Deities Enshrined at Hinamine Shrine
The principal deity worshipped at Hinamine Shrine is Ōhirume-muchi-no-Kami, a name associated with the sun goddess Amaterasu. The shrine also enshrines Sukuna-hikona-no-Kami and Ichikishima-hime-no-Kami as accompanying deities. Within the shrine grounds, a subsidiary shrine is dedicated to Funatama-no-Ōkami, a deity associated with ships and maritime protection.
These deities reflect the diverse spiritual traditions of the region, where mountain worship, agricultural life, and the importance of the sea have all influenced local religious practices.
Origins and the Annual Fire Ritual
The origins of Hinamine Shrine are traced back to the Nara period. According to tradition, in 750, during the Tenpyō-shōhō era, Toyono no Mahito Shinohara, who had been appointed governor of Awa Province, performed a fire-lighting ritual on Mount Hinomine to pray for relief from a widespread epidemic.
After he offered prayers to his ancestral deity, the epidemic reportedly subsided. In response to this event, a shrine was established on the mountain. The tradition continues today through the annual Jūhachiyama Hitaki Festival, a fire ritual that commemorates the shrine’s origins and preserves its longstanding connection with the local community.
Hinamine Daigongen and the Hachisuka Clan
From the medieval period onward, the shrine became known as Hinamine Daigongen. Its history is also connected with Hachisuka Iemasa, the first lord of the Tokushima Domain, who arrived in Awa in 1586 during the Momoyama period.
According to local accounts, Iemasa stayed at Hinamine Castle while considering a suitable location for his new castle. His retainers recommended Mount Hinomine, but he decided against building there because the mountain was regarded as sacred. He ultimately selected the site of present-day Tokushima Castle instead.
This decision helped preserve the mountain’s sacred character. The surrounding area was protected, and tree felling was prohibited, reinforcing the close relationship between religious belief and the natural environment.
The Unusual Crab Ema
One of Hinamine Shrine’s most distinctive features is its crab-shaped votive plaques, known as ema. These wooden offerings are connected with a local legend about farmers who suffered damage when crabs destroyed young rice plants in their fields.
After praying at Hinamine Shrine for relief, the farmers found that the crab damage stopped. In gratitude, worshippers began dedicating ema depicting crabs to the shrine. A related custom also developed among some devotees, who refrain from eating crabs out of respect for the tradition.
This unusual practice offers visitors an insight into the close ties between religious faith, agriculture, and everyday life in rural Japan.
Mount Hinomine: Nature and Panoramic Views
Awa’s Three Sacred Peaks
Mount Hinomine lies on the boundary between Tokushima City and Komatsushima City and reaches an elevation of approximately 191.6 meters. It is recognized as one of Awa’s three prominent peaks and provides a peaceful natural retreat close to the surrounding urban areas.
The mountain extends approximately 3.5 kilometers from east to west. Its summit offers broad views of the surrounding landscape, making it a rewarding destination for visitors who enjoy scenic viewpoints and gentle nature excursions. Hinamine Shrine stands near the top, and a park in the summit area provides additional space for visitors to enjoy the outdoors.
The mountain’s official geographical name is Shibayama, as recorded by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, although Mount Hinomine is the familiar name used locally.
Access by Mountain Road
Mount Hinomine can be reached on foot via mountain paths or by car using the Hinomine Tourist Road. There are routes from both Tokushima City and Komatsushima City, each offering a different perspective on the surrounding landscape.
The road approaching from the Komatsushima side has several steep sections, so drivers should proceed carefully. Visitors traveling on foot should also allow sufficient time for the ascent and wear suitable footwear for the terrain.
The Hinamine New Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage
Mount Hinomine is home to a miniature pilgrimage route known as the Hinamine New Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage. Inspired by the famous Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage, this route features 88 stone markers representing the temples of the larger pilgrimage.
The trail begins near Kannōhaji Temple, along the coast close to Motonei Fishing Port on Komatsushima Bay, and extends approximately 1.5 kilometers toward the summit area. Work on the miniature pilgrimage began around the end of the Taishō period but was temporarily suspended.
In 1967, the Komatsushima City Federation of Senior Citizens’ Clubs resumed the project as part of commemorations marking the centenary of the Meiji era. The stone markers remain a destination for worshippers and visitors interested in Shikoku’s pilgrimage traditions.
Walking this route provides a way to experience the mountain’s religious heritage while enjoying its woodland surroundings.
Mount Hinomine and Communications Infrastructure
The mountain’s geographical position also makes it useful for communications infrastructure. Because it has clear lines of sight toward transmission sites on Mount Ikoma and Mount Maya in the Kansai region, it has been used as one of the shared reception points for cable television signals.
This modern function contrasts with the mountain’s long-standing spiritual significance, illustrating how its elevated position continues to serve the surrounding region in different ways.
Discover Hinamine Shrine and Mount Hinomine
Hinamine Shrine and Mount Hinomine offer a distinctive combination of history, spirituality, and natural scenery. From the traditional fire ritual associated with the shrine’s founding to the story of Hachisuka Iemasa and the unusual crab ema, the area preserves local traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Visitors can explore the summit shrine, enjoy the mountain views, and follow the miniature pilgrimage route through the surrounding landscape. For travelers exploring Tokushima and Komatsushima, Hinamine Shrine is a rewarding place to discover the region’s heritage while enjoying a quiet escape into nature.