Koyasu Shrine

Have you ever heard of a goddess who gave birth in a burning room? At Koyasu Shrine, this incredible tale is woven into the very fabric of the place. Koyasu Shrine is the oldest shrine in Hachioji. It’s dedicated to Konohanasakuyahime, a goddess of safe childbirth. She is said to have given birth safely inside a burning delivery room. Empress Kōken, wife of Emperor Junnin, was having difficulty in childbirth. A prayer was offered at Koyasu Shrine in 759. This prayer was for a safe delivery for the Empress. The shrine still draws people seeking blessings for childbirth and child-rearing. Koyasu Shrine also has a surprising connection to military history. Minamoto no Yoshiie, a famous warrior, prayed here for victory in battle. He planted zelkova trees in the shape of a boat. These trees flourished and eventually formed a small forest. The area is still called “Funamori”, meaning boat forest. The name lives on in nearby Funamori Park and Funamori Nursery School. Another unique feature of Koyasu Shrine is its connection to the Tokugawa Shogunate. The shrine received red seals from several shoguns, starting with Tokugawa Iemitsu. This honor resulted in the shrine adopting the Tokugawa family crest, the three-leaf hollyhock. Koyasu Shrine has endured hardship and renewal throughout its long history. It was destroyed by fire in 1897 and again during World War II. Each time, it has been carefully rebuilt. The Kotohira Shrine, a sub-shrine within the Koyasu Shrine complex, survived the 1897 fire. It still stands as it was originally built in the Edo period. While the shrine no longer offers the goshuin stamp mentioned in one source, the history and traditions of Koyasu Shrine continue to resonate with visitors. It serves as a testament to resilience, faith, and the enduring power of belief.