Why is this shrine so important? Takase Shrine is more than just a beautiful building. It is a place steeped in history and legend.
Takase Shrine’s origins are ancient. Some say it goes back to Emperor Keikō’s reign around 71-130 AD. This makes it a site with roots stretching back nearly 2,000 years. The exact construction date remains uncertain.
The main deity here is Ōkuninushi no Mikoto. He is known as the god of fortune and marriage. People also come here to honor gods of health, longevity, forestry, and traffic safety.
Let’s talk about Ōkuninushi a bit more. He is also known as the god of medicine and healing. This comes from the folktale “The Hare of Inaba”. In this story, Ōkuninushi heals a rabbit. Because of this story, the shrine has a rabbit statue. Petting it is said to refresh your mind and body.
Takase Shrine has a rich history recorded in ancient texts. The Shoku Nihongi mentions it in 780 AD. At that time, it received the rank of Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade. Over the years, it climbed in status. By 859 AD, it reached Senior 3rd Rank.
The shrine’s importance varied over time. In 927 AD, it was just one of seven minor shrines. Later, the provincial capital moved to Tonami. This elevated Takase Shrine to an ichinomiya. This means it became the most important shrine in the province.
During this period, the shrine saw great expansion. It even had 300 Buddhist chapels. This was part of a movement joining Shintoism and Buddhism.
However, this prosperity was short-lived. Battles and the rise of the Ikkō-shū movement devastated the area. Takase Shrine fell into ruin.
The Tokugawa shogunate brought revival. The Maeda clan patronized the shrine. After the Meiji Restoration in 1872, it became a National Shrine, 3rd Rank in 1923.
The shrine is home to several notable features. There is the main shrine. Also worth seeing is the Koreiden mausoleum. It features beautiful carvings. Don’t miss the Nade Usagi, the “Petting Rabbit”. Petting it is said to alleviate pain in the same spot on your body. Finally, visit the Takase Inari-sha. This is a popular spot for financial luck and business prosperity.
Today, Takase Shrine stands as a testament to history. It has survived wars and shifts in religious practices. As you leave Takase Shrine, remember the layers of history. Think about the emperors, gods, and common people who have shaped this sacred place.