History of Kotohira Shrine
Founded in the Early Edo Period
Kotohira Shrine was founded in 1601 by Masuda Hachiuemon, the lord of Muya Castle, also known as Hayashizaki Castle. The shrine originally enshrined Konpira Daigongen from Mount Zōzu in Sanuki Province. As a guardian deity of the local area, it helped spread Konpira worship throughout what is now Naruto City and gradually became an important center of faith.
Reconstruction Under the Tokushima Domain
In 1640, Tokushima domain lord Hachisuka Tadahide restored the shrine buildings, establishing the shrine in a form closer to what is seen today. With the support of the Hachisuka family, the shrine strengthened its standing in the region and attracted worshippers from Naruto and beyond.
Changes During the Meiji Period
During the early Meiji period, government reforms separated Shinto and Buddhism. Kotohira Shrine consequently ended its formal Buddhist associations and established a Shinto priesthood. In 1870, its principal deity was designated as Ōmononushi no Mikoto, and its name was changed from Konpira Daigongen to Kotohira Shrine. In 1874, it was officially classified as a village shrine, further affirming its importance within the local religious community.
Kotohira Shrine is also known as one of the traditional Awa Three Konpira Shrines, together with shrines in Seimachi and Kawauchi-cho in Tokushima City. The nearby JR Naruto Line station, Konpiramae Station, takes its name from the shrine.
Deities Enshrined at Kotohira Shrine
The shrine venerates three deities associated with protection, prosperity, health, and safe travel.
Ōmononushi no Mikoto: A deity associated with Mount Miwa in Nara Prefecture, traditionally revered as a guardian of the land and a protector of agriculture, fishing, and commerce. Worshippers pray to this deity for prosperity and abundant harvests.
Sukunahikona no Mikoto: A deity associated with medicine, healing, hot springs, and the development of the land. People pray to this deity for recovery from illness, good health, and longevity.
Sarutahiko no Mikoto: A deity who guides people along the right path. Worshippers seek protection for their journeys and safe passage, while the deity is also associated with guiding travelers and purifying places.
Nearby Hasedera Temple
Just a short distance from Kotohira Shrine stands Hasedera, a temple that offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Shinto-Buddhist syncretism in Japan. Before the Meiji-era separation of Shinto and Buddhism, Hasedera served as the temple responsible for Buddhist ceremonies associated with Konpira Daigongen. Although the shrine and temple were formally separated following the government reforms, their historical relationship remains an important part of the area’s religious heritage.
The Founding of Hasedera
Hasedera was founded in 1480 by Funato Saemon-no-jō Tsugumasa, a resident of Kizu. According to tradition, Tsugumasa regularly visited Hasedera in Yamato Province, now Nara Prefecture. After receiving the protection of Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, he was inspired to establish a temple in Shikoku. This led to the founding of Hasedera in Muya-cho, Naruto City.
Historic Heritage and a Remarkable Ginkgo Tree
Hasedera also played a role in the region’s historical transport network. In 1598, Hachisuka Iemasa designated it as an ekiroji, a temple that provided services along the Awaji Highway.
The temple grounds are home to a remarkable ginkgo tree known as the Hasedera O-hatsuki Ginkgo, believed to be around 600 years old. It was designated a Natural Monument of Naruto City in 1995 and continues to be carefully preserved as part of the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
Visiting Kotohira Shrine and Hasedera
Together, Kotohira Shrine and Hasedera make an appealing stop for travelers interested in the history, spirituality, and traditional architecture of Naruto City. At the shrine, visitors can experience the solemn atmosphere of a place dedicated to centuries-old religious traditions. At Hasedera, the temple buildings and ancient ginkgo tree offer a different perspective on the area’s Buddhist heritage.
The two sites also illustrate how Shinto and Buddhism once existed side by side in Japan. Visiting both provides a deeper understanding of the region’s religious history and the cultural traditions that have endured through centuries of change. In spring, the surrounding natural scenery adds another reason to explore this historic corner of Naruto.
Access to Kotohira Shrine
By train: Kotohira Shrine is approximately a one-minute walk from Konpiramae Station on the JR Naruto Line, making it particularly convenient for visitors traveling by rail.
By car: The shrine is approximately 15 minutes by car from Naruto Interchange on the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway and Takamatsu Expressway.
With its convenient location and close connection to Hasedera, Kotohira Shrine is a worthwhile destination for anyone exploring the historical and cultural attractions of Naruto City.