廣田神社

Have you ever heard of a city named after a shrine? Right here in Nishinomiya, the name itself meaning “shrine of the west,” stands Hirota Shrine. It’s more than just a place of worship. It’s the heart and namesake of this city. Hirota Shrine dates back to the 3rd century. Legend says Empress Jingu, upon returning from a victorious campaign in Korea, received a divine message from Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess. Amaterasu decreed she should be enshrined here, in Hirota. The Empress obeyed, establishing Hirota Shrine and securing her political ambitions. The shrine’s importance grew, attracting imperial attention. In the 10th century, Emperor Murakami included Hirota Shrine among the elite group receiving imperial messengers. These messengers reported important events to the kami, the Shinto deities. Later, Emperor Ichijo further elevated Hirota Shrine’s status. By the 11th century, Emperor Shirakawa designated it “one of the twenty-two honorable shrines” and bestowed upon it the title “Hirota Grand Shrine.” This is a distinction Hirota Shrine still holds today, the only “grand shrine” in Hyogo Prefecture. Hirota Shrine’s grounds bloom with kobanomitsuba tsutsuji, azaleas with three small leaves, a sight to behold. So, as you stand before Hirota Shrine, remember you’re not just visiting a shrine. You’re at the very origin of Nishinomiya itself, a place chosen by the Sun Goddess herself.