“What secrets does this stone hold?” I wonder. We are standing before the \u732a\u540d\u91ce\u795e\u793e Stele. It is more than just a marker. It is a portal to centuries past.
The \u732a\u540d\u91ce\u795e\u793e Stele stands in a place rich with history. Once, during the Warring States period, this location marked the northern edge of Arita Castle’s defenses. The “Kishi no Dojo” was placed here.
Later, in the Edo period, it was the northernmost point of Itami Go-machi town. The old shrine status is still visible. The grounds are designated as a national historic site. It is part of the Arita Castle ruins.
Legend says that \u732a\u540d\u91ce\u795e\u793e was founded during Emperor Kotoku’s reign. It was first built at \u732a\u540d\u5bfa Temple. That temple is now in Nishinomiya City. In 904 AD, it was moved to its current location.
Local people called it “Nono-miya,” “Tenno-miya,” and “Gozu Tenno-miya.” In 1869, it was renamed \u732a\u540d\u91ce\u795e\u793e during the separation of Shinto and Buddhism.
During the Warring States period, Arakimura Shigenaga expanded Arita Castle. The \u732a\u540d\u91ce\u795e\u793e became part of the castle’s structure. Watanabe Shodaiyu defended the northernmost fortress during battles. Eventually, it fell.
In 1661, the Itami Go-machi area came under the control of the Konoe family. In 1685, Konoe Motohiro rebuilt the main shrine’s Tamagaki. The current main shrine dates back to 1686.
Inside the grounds, there are 97 stone lanterns. These were donated by sake brewers and merchants. The oldest dates to 1643. The Komainu pedestals were made in 1768. This large number of lanterns is rare for a local shrine.
The \u732a\u540d\u91ce\u795e\u793e enshrines many deities. These include Shinomiya Shrine, Tenmangu Shrine, and Itsukushima Shrine. There are also Yoda Shrine and Aiko Shrine. Others include Kibune Shrine, Saegami Shrine, and Haraedo Shrine. Kumano Shrine, Gokoku Shrine, and Tatsuta Shrine are also present. There is also Jinmei Shrine, Daikokuten Shrine, and Inari Shrine.
The autumn festival “Owatari” was a major event. It lasted from 1703 until the 1950s. It stopped only during World War II. The festival’s splendor is captured in the city-designated cultural property. That property is the \u732a\u540d\u91ce\u795e\u793e Shinko Emaki.
Before the worship hall, there are sacred pillars. They are inscribed with “Shuri” on the right and “Kosei” on the left. Sugiura Jushiro, tutor to Emperor Showa, wrote these characters. These words come from the beginning of the Kojiki. They mean to repair, govern, solidify, and accomplish the floating country.
The main shrine was rebuilt in 1685. Konoe Motohiro led the reconstruction. It features a simple wooden structure with Karahafu gables.
In March 2020, the main shrine, heiden, and worship hall were designated as prefectural tangible cultural properties.
As you leave the \u732a\u540d\u91ce\u795e\u793e, remember its layers of history. It was a fortress, a town’s edge, and a spiritual center. The \u732a\u540d\u91ce\u795e\u793e Stele marks not just a spot. It marks centuries of stories.