Lost a bit from the beaten path stands the Neya Shrine Stele. It is a silent witness to the passage of time. The Neya Shrine Stele is a guardian of the Neya area. The shrine may be slightly removed from the main settlement. It sits atop a small hill on the left bank after crossing the Tachi River. The origin of Neya Shrine Stele is not clear. Details are not written on the information stone. The origin is absent from the city history.
In the Edo period, the shrine of Neya was called Hachiman Shrine. The current name of Neya Shrine Stele came about in the early Meiji period. The enshrined deities are Hachiman 3 gods. These gods include Emperor Ojin, Empress Jingu and Hime Okami. Gessei-ji Temple was once located here but it was abolished in the early Meiji era.
Besides Neya Shrine, there are other Hachiman Shrines in Neyagawa City. Examples include Hata’s Hachiman Shrine and the Guardian Shrine. The proximity of so many Hachiman shrines is due to Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine. Water-related deities are also enshrined here. This reflects the relationship between water and people. The lanterns in front of these deities are the oldest in the shrine. It is unknown if these deities were the main enshrined gods before.
The mascot “Hachi Kazuki-chan” is based on Iwata Princess. Her information stone stands at the entrance of the shrine. “Hachi Kazuki-chan” can be seen in various poses. They are on information stones at temples and historical sites in Neyagawa City.
Because it is a little away from the village, nature remains here. The shrine has forests of Japanese hornbeam and trees such as Japanese zelkova. These trees are a reminder of the shrine’s guardian forest. However the second Keihan Road is under construction next to the hill. It is uncertain how long this nature will be preserved.
Stone lanterns mark the path to the Neya Shrine Stele. Four lanterns are inscribed with “Hachiman Shrine”. Two lanterns on the left and right were donated in 1764. The small letters are weathered. The lanterns may have been donated to maintain the eternal night light. This may have involved donating rice fields. One lantern on the right has an inscription from 1682. The lantern on the left has an inscription from 1713.
As you walk through the forest toward the shrine, you will find the “Water Distribution Shrine” and “High Okami Shrine”. The lanterns in front of the shrine are the oldest. They date back to 1656. As you stand before the Neya Shrine Stele, remember the history. Remember the dedication of the people. Remember the gods. Remember the changing landscape. This place has been a source of comfort and connection for centuries. It will remain so for many years.