A thousand bamboo lanterns illuminate the night. This is Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu Shrine. More than just a shrine it’s a living testament to history. Located in Yawata south of Kyoto this ancient and important shrine is dedicated to Hachiman the God of War.
Founded in 859 by the monk Gyokyo at the Emperor Seiwa’s behest Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu’s purpose was to protect the emperor in Kyoto. It quickly became one of the most powerful shrines in Japan. Its influence extended far beyond its location. The shrine’s history is intricately linked to the Minamoto clan who later ruled Japan during the Kamakura period.
The main shrine building is a marvel of architecture. What appears to be two parallel buildings is actually one structure with two cedar bark gabled roofs. Under the eaves a golden rain gutter catches the rain. A gift from the powerful warlord Oda Nobunaga it’s a unique feature of the hachiman-zukkuri style. Inside intricate carvings by the Edo Period master sculptor Hidari Jingoro adorn the walls. His work can also be found at the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko.
Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu wasn’t just a Shinto shrine. Until 1868 when the Meiji government separated Shinto and Buddhism it was a combined complex known as Iwashimizu Hachimangu-ji. Even today evidence of its Buddhist past remains. Zenporitsuji Temple dating back to the 13th century stands as a silent witness to this blended history.
Even Thomas Edison has a connection to this sacred place. His assistant William H Moore collected bamboo from the shrine’s groves. Edison used this bamboo to create filaments for his first electric light bulbs in 1880. This resilient bamboo lasted over 1000 hours. A stone memorial on the shrine grounds commemorates this surprising connection. Every year on May 4th a Festival of Light is held with thousands of bamboo lanterns lit in Edison’s honor. The shrine’s main festival is held on September 15th. Elaborate rituals including a butterfly dance performed by children mark the occasion.
Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu Shrine is more than just a place of worship. It is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of faith power history and even a touch of modern innovation. A place where the past and the present intertwine creating a truly unique experience. It’s a journey through time waiting to be explored.