Dedicated to Amaterasu the sun goddess Ohi Shrine stands as Funabashi’s oldest Shinto shrine. Legend says Prince Yamato Takeru prayed here. He sought an end to a drought during his eastern Japan campaign.
Ohi Shrine’s history is rich. It first appeared in records in 863. The shrine was then known as “Ohi-no-Kami of Shimosa Province”. Over time Ohi Shrine gained importance.
The name Ohi is interesting. One theory suggests it honored a local sun deity. This deity later merged with Amaterasu. This shows Ohi Shrine’s deep connection to sun worship. From medieval times it became known as Funabashi Shinmei. It also became known as Funabashi Ise Daijingu. This suggests a merger with a branch of Ise Shrine.
Nichiren the founder of Nichiren Buddhism visited Ohi Shrine. He offered a prayer for his teachings. He also dedicated a mandala and sword. Tokugawa Ieyasu donated land to Ohi Shrine in the Edo period. He built a main sanctuary and subordinate shrine.
Ohi Shrine faced destruction in 1868. It burned down during the Battle of Funabashi. But Ohi Shrine was rebuilt. The main sanctuary was rebuilt in 1873. Other buildings were reconstructed between the 1920s and 1980s.
Within Ohi Shrine’s grounds are unique structures. The Funatama Shrine has a boat-shaped facade. It protects Funabashi’s sailors and fishers. The Toyokuhime Shrine honors Ise’s Outer Shrine goddess. It incorporates timbers from Ise Shrine’s deconstruction in 2013.
Tokiwa Shrine honors Tokugawa Ieyasu. It enshrines Ieyasu’s teeth unlike his spirit at Nikko. Next to it stands Tomyodai a wooden lighthouse from 1880. It once overlooked rice paddies and shoreline.
Ohi Shrine has festivals too. A festival is held on October 19 and 20. Amateur Sumo wrestlers perform called “Funabashi Fighting Sumo”. Kagura music is performed for the New Year Setsubun and Ni-no-tori day.