Mizuwakasu Shrine (水若酢神社, Mizuwakasu-jinja) is a Japanese Shinto shrine located in Okinoshima, Oki District, Shimane Prefecture. It is a Myojin Taisha. It is the Ichinomiya Oki Province or the highest ranked shrine in the province.[1] It is ranked as a Beppyo shrine, or a special shrine by the Association of Shinto Shrines. The crest of the shrine has a chrysanthemum symbol.[2]

Mizuwakasu Shrine
Religion
AffiliationShinto
DeityMizuwakasu-no-mikoto
Location
LocationOkinoshima, Oki District, Shimane Prefecture
Mizuwakasu Shrine is located in Japan
Mizuwakasu Shrine
Mizuwakasu Shrine in Japan
Geographic coordinates36°16′51.57″N 133°14′57.19″E / 36.2809917°N 133.2492194°E / 36.2809917; 133.2492194
Website
Official website
Glossary of Shinto

It enshrines the deity Mizuwakasu-no-mikoto. This deity is linked to land development in Oki Province and sea protection.[1][3]

History

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According to legend, the deity rose from the sea, off the shore of Igo, crossed Mt. Ōmine and entered the former Goka Village.[1]

The shrine might date back to the Kofun Period. This was during Emperor Suijin or Emperor Nintoku's reign.[1]

In the Engishiki Jinmyocho, it was listed as a Myojin Taisha in 927.[4][1]

The shrine is important in Oki Province. It guards the Sea of Japan. It appears in the Shoku Nihongi, a historical text. The Inshū Shicho Gakki, from the Edo Period, mentions it. The Owari Kokunai Jinmyōchō [sv] names it as Mizuwakasu Myojin Oki Ichinomiya Shrine.[1]

The present Honden was made in 1795.[2]

It was damaged during Haibutsu kishaku.[5]

Architecture

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The shrine's style is unique. The front is Yuiitsu Shinmei-zukuri, like Ise Grand Shrine. The roof is Taisha-zukuri, like Izumo Grand Shrine. The pent roof is Kasuga-zukuri, like Kasuga Grand Shrine. This mix is called Oki-zukuri.[1]

Mizuwakasu Shrine
Japanese name
Kanji水若酢神社
Hiraganaみずわかすじんじゃ
Transcriptions
RomanizationMizuwakasu jinja

Cultural Status

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The shrine is designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government.[1]

Festivals

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The grand festival is held on May 3 in odd-numbered years.[1]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Mizuwakasu Shrine | List of Geopark Sites and Treasures". Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark. Retrieved 2023-11-26.
  2. ^ a b "水若酢神社(Mizuwakasu Shrine) - shrine-heritager". 2023-05-28. Archived from the original on 2023-05-28. Retrieved 2023-11-21.
  3. ^ Shinto shrines and festivals (in Japanese). Association of Shinto Shrines, Kokugakuin University, Institute for Japanese Culture and Classics. 1958.
  4. ^ Engi-shiki; Procedures of the Engi Era: Books VI-X. Sophia University. 1972.
  5. ^ Business Japan. Nihon Kogyo Shimbun. July 1988.