大歳神社

Stepping onto the grounds of Ōtoshi Shrine, can you sense the whispers of ancient legends? This unassuming shrine, nestled in Nishi-ku, Hiroshima, holds a history far grander than its size suggests. Ōtoshi Shrine’s story begins in 1024, when Emperor Kammu designated this very spot as sacred ground. He had stopped here during his eastern expedition, mooring his ship and marking this place for a future shrine. Centuries passed, and in 1913, three smaller shrines merged to form what we know today as Ōtoshi Shrine. These were the Ryūnokuchi Inari Shrine, the Kozukuri Myōjin Shrine of Kozukurijima Island, and the Iwao Shrine of Numao. The deity enshrined here is known as Katsuri Myōjin. Locals revere Katsuri Myōjin as a protector against disease. Now, look closely within the shrine grounds. Notice the two Komainu statues, one with a distinctly childish face and the other with a gentle, almost puppy-like demeanor. Both were crafted in 1913, silent witnesses to the shrine’s evolution. See the small, unpretentious pond called Musubi no Ike. It’s connected to a fascinating legend from Japanese mythology, the story of the creation of Japan by the god Izanagi. And tucked away in a corner of the shrine grounds, you’ll find a Mukunoki tree, estimated to be around 500 years old. Seventy years ago, owls made their home within the hollow of this ancient tree, adding another layer of mystique to Ōtoshi Shrine. The main hall itself is a blend of beige wood and plaster, a simple structure radiating a sense of peace. The roof tiles are a rich, deep brown, echoing the earthy tones of the surrounding trees. Come in autumn, and you’ll witness a unique spectacle: the Fuki-bi, or fire-blowing ritual. During the annual autumn festival, a priest blows sparks from a bamboo tube, creating a fiery display against the twilight sky. Ōtoshi Shrine, a quiet sanctuary steeped in history and myth. It’s a place where ancient legends intertwine with the everyday lives of the people of Hiroshima.