“How did this small shrine survive the atomic blast?” It is a question many ask when they first see Nihohime Shrine. This shrine stands in Hiroshima. Nihohime Shrine is a testament to resilience and history.
Nihohime Shrine is located in Hiroshima City, in Minami Ward. It is in the Nishihon Ura district. Once a village shrine it was formerly known as Shōhachiman-gū.
According to shrine legend Empress Jingū stopped here. This was on her way back from conquering Korea. She enshrined Nihotsuhime-no-Kami here. When she set off the next day she shot an arrow to ward off evil spirits. The arrow landed on a mountain where the shrine now stands.
In 885 AD Hachiman-gū Shrine was invited here. It was then called Shōhachiman-gū.
During the atomic bombing in 1945 the shrine tilted due to the blast. However it did not collapse. It provided shelter to survivors.
In 1996 the main hall and the worship hall were registered as atomic bomb survivor structures. A fire in 2007 destroyed the main and worship halls. The shrine was rebuilt in April 2016 using old materials from the Ise Grand Shrine.
The main deity is Nihotsuhime-no-Kami. This deity is associated with cinnabar production. Emperor Chūai and Empress Jingū are also enshrined here. Emperor Ōjin is also a deity here.
The name “Hon Ura” comes from the island of Ninpou. Once upon a time it floated in Hiroshima Bay. The tidal flat settlement of Ninpou Shichimura originated here.
Empress Jingū passed through these waters around 1,600 years ago. She shot a white-feathered arrow to ward off evil spirits. Nihohime Shrine commemorates this event. The shrine enshrines Nihotsuhime-no-Kami.
Nihohime Shrine has faced destruction and disaster. Despite this it has persevered. It is a symbol of hope for Hiroshima. It reminds us of the past. It also inspires us to rebuild.
Remember Nihohime Shrine. It is more than just a building. It embodies the spirit of Hiroshima. It is a story of faith. It is a story of renewal. It is a story of survival.