若宮神社

Centuries ago, a prominent figure named Miyoshi Kane-tsura commissioned the construction of Wakamiya Hachiman Shrine. Wakamiya Hachiman Shrine, nestled in present-day Hiroshima’s Itsukaichi Ward, has stood the test of time. Originally known as Kagamiyama Hachiman Shrine, it’s affectionately referred to as “Wakamiya-san” by locals. This shrine sits atop a hill, providing a tranquil escape near the bustling city of Miyoshi. Wakamiya Hachiman Shrine holds a significant place in local history. It’s believed to have been founded around the mid-12th century. The main deity enshrined here is Hondaibesson (Emperor Ojin, Hachiman-shin), a god of war and archery. Other deities reside here as well, including Empress Jingu, Takenouchi no Sukune, and Nakatomi no Tokiwa no Oomuraji ko. The shrine’s autumn festival, held annually on the third day of October, is a vibrant spectacle of traditional rituals and celebrations. A captivating tale surrounds the shrine’s mikoshi, a portable shrine used in festivals. Originally, the mikoshi journeyed from its resting place to another shrine, Taiko Shrine, and then on to Iwakami Shoten Shrine in Miyoshi’s Godaichi area, staying overnight at each location. However, an intriguing incident altered this tradition. Legend has it that during one journey, the mikoshi became miraculously heavy, refusing to move from a farmer’s house where it had stopped. This led to the farmer playing a crucial role in the festival, becoming responsible for the mikoshi’s safekeeping. The shrine building itself is a simple yet elegant structure. It features a three-room irimoya-zukuri style roof, a traditional architectural style, covered in copper shingles. The front of the building boasts a chigidori hafu, or “thousand bird gable,” a decorative element common in shrine architecture. From its hilltop location, Wakamiya Hachiman Shrine offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area, a serene reminder of its enduring presence amidst the ever-changing landscape.