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Recommended Shrines and Goshuin Reception in Daigo Town


10 Recommended Shrine Spots in Daigo Town

Daigo Town Shrine VR Tour Map

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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. Click on the orange (municipal narrow area starting point), blue (aerial), and yellow (ground) points on the map below to display the names of the VR scene points.
Clicking on that scene display

You can view the VR scene of the location.


Yamizomine Shrine: Famous Place in Daigo Town

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Scenery photo of the main hall of Yamizomine Shrine in Daigo Town and a link to the VR tour

Yamizomine Shrine is a shrine located on Mt. Yamizo, the highest peak in Ibaraki Prefecture, and during the Heian period, it was an Engishiki Shrine in Mutsu Province. Due to the Satake clan's advance into Mutsu Province during the Sengoku period, the current Daigo area became part of Hitachi Province, and thus it is now an Engishiki Shrine of Mutsu Province located in Ibaraki Prefecture. Its foundation is said to have begun in the 40th year of Emperor Keiko's reign (110 AD), when Yamato Takeru no Mikoto subjugated the brigands of Yamizo and enshrined Ōnamuchi no Mikoto and Kotoshironushi no Kami.
*Reference: Ōnamuchi no Mikoto (おおあなむちのみこと) is one of the gods of country building in Japanese mythology, generally known as Ōkuninushi 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 god appearing in Japanese mythology, the son of Ōkuninushi no Kami, and is worshipped as a god of the sea, fishing, commerce, and oracles. Ebisu-sama (えびす) is also often identified with Kotoshironushi no Kami and is known as a god of business prosperity and abundant catches.
The Bonten Festival held at Yamizomine Shrine, where about 30 young men carry "bonten" (decorative poles) to the summit, is designated as Daigo Town's Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Goshuin (shrine seals) can be received only 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.


Summit Torii Gate of Yamizomine Shrine and VR Tour Description

Scenery photo of the summit torii gate of Yamizomine Shrine on Mt. Yamizo

The photo shows the scenery of the torii gate at the summit of Yamizomine Shrine; clicking the photo will allow you to view the VR scene. The VR tour of Yamizomine Shrine consists of an aerial view from 50m and a view in front of the main hall. Furthermore, Mt. Yamizo has autumn foliage spots near the first torii gate at the foot of the mountain, along the forest road, and at Nichirinji Temple, which can be viewed in the Daigo Town Autumn Leaves Spot Guide.


Map of Yamizomine Shrine


Chikatsu Shrine (Shimonomiya): Famous Place in Daigo Town

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Landscape photo of Chikatsu Shrine Torii in Shimonomiya, Daigo Town and link to VR tour

*On this site, local spots are explained from the north, but Chikatsu Shrine is explained in the order of lower, middle, and upper for convenience of explanation. Chikatsu Shrines in Shimonomiya, Machitsuki (Naka no Miya), and Kaminomiya were all once revered as "Chikatsu Sansho Daimyojin," the general shrine of 42 villages in Honai.
Chikatsu Shrine in Shimonomiya is a debated site of the Engishiki-naisha Inamura Shrine (small shrine rank) and is a recommended tourist spot in Daigo Town.
[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 sometimes written as Shinatsuhiko no Kami as a enshrined deity.
Omodaru no Mikoto and Kashikone no Mikoto are written as Omodaru no Mikoto (brother) and Ayakashikine no Mikoto (sister) in the Nihon Shoki, and are considered to symbolize the completion of the human body and the harmony of yin and yang as the sixth generation of the Seven Generations of the Age of Gods.
Chikatsu Shrine in Shimonomiya is the central shrine among the three Chikatsu Shrines in Daigo Town. There is a festival called Naka-taue that has continued since before the Edo period and is designated as a cultural property of Daigo Town. The giant cedar tree to the left of the main hall is called Hokosugi, named after a legend that Minamoto no Yoshiie, on his way to conquer Oshu, rested his spear against it. It is a designated cultural property of Ibaraki Prefecture and a power spot in Daigo Town.
Goshuin (temple/shrine seal) can be received on New Year's Day and during the Otaue Festival (annually on the summer solstice).


Description of Chikatsu Shrine (Shimonomiya) VR Tour

Landscape photo near the torii gate of Chikatsu Shrine

The photo shows the landscape near the torii gate of Chikatsu Shrine; click to view the VR scene. This VR tour consists of aerial photography at 148m, aerial photography at 56m, the Torii gate, Zuishinmon Gate, Temizuya (hand-washing basin) / Haiden (worship hall), and Hokosugi.


Map of Chikatsu Shrine (Shimonomiya)


Chikatsu Shrine (Machitsuki): Machitsuki, Daigo Town

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Landscape photo of Chikatsu Shrine Haiden in Machitsuki and link to VR tour

It was invited in Keiu 4 (707 AD) and is revered as Chikatsu Sansho Daimyojin along with Shimonomiya and Kaminomiya. The enshrined deities of Chikatsu Sansho Daimyojin are Shinatsuhiko no Mikoto, Omodaru no Mikoto, and Kashikone no Mikoto, which are the same. Also, there is a custom called "Sansha Mairi" (three shrine pilgrimage), where people visit Chikatsu Shrines in Kaminomiya, Shimonomiya, and Naka no Miya (Machitsuki) from New Year's Eve night to New Year's Day morning.

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


Description of Chikatsu Shrine (Machitsuki) VR Tour

Landscape photo of Chikatsu Shrine's torii gate in Daigo Machitsuki and VR tour link

The photo shows the landscape of the first torii gate of Chikatsu Shrine in Machitsuki, and clicking it will allow you to view the VR scene. If you zoom in on the torii VR scene, you can confirm it is a stone torii gate. This is the torii gate dedicated by Tokugawa Yorifusa, the first lord of the Mito Domain. At the time of shooting, the photographer did not confirm it was a cultural property, so there is currently no VR scene of the second torii gate. The approach to Chikatsu Shrine in Machitsuki is about 130 meters from the torii gate to the main hall. It is a steep staircase from the Zuishinmon gate to the precincts of the main hall. The Chikatsu Shrine (Machitsuki) VR tour consists of aerial footage at 148m, the first torii gate, Zuishinmon gate, and the main hall.


Map Display of Chikatsu Shrine (Machitsuki)


Chikatsu Shrine (Kaminomiya): Kaminomiya, Daigo-machi

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Landscape photo of Chikatsu Shrine's main hall in Kaminomiya, Daigo-machi, and VR tour link

There are three Chikatsu Shrines in Daigo-machi: Shimonomiya, Machitsuki (Nakamiya), and Kaminomiya. They are known as Chikatsu Sansha Daimyojin and are recommended spots in Daigo-machi. Chikatsu Shrine in Kaminomiya was a shrine branched off from Chikatsu Shrine in Shimonomiya. It is a magnificent shrine with a first torii gate, a Zuishinmon gate, and a main hall/worship hall within its spacious grounds. The distance of the approach from the first torii gate to the main hall is approximately 110 meters.


Description of Chikatsu Shrine (Kaminomiya) VR Tour

Landscape photo of Chikatsu Shrine's torii gate in Kaminomiya and VR tour

The photo shows the landscape of the first torii gate of Chikatsu Shrine in Kaminomiya, and clicking it will display the VR scene. The Zuishinmon gate can be faintly seen from the first torii gate. You can also see an old cedar forest, within which are the main hall and worship hall. There are stairs from the Zuishinmon gate to the main hall, and before ascending the stairs, there are two large sacred cedar trees of the shrine. The Chikatsu Shrine (Kaminomiya) VR tour consists of the first torii gate, Zuishinmon gate, and the main hall.


Map of Chikatsu Shrine (Kaminomiya)


Junisho Shrine: A famous spot in Daigo Town

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Landscape photo of Junisho Shrine torii gate in Daigo Town and link to VR tour

According to shrine tradition, Junisho Shrine was founded in 727 A.D. (Jinki 4) as the guardian deity for the development of this region. Jinki 4 was the year of the Emishi rebellion and the establishment of Taga Castle. The Ibaraki Prefecture Shrine Register states that the main shrine building was renovated through a donation from Yoshinobu Satake at the beginning of Keicho (1596 A.D.), and in April 1910 (Meiji 43), it was entirely destroyed along with its sacred treasures in a large fire in the town.
As its name suggests, the enshrined deities are the 12 gods of the Seven Generations of Heavenly Gods (7 generations, 12 pillars), starting with Kuninotokotachi-no-Kami and Toyokumonunokami, making it a shrine with a long history.
The Spring Grand Festival of Junisho Shrine is designated as a cultural property of Daigo Town. The Spring Grand Festival is held annually, but the procession of the portable shrine occurs once every four years. Within the shrine grounds, there is a large torii gate, a hundred-step staircase, a Shotoku Taishi Tower, and a Konjac Shrine, among others, and it is considered part of the "Historical Sites of Daigo" in Ibaraki's Top 100 Views. The Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) on the hundred-step staircase, held annually in early March, is famous. Goshuin (shrine seals) can be received at the shrine office.

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

Contact: Junisho Shrine Tel: 0295-72-0816

Reference: Daigo Town Junisho Shrine Spring Grand Festival Introduction Page


Explanation of Junisho Shrine VR Tour

Landscape photo of Junisho Shrine's Ichino Torii and Hyakudan Kaidan, and link to VR tour

The photo shows the landscape of Junisho Shrine's large torii gate and hundred-step staircase, and you can view the VR scene by clicking on the photo. The Junisho Shrine VR tour consists of aerial footage at 144m, the large torii gate and hundred-step staircase, the approach lined with cherry trees, torii gates, the main hall, and the Konjac Shrine.


Map of Junisho Shrine


Junisho Shrine Konjac Shrine: Recommended Spot

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Scenic photo of Konnyaku Shrine torii in Daigo Town and VR tour link

Konnyaku Shrine is a subordinate shrine within the precincts of Juni-sho Shrine, dedicated to Nakajima Toemon (1745-1825), who is said to be the founder of the konnyaku industry in the Okukuji region.
*Nakajima Toemon was a farmer from Morosawa Village, Kuji District, Hitachi Province (Ibaraki Prefecture), and the inventor of the konnyaku manufacturing method. Konnyaku potatoes had been cultivated in the mountainous northern part of Kuji District since ancient times. However, freshly harvested raw potatoes were heavy and prone to spoilage and freezing, posing problems for distribution. Around An'ei 5 (1776), Toemon devised a method of slicing raw potatoes, naturally drying them, and then grinding them into powder. This enabled long-term storage and reduced weight, expanding sales channels and making konnyaku a specialty product of the Mito Domain. It is a true story that in Bunka 3 (1806), the Mito Domain permitted Toemon to bear a surname and a sword and wear a hemp kamishimo, praising his achievements.


Scenic View of Konnyaku Shrine Torii and VR Tour Description

Scenic photo of Konnyaku Shrine torii and VR tour link

This photo shows the scenic view of the Konnyaku Shrine torii, located on the west slope of Juni-sho Shrine. Clicking the photo will allow you to view the VR scene. The VR tour consists of the torii gate, approach, and main hall.


Map of Konnyaku Shrine


Suwa Shrine: Konamase, Daigo Town

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Scenic photo of Suwa Shrine haiden in Daigo Town and VR tour link

Suwa Shrine in Konamase, Daigo Town, is said to have been founded in Bun'ei 1 (1264).
The enshrined deities are two gods: Takeminakata-no-mikoto, the god of water, and Yasakatome-no-mikoto, the goddess of mountains and slopes and consort of Takeminakata-no-mikoto. Its crest is still the five-ribbed fan, indicating its association with the Satake clan. The shrine grounds have many giant cedar trees, are well-maintained, and exude a power spot atmosphere. Within the grounds are a statue of a sacred horse, a Zuijinmon gate, and more. At the annual festival, the Yumi-harai Shinji (ritual archery for close targets) is performed. Near the shrine are Tsukiore Onsen Takimi-no-yu, Fukuroda Falls, and Namase Waterfall, making them recommended tourist spots in Daigo Town.


Scenic View of Suwa Shrine Torii, Sacred Horse Statue, and VR Tour Description

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This is a description of the scenic view of the Suwa Shrine torii in Konamase, photos of the sacred horse statue within the grounds, and the VR tour.

  • Torii Gate Landscape of Suwa Shrine

    Photo of Torii Gate Landscape of Suwa Shrine
    This is the torii gate landscape at the entrance of Suwa Shrine in Konamase, Daigo Town. There is a T-junction going south from National Route 461, where you will find a sign for Suwa Shrine. Proceed about 100m straight and you will see the torii gate on your right. There is parking space for about two cars on the opposite side of the torii gate, but officially, if you go up the gentle slope from the torii gate for about 150m, you will find a sign that says "Suwa Shrine (Omotesando)" on your right. Proceeding through that entrance will lead you to a large parking space.

  • Information on the Divine Horse Statue in front of Suwa Shrine's Zuishinmon Gate

    Photo of the Divine Horse Statue in front of Suwa Shrine's Zuishinmon Gate
    This is a photo of the divine horse statue in front of the Zuishinmon Gate. It bears the crest of the Satake clan. Before the Heian period, this area was part of Mutsu Province. The area around Daigo Town and Hanawa Town in Fukushima Prefecture was a fiercely contested region where control gradually shifted between the Satake clan and the Shirakawa Yuki clan. To the immediate west of Suwa Shrine is Mt. Tsukiore, where Tsukiore Castle once stood, a strategic point that served as a military supply base and front-line outpost for the Satake clan's conquest of Oshu. For this reason, it is believed that prayers for victory were often offered, and it is thought that living horses were actually dedicated at that time. On the stone monument to the left of the divine horse statue, the custom of "dedicating a black-haired horse for rain prayers and a white-haired horse for clear weather prayers" is described. This content is described in the Engishiki, a law code from the mid-Heian period, as noted below.

About the Faith of Shrines and Horses

The faith of shrines and horses is a traditional belief deeply rooted in Japan since ancient times. Horses have played a significant role in shrine rituals and beliefs as mounts of the gods or as sacred animals.
Horse racing (Keiba), Yabusame (horseback archery) rituals, and the dedication of Ema (votive plaques) are still practiced forms of horse worship today. The methods of dedication have also changed over time as follows:

(1) Dedication of Living Horses to Shrines
Originally, living horses were dedicated to shrines.
In Article 26 of Volume 3 of the Engishiki (a law code from the Heian period), there is a description that when praying for rain, a black-haired horse should be offered, and when praying for clear weather, a white-haired horse should be offered. "Eighty-five deities for rain prayers / and / to ... Kibune Shrine, one black-haired horse each. To other shrines, one tan of common cloth. The offerings are the same if the rain does not stop. But for horses, white hair is used. ..."
Horses dedicated to deities are called "Shinme" or "Jinme" (Divine Horses), and the shrine building where dedicated horses are kept is called a "Shinme-sha" (Divine Horse Stable). Some shrines in Japan, such as Kamigamo Shrine (Kyoto Prefecture) and Komuro Asama Shrine (Yamanashi Prefecture), still actually have Shinme-sha and keep living horses. Furthermore, there are many shrines nationwide that have divine horse statues and Shinme-sha, and there are many such shrines in Ibaraki Prefecture as well. In Daigo Town, in addition to Suwa Shrine in Konamase, there is also a divine white horse statue dedicated beside the torii gate of Yamizorei Shrine.
(2) Changes in Votive Horses and Ema
Later, due to the horse itself being valuable and difficult to dedicate, as well as management issues, the divine horse evolved into earthen horse figures, wooden horse figures, horse-shaped wooden boards, then votive plaques with horse paintings on them, and finally the current Ema that anyone can easily use for prayers. Shrines with a *shamusho* (shrine office) should all have Ema available.
Current Ema are pentagonal, reportedly mimicking the shape of a *Shinme-sha* (divine horse stable).

Map of Suwa Shrine in Konamase


Nantai Shrine: Korofuji, Daigo Town

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Scenery photo of Nantai Shrine's main hall in Daigo Town and a link to the VR tour

Nantai Shrine is a shrine founded in 807 (Daido 2) in Korofujikorofuji, Daigo Town.
The enshrined deities are Izanagi-no-Mikoto as the principal deity, enshrined in the inner sanctuary (stone shrine) at the summit of Mt. Nantai (elevation 653m), and Izanami-no-Mikoto, enshrined in the stone shrine at the summit of Mt. Chofuku (Nyotai Shrine: elevation 496m) on the west side. Both are enshrined together as Nantai Shrine. The linear distance between the summit of Mt. Nantai and the summit of Mt. Chofuku is approximately 1.2 kilometers, with Nantai Shrine located almost midway (elevation 291m).
It has long been highly revered as the god of agriculture and the god of fishing. As the god of agriculture, prayers were offered for abundant harvests of all grains and protection from storms, and as the god of fishing, prayers were offered for bountiful catches and safe voyages.
From this mountain, the Pacific Ocean can also be viewed, and the position and route of ships could be measured, so 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 inner sanctuary (Okunoin) at the summit was also called Zenchoden. It is said that mountain ascetics would purify themselves at Shiraito Falls, seclude themselves at Zenchoden for prayer (sanro), and pray while facing the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean.
*The text refers to the Ibaraki Prefecture Shrine Register. "Sanro" in the text means secluding oneself for a certain period to pray.
Nantai Shrine and Shiraito Falls are easily accessible for sightseeing as you can drive to the parking lot at the trailhead. However, trekking shoes and other climbing equipment are required to reach the Okumiya (inner sanctuary).

Location3154 Korofuji, Daigo Town, Kuji District, Ibaraki Prefecture


Scenery Photo of Okumiya at Mt. Nantai Summit

Scenery photo of the inner sanctuary at Mt. Nantai summit and a link to the VR tour

Nantai Shrine's "Okumiya" (inner sanctuary) is located at the summit of Mt. Nantai. Clicking the photo will display a VR scene. The VR tour of the summit was taken on a clear day, but it is hazy, so the Pacific Ocean and Mt. Fuji are not visible. From the Okumiya at Mt. Nantai summit, you can enjoy the magnificent views of the Okukuji mountains. On a clear day, you can also see the Pacific Ocean, the Nikko mountain range, Mt. Tsukuba, and even Mt. Fuji in the distance. In spring, you can see mountain cherry blossoms; in early summer, rhododendrons and wisteria; in summer, deep green foliage; and in autumn, autumn leaves. Please note that the VR tour includes a VR scene of the sheer cliff south of the Okumiya, but as it is a dangerous place, please only view it.


Map of Nantai Shrine in Daigo Town


Sekido Shrine: An Ancient Shrine in Daigo Town

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Scenery photo of Sekido Shrine's main hall in Daigo Town and a VR tour link

Sekido Shrine, also known as **Sekitomesekitome Shrine**, is an ancient shrine located in Korofuji, Daigo Town.
**Enshrined Deity: Amatsuhikone-no-Mikoto**

According to shrine tradition, it was founded in 806 (Daido 1). In ancient times, when Minamoto no Yoshiie set out on his northern expedition, he designated this place as the border between Shirakawa County in Mutsu Province and Kuji County in Hitachi Province, and it is said that he enshrined "Sekitome Shrine" here to pray for victory. The origin of the shrine's name comes from the fact that before the Heian period, there was a border (Takeyama no Sekitakeyama no seki) between Shirakawa County in southwestern Oshu and Kuji County in Hitachi Province. Sekido Shrine, known as "Sekido Shrine (Takeyama no Seki)", is designated as a historical and cultural heritage site of Daigo Town.

(1) Description in "Konjaku Monogatarishu" Volume 27, Story 45
"From Mutsu Province, one crosses a mountain called Takeyama no Seki, which is an extremely deep mountain."
(When entering Hitachi Province from Mutsu Province, one passed through an extremely deep mountain called Takeyama no Seki.)
*Konjaku Monogatarishu is a collection of tales said to have been compiled at the end of the Heian period, beginning with "Once upon a time..."
(2) Description in "Shinpen Hitachi Kokushi"
Shinpen Hitachi Kokushi states that "Yakiyama-seki" is read as "Takiyama no Seki," and that it is "a path from Kuji-gun in this province to Shirakawa-gun in Mutsu Province. Today, there is Sekido Myojin in Korofuji Village (formerly Shirakawa-gun, Oshu) in Kuji-gun, and this is the place."

Since ancient times, Sekido Shrine has been regarded as a guardian deity that, through the blessed divine virtues of Sekido Daimyojin, "sekidome" (stops) misfortunes and disasters from entering people's lives, thereby preserving their mental purity and peace. The enshrined deity, Amatsuhikone no Mikoto, is highly respected for his profound divine virtues in laying the foundation for prosperity in agriculture, commerce, and industry, warding off epidemics and calamities, inviting happiness, and promoting harmony and perfection. *Please note: In ancient times, or before the Heian period, Korofuji was not part of Hitachi Province but Mutsu Province. After the Kamakura period, the Satake clan advanced into the southern part of Mutsu Province, repeatedly engaging in battles with the Shirakawa Yuki clan. 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, which encompasses the Okunomiya (inner shrine) of Mt. Nantai. Goshuin (red stamps) can be obtained at the shrineman's residence on the west side of the shrine grounds. Please call in advance to confirm.

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

ContactSekido Shrine - Phone: 0295-74-0501


Sekido Shrine Torii Gate, Grounds, and VR Tour Guide

The photos below show the torii gate, gate posts, and approach of Sekido Shrine. Click on the photos to view VR scenes. The main highlights include the torii gate, the area around the temizuya (water purification basin) and gate posts, the stone monument detailing the shrine's origin, the two cedar trees, the haiden (worship hall), the honden (main hall), the mikoshi-ko (portable shrine storage), and auxiliary shrines, making up a 10-scene VR tour. The construction of the honden dates back to the mid-Edo period, featuring a cypress bark thatched flowing-style roof and numerous sculptures finished in brilliant gold and silver polychromy in the Kano school style, making it a rare and important cultural asset in the region. Although the honden is covered by a protective building, its exterior can be viewed through the glass frame.

  • Scenery of Sekido Shrine's Torii Gate

    Photo of Sekido Shrine's Torii Gate scenery in Daigo-machi and VR tour link
    This is a photo of the torii gate scenery of Sekido Shrine in Daigo-machi. Next to the torii gate, there are several peony cherry and Somei Yoshino cherry trees that bloom in mid-April. As you can see in the VR scene, it's on a slope, and at the bottom of the slope, there's a stone monument of an ancient sekido crossing.

  • Scenery of Lanterns and Gate Posts

    Photo of Lanterns and Gate Posts scenery in Daigo-machi and VR tour link
    To the left is the temizuya (water purification basin), and immediately straight ahead to the left is a stone monument explaining the origin of Sekido Shrine. To the right of the monument are two giant cedar trees. The location of these giant cedar trees is the west entrance of the shrine, where there are stairs and red lanterns.

Map of Sekido Shrine


Ogata Shrine: Aikawa Chinju (Guardian Deity) of Daigo-machi

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Torii gate and shrine grounds scenery photo of Koshikata Shrine

KoshikataKoshikata Shrine is a shrine in Aikawa, Daigo Town, prominent for its vermilion taikobashi bridge and torii gate.
Enshrined Deities: Futsunushi-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 revered as Koshikata Daimyojin, and that in Keicho 18 (1613), it merged with Miwa Shrine to become Koshikata Shrine. It is worshipped as the god of measleshashika, and there is a belief called "bridge passing" (hashi-kuguri), where it is said that passing under the sacred bridge will avert illness.
Although the shrine grounds are small, they feature sacred water, a vermilion sacred bridge and torii gate, and a Zuijinmon gate, making it a splendid shrine as a regional guardian and a recommended tourist spot in Daigo Town. There is no shrine office.

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

ContactKoshikata Shrine・Phone：0295-72-0816


Taikobashi Bridge and Main Hall of Koshikata Shrine and VR Tour Information

Below are landscape photos of the Taikobashi bridge and the main hall. This is a description of the VR tour of Koshikata Shrine's tourist spots in these photos. Clicking on the photos, including the torii gate photo above, will display a VR scene. The "bridge passing" (hashi-kuguri) mentioned above may not make sense just by reading it, but you will understand it when you actually visit the site. You can also experience it in the VR tour on this website.
The red Taikobashi bridge spans the Aikawa River, and immediately after crossing it, you are in front of the red torii gate.
The description "pass under the bridge" is unclear on its own, but there are stairs on both sides in front of the torii gate, and descending them leads to a narrow concrete passage that you can pass through. You can check the explanatory sign in the VR tour, but the explanatory sign at the entrance of Ogata Shrine states that you should pass through 3 times. The method of going around is not specified. "Passing through 3 times" reminds one of the shrine ritual for warding off illness, "Chi-no-wa Kuguri" (straw ring passing). "Chi-no-wa Kuguri" involves circling 3 times: left, right, then left. Regarding bridge passing,

  • Taikobashi Bridge and Shrine Entrance Scenery

    Taikobashi Bridge and Shrine Entrance Scenery of Koshikata Shrine
    This is a landscape photo of the Taikobashi bridge near the entrance. On the right side, there is a simple explanatory sign for the shrine, and in this scene, you can see stairs on both sides of the bridge. On the opposite side of the road from the Taikobashi bridge, there is sacred spring water. There is a paved space by the roadside near the entrance, with enough room for about 5 cars. Nearby are Aikawa's weeping cherry blossoms and tree peony cherry blossoms, so spring is especially recommended.

  • Scenery in front of Koshikata Shrine's Main Hall and Zuijinmon Gate's Sacred Statues

    Scenery photo in front of Koshikata Shrine's Main Hall and VR scene link
    This is the scenery in front of Koshikata Shrine's main hall. In the VR scene, moving forward leads to the haiden. Moving back leads to the front of the Zuijinmon gate. Rotating the VR scene at this location, you can see the back of the Zuijinmon gate and the stone sacred statues of the guardian deities placed on both sides within the Zuijinmon gate. If you zoom in, you'll see they are quite old. The shrine register states that the Zuijinmon gate was newly built in Tenpo 6 (1835: late Edo period), but it is presumed that they were outdoors since the time of the shrine's founding, even before that.

What is "Bridge Passing Prayer" at Shrines, etc.: Is Koshikata Shrine the only place in Japan where bridge passing is possible?

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"Hashika no Hashikuguri Kigan" is a folk belief where children suffering from measles pass under a bridge located in front of a shrine or temple to pray for recovery from the illness. This prayer for measles recovery seems to have been performed nationwide in the past, but as of online confirmation in 2025, it appears to be limited to the Kanto region.
Online research confirms, in addition to Ogo-machi's Ogata Shrine, Tochigi Prefecture'sUtsunomiya City's "Hashika Jizo" (Bridge-passing Jizo), Yaita City's "Hashika Jizo", and Saitama Prefecture'sKumagaya City's "Kashima-sama no Hashikuguri". However, none of these three locations have allowed bridge-passing since the early Showa period.
Ogata Shrine is believed to be the only place in Japan where bridge-passing is possible in 2025.


Map of Ogata Shrine


References for Shrine Descriptions in Daigo Town

The content on this page is based on the following literature and other references. Please note that photos and VR photos were taken during on-site coverage by Ibaraki VR Tour.

  1. Ibaraki Prefecture Shrine Record: Publisher - Ibaraki Prefectural Shrine Agency: Publication Date - June 20, Showa 48 (1973)
  2. Content of the shrine's historical explanation board at the time of coverage, and the shrine's website
  3. Reference to municipal cultural property explanations, etc.
  4. Reference to Wikipedia for terms, etc.