“Another theory suggests this shrine existed as early as the year 590.” Welcome to Yasui-jinja Shrine. This place holds more stories than its small size suggests. The Yasui-jinja Shrine is also known as Yasui Tenmangu Shrine. Its true age remains a mystery lost to time.
This shrine honors two important figures. They are Sukuna-hikona-no-kami and Sugawara-no-Michizane. Sukuna-hikona-no-kami appears in many Japanese legends. Sugawara-no-Michizane stopped here on his way to Kyushu.
Legend says Sugawara Michizane performed a ritual here. He was waiting for his ship after being demoted to Dazaifu. During his stay, he suffered spasms. He drank well water to cure himself.
The well crib and a stone monument remain. It is titled “water to cure a fit of spasm”. This Yasui well was one of Tennoji’s seven famous springs. Its water is considered sacred.
Yasui-jinja Shrine is also connected to a brave warrior. Sanada Yukimura, a hero of the Osaka battle, died here. He came to the temple as a last resort. A stone monument marks the site of his death.
Sanada Yukimura was a general for the Toyotomi family. He set up camp at Chausuyama. After attacking Tokugawa Ieyasu’s main base, he died gloriously. This was during the Osaka Summer Siege.
After his defeat in 1615 by the Tokugawa army, Sanada Yukimura was killed. Enemy forces discovered him here. Some believe he was laid to rest here.
According to another story, Sanada Yukimura withdrew to the shrine after being gravely wounded. He was found by Nishio Nizaemon Munetsugu. Nishio was a lieutenant from Matsudaira Tadanao’s unit. Yukimura declared his name and admitted he was too tired to fight. He invited Nishio to take his head as a trophy.
Some say Yukimura’s grave is in Zenmyosho-In in Ueda. Others claim Tamura Sadahiro built his grave on Atago Mountain. It is possible his remains were split and buried in multiple locations.
To reach Yasui-jinja Shrine, climb the steep stone stairway. Pass through the carved stone gate. The shrine is a small, peaceful structure. It sits on the edge of a small hill.
Look for the Kanshizume-no-I or Well of Nerve Calming. People come from all over Japan to honor Sanada Yukimura. They write wishes on offerings to his statue.
Take a moment to appreciate the history. Yasui-jinja Shrine is a significant place in Osaka’s past. Whether it was a resting spot or a final battlefield, it is worth remembering.