Time flows like a river. The Iimori Shrine’s middle shrine stands before you. Its history whispers through the ages. It’s a place of profound spiritual significance. It’s nestled in Fukuoka’s Nishi Ward. This location is said to be the most harmonious of the four sacred places. Clear streams flow to the east. Early Yoshi-hira’s fields lie to the south. To the west looms the imposing ridge of Mount Hakuho. The north overlooks the Seto Inland Sea. Iimoriyama where the shrine sits is a place of ancient faith. It has drawn believers for centuries.
The Iimori Shrine’s origins are shrouded in legend. It began when a heavenly being descended. This event happened during a time of celestial descent. The deity established the shrine. Other deities joined it. This fostered national development. Later a priest oversaw the rebuilding of the upper and lower shrines. This happened after the three shrines were leveled in a battle. This is linked to the existing Taisha Shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture’s Kasuga District. It preserves the beliefs of the shrine from the era of the god’s message.
Tradition tells us that during the Enkyo era 859 AD Emperor Montoku’s vision led to a decision. Emperor Seiwa sent envoys. This established the Iimori Shrine’s upper middle and lower shrines. The shrine housed twenty-six related Shinto ceremonies. These rites were meticulously performed. This construction was the reason for the community’s foundation. Today only the middle and lower shrines remain. Many sacred texts were lost during the mid-century wars. They were either destroyed or burned. The current middle shrine was rebuilt in 1914. The lower shrine preserves its ancient appearance.
The main shrine building is remarkable. It showcases a magnificent bird house. This large structure resembles the biggest in Japan. Within the forest stands the sacred Isukeiru. It serves as the enshrined deity. Ascending the steps from the main hall you will see enormous stone lanterns. They continue to the shrine mountain top. From the mountain top you can see the remains of a cylindrical stone structure. This dates back to 1114 AD. It’s made of rammed earth. The main shrine a municipal designated cultural asset was erected in 1786. It’s said to be built in 1650. It houses a stone carving of a tiger from the Nanbokucho period. It also holds Iimori Shrine documents. These are also municipal designated cultural assets. There is a festival every March. It celebrates that year’s good harvest. Every October a festival celebrates the local prosperity.