Province. Sekido Shrine is designated as a historical site and cultural heritage of Daigo Town, as "Sekido Shrine (Takeyama no Seki)".

（１）Description in "Konjaku Monogatarishu" Volume 27, Story 45

「陸奥国ヨリ常陸ノ国へ超ル山ヲバ、焼山ノ関トテ極ジク深キ山ヲ通ル也」
It is stated: "When entering Hitachi Province from Mutsu Province, one passed through a very deep mountain called Takeyama no Seki (the Barrier of Takeyama)."
※ "Konjaku Monogatarishu" is a collection of tales believed to have been compiled at the end of the Heian period, beginning with "Once upon a time."

（２）Description in "Shinpen Hitachi Kokushi"

In Shinpen Hitachi Kokushi, "Takeyama no Seki" is read as "Taki yama no seki," and it is recorded: "It is on the path from Kuji County of this province to Shirakawa County in Mutsu. Today, in Korofuji village of Kuji County (ancient Shirakawa County in Oshu), there is Sekido Myojin; this is that place."

Since ancient times, Sekido Shrine has been said to be a guardian deity that, by the divine virtues of Sekido Daimyojin, "sekidome" (stops/blocks) misfortunes and disasters from entering people's lives, protecting their spiritual purity and peace. Amatsuhikone-no-Mikoto, the enshrined deity, is deeply revered for His divine virtues of laying the foundation for the prosperity of agriculture, commerce, and industry, warding off epidemics and calamities, bringing good fortune, and ensuring harmony and fulfillment. *In ancient times or before the Heian period, Korofuji was part of Mutsu Province, not Hitachi Province. After the Kamakura period, the Satake clan advanced into southern Mutsu Province, repeatedly clashing with the Shirakawa Yuki clan, and from the Eisho era (1504-1521) during the time of Satake Yoshishun, it became part of Hitachi Province until the end of the Edo period.
Currently, the chief priest of Sekido Shrine oversees the shrines in the Korofuji area, including Nantai Shrine and its inner sanctuary on Mount Nantai. Goshuin (red seals) can be obtained at the shrine office on the west side of the grounds. Please call in advance to confirm.

Location〒319-3361 6506 Korofuji, Daigo-machi, Kuji-gun, Ibaraki Prefecture

ContactSekido Shrine - Phone：0295-74-0501

Koshikatakoshikata Shrine is a shrine in Aikawa, Daigo Town, prominent for its vermilion-lacquered arched bridge (taikobashi) and torii gate.
Deities enshrined: Futsunushi-no-mikoto (Futsunushi-no-mikoto), Onamuchi-no-mikoto (Onamuchi-no-mikoto)
The Ibaraki Prefecture Shrine Register states that, according to shrine tradition, it was founded during the Daido era (806-810) and was respectfully called Koshikata Daimyojin, and that it merged with Miwa Shrine in Keicho 18 (1613) to become Koshikata Shrine. It is worshipped as a deity of measleshashika, and there is a belief called 'Hashikuguri' (bridge-passing), and it is said that passing under the sacred bridge (shinkyo) will protect one from illness and misfortune.
Although the shrine grounds are small, they feature sacred water (goshinsui), vermilion-colored sacred bridges and torii gates, and a Zuijinmon gate, making it a splendid shrine as a local guardian deity and a recommended tourist spot in Daigo Town. There is no shrine office (shamusho).

Location〒319-3534 1101 Aikawa, Daigo-machi, Kuji-gun, Ibaraki

ContactKoshikata Shrine - Phone: 0295-72-0816