Omoto Jinja shrine

Did the name Omoto Jinja ever cross your ears before arriving in Hiroshima? This shrine, tucked away near the Miyajima Aquarium and a national residence, often gets overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Itsukushima Shrine. But Omoto Jinja, also known as Omoto Shrine, holds a special place in history, predating even Itsukushima. It’s an Important Cultural Property, boasting a unique sextuple three-storied roof. This architectural feature sets it apart, making it a hidden gem worth seeking out. Omoto Jinja is a place of tranquility. The surrounding area offers a peaceful escape from the crowds. You might even encounter some deer basking in the sun nearby. Omoto Jinja hosts a special event each year. On January 20th, the shrine comes alive with the Momotesai ceremony, the first day of archery. This ritual symbolizes a commitment to a year free of conflict. The ceremony combines two older traditions. One involved one hundred archers shooting two hundred arrows at Omoto Shrine. The other, held at Senjyokaku, involved shooting at a target representing a demon to banish evil. These combined into the Momotesai during the Meiji Era in 1868. The name itself, Momotesai, meaning “a hundred hands,” refers to the archers from the original Omoto ritual. Today’s ceremony involves Shinto priests performing rituals inside the shrine. Then, an archer priest, accompanied by an assistant carrying arrows, steps out. He shoots arrows towards heaven, earth, left, and right, symbolizing harmony with the universe. Then, he aims at a target with the character for “demon” painted on it, a symbolic act of dispelling evil. The ceremony concludes with another round of directional arrow shots and the distribution of sacred sake and a dish called hohan. Hohan, consisting of rice topped with boiled vegetables and soup, resembles the food eaten by soldiers during the warring states period. As a final touch, the arrows used in the ritual are given to lucky visitors through a lottery. Omoto Jinja isn’t just a historical site; it’s a living testament to tradition and a peaceful sanctuary amidst the bustling world. So, next time you find yourself in Hiroshima, take a detour to Omoto Jinja. Experience the tranquil atmosphere and perhaps you’ll even witness the Momotesai, a unique piece of Japanese culture.