Curious about ancient shrines? You have arrived at Hine Jinja Shrine. It stands as a testament to centuries of history. This is a main shrine for the Hineno, Uenogo, and Nagataki districts.
Hine Jinja Shrine’s name appears in the Engishiki. It also appears in the Domestic Shinto Name Book. These are old texts. They highlight the shrine’s long-standing importance. The main deities enshrined here are special. They are Emperor Jimmu’s father Ugayafukiahezumikoto and his mother Tamayorihime no Mikoto.
Once Hine Jinja Shrine was one of five key shrines in Izumi Province. The other four were Otori Izumanaji Hijiri and Tsukikawa. During the Kamakura period Hineno became the manor of the Kujo family. Development then progressed. Reservoirs and waterways were created. Hine Jinja Shrine became known as Oiseki Daimyojin.
Tragedy struck in 1576. Hideyoshi’s attack on Negoro burnt the entire shrine down. However the current shrine building was rebuilt in 1602. It was rebuilt by Hideyori. It is now a designated cultural property.
Hine Jinja Shrine is more than stone and wood. It is a place of unique festivals. The annual Makura Festival happens every May. People parade around during it. They sing the Gosha Ondo song. They carry pillow flags with colorful decorative pillows. These pillows are attached to bamboo poles about 5 meters long. It is quite a sight. The Gosha Ondo Odori dance is another special event. It is dedicated to the Yu Matsuri. This festival expresses gratitude for water blessings. It also prays for a good harvest and health. The Yu Matsuri occurs in July.
Hine Jinja Shrine was once called Oiseki Jinja Shrine. This name is due to its dedication to the Yukawa Irrigation Canal. The shrine is a central piece of Hinenosho. It is described in Engi-shiki Jinmyocho. The shrine is thought to enshrine the ancestors of Hinenomiyakko. They resided in this area long ago.
According to Masamoto-ko Tabihikitsuke many festivals were held here. Annual sarugaku performances happened on April 2. Goshamatsuri was another important festival. This one featured the soja of Izumigosha jointly holding a hojoe festival. This happened on August 15. These festivals were grand. They involved Kujo Masamoto Negoroji Temple and the military governorship.
Additionally renga sessions were held monthly in front of the shrine. Kujo Masamoto even participated. The inner shrine has a large moya and is built in the kasuga-zukuri style. The front is decorated with noki kara hafu. The top has sculptures of dragons and auspicious clouds. This architectural style is unique to this region. It is mostly found in southern Osaka Prefecture.
Walking through Hine Jinja Shrine you feel history. You sense the community’s devotion. This place embodies cultural continuity. It connects past and present. Take a moment. Reflect on the stories these stones hold. Think about the generations who have gathered here. Hine Jinja Shrine is a treasure. It represents the enduring spirit of this region.