“Why does this shrine look so new?” I hear you ask about the Nukazakura Shrine. Well its story is more recent than you might think. The Nukazakura Shrine may seem ancient. But its current form dates back only to 1959.
The Nukazakura Shrine has a history stretching back centuries. It served as the guardian shrine for the Ogura and Hata villages. This area was formerly known as Nukazakura.
In 1616 the shrine was re-established. The people invited Hachiman Daibosatsu. It then became known as Hachiman-gu Shrine. It was revered as the tutelary shrine of Ogura and Hata.
In 1680 records show the shrine had seven officials. One official served as the head priest for a year. By 1692 the shrine grounds contained thirty-five to forty spaces.
In the years 1818 to 1825 it was expanded. Later conflict arose between Ogura and Hata. Hata village then established its own independent Hachiman-gu Shrine. This new shrine was near Guanyin Temple. Guanyin Temple was once the Nukazakura Shrine’s temple lodging.
After this the Nukazakura Shrine became the tutelary shrine only for Ogura. In 1872 it was listed as a village shrine. However in 1909 it was merged with Katatae Shrine.
At that time Katatae Shrine gained ownership of the Nukazakura Shrine’s properties. This included land within the grounds. It also included fields and forests in Ogura.
Locals revitalized the Nukazakura Shrine in 1959. This was after it had been merged with Katatae Shrine. A relocation committee formed in Ogura in 1955. They planned the shrine’s re-establishment.
The community collected funds for four years. On October 4 1959 the relocation ceremony took place. The main hall was built at that time. That main hall is still here today.
So while the Nukazakura Shrine has ancient roots its present structure is relatively new. It represents the community’s dedication to preserving its heritage. The shrine continues to be a place of worship and community for the people of Ogura.