鞆呂岐神社 Stone

Hidden amongst the bustling streets of Neyagawa City, the Tomorogi Jinja, also known as the 友呂岐神社, awaits discovery. A weathered stone, etched with the name 友呂岐神社, marks its presence. This seemingly simple stone holds centuries of stories. The Tomorogi Jinja shrine, nestled in the heart of Osaka, traces its origins back to 1456. Legend tells of the Emperor Godaigo, who, during his exile, constructed a palace nearby. He enshrined Hachiman-gu as a guardian deity and built a hall resembling the Nanzen-ji Temple. This marked the beginning of the Tomorogi Jinja. Over time, battles raged, consuming the shrine in flames, leaving only Hachiman-gu. The shrine was renamed Hachiman Jinja. In 1910, three other shrines, Wakayama Jinja, Nihonmatsu Jinja, and Taian Jinja merged with Hachiman Jinja. The shrine then adopted its current name, Tomorogi Jinja, reflecting the area’s name. Tomorogi, meaning “imperial orchard,” refers to the vast orchards once owned by the imperial family. These orchards shaped the region’s identity. In 1889, several surrounding villages merged, adopting the name Tomorogi Village. The shrine’s name also reflects this heritage. Today, the Tomorogi Jinja enshrines six deities: Amaterasu-Omikami, Toyouke-no-Omikami, Izanagi-no-Mikoto, Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto, Ninigi-no-Mikoto, and Takeminakata-no-kami. The shrine’s main hall, recently renovated in May 1946, stands as a testament to its enduring presence. Within the shrine grounds, a stone lantern, donated in September 1863 by twenty villages, serves as a reminder of the community’s reverence for this sacred space. The Tomorogi Jinja, with its quiet resilience, stands as a hidden gem amidst Osaka’s vibrant landscape.