Sakamoto Hachimangu Shrine

Hidden amidst the tranquil landscape, Sakamoto Hachimangu Shrine whispers tales of emperors, poetry, and the dawn of a new era. Sakamoto Hachimangu Shrine isn’t just any shrine. It’s a place woven into the very fabric of Japan’s cultural identity. Dedicated to Emperor Ojin, a figure revered as the guardian deity of the Sakamoto area, this shrine holds a special place in the hearts of the local people. Sakamoto Hachimangu Shrine’s claim to fame extends beyond its dedication to a revered emperor. It became nationally recognized for its connection to the “Reiwa” era. The story goes that the area around the shrine was once the residence of Otomo no Tabito. He was a prominent poet during the Manyo period and the governor of the Dazaifu Government Office. Otomo no Tabito hosted a “Plum Blossom Party,” a gathering of poets and scholars. The preface to the resulting “32 Poems” included the phrase “Shoshun Reigetsu (in the new spring, in a fair month,) Kishuku Fuwa (the air was clear and the wind a gentle breeze).” This evocative phrase inspired the selection of “Reiwa” as the new era name, forever linking Sakamoto Hachimangu Shrine to this pivotal moment in Japanese history. Today, visitors to Sakamoto Hachimangu Shrine can stand before a stone monument inscribed with “Reiwa” in the calligraphy of Osami Mozumi, the Chief Cabinet Secretary who unveiled the new era name. They can also acquire talismans commemorating both the “Reiwa” era and Otomo no Tabito’s plum blossom party. The shrine remains a popular destination, particularly during the New Year’s holiday and the anniversary of the era name change, when visitors queue to receive a Goshuin, a red stamp signifying their visit. Sakamoto Hachimangu Shrine is more than just a historical site. It’s a living testament to the power of poetry, the reverence for emperors, and the enduring spirit of a community.