Interview with the chief priest of Haguro Shrine, Fukuda Makoto
I spoke with the chief priest of Haguro Shrine, Fukuda Makoto, about the history of the shrine and the Goshuin.
This interview is based on the content from the initial interview conducted in April 2021.
Haguro Shrine from Mt. Haguro in Yamagata Prefecture
Why was Haguro Shrine enshrined on Amida Mountain?
Fukuda
It is related to Matsuyama Domain's lord, Mizutani Katsutaka, who decided to enshrine Haguro Shrine.
Before becoming the lord of Matsuyama Domain, Katsutaka was the lord of nearby Nariwa Domain, but prior to that, he was the lord of Shimodate (present-day Chikusei City) in Hitachi Province (present-day Ibaraki Prefecture).
There is a theory that the Mizutani family's roots are in the Tohoku region, and the Mizutani family has long worshipped the Deva Shrine (Iwa de Jinja) of Mt. Haguro (Haguro-san: Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture) as their guardian deity.
In Shimodate, there is a Haguro Shrine built by Katsutaka's ancestors.
Therefore, Katsutaka decided to enshrine a spirit from Mt. Haguro at Amida Mountain in Tamashima.
In other words, the "Haguro" in Haguro Shrine originates from Mt. Haguro in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture.
Is Haguro Shrine the birthplace of the place name "Tamashima"?!
What does "the birthplace of Tamashima" on the shrine name sign at the east approach mean?
Fukuda
In fact, there is a theory that Haguro Shrine is the birthplace of the place name Tamashima.
The Mt. Haguro where Haguro Shrine is located was once a small island called Amida Mountain.
It is said that this island of Amida Mountain was called "Tamashima."
When new land was created through land reclamation, it is said that it was named "Tamashima Shinden" in reference to the symbolic Tamashima.
Therefore, it is said that Mt. Haguro is the origin of the place name Tamashima.
By the way, the current address of Haguro Shrine is 1-12-1 Tamashima Chuo-cho, but before the land number change, it was "Tamashima 1-banchi."
This is in line with the theory that Mt. Haguro is the origin of the place name Tamashima.
About Goshuin
The Goshuin, which is known for its uniqueness, has become popular. What was the trigger for starting it?
Fukuda
The person in charge of the Goshuin is mainly my wife.
In fact, my wife majored in art during her student days and had a hobby of painting.
She is applying that skill and sense to the Goshuin.
The trigger was during the Emperor's enthronement and the Reiwa era change.
Various shrines and temples were issuing special Goshuin to commemorate the enthronement.
So my wife decided to create a special Goshuin for Haguro Shrine as a commemoration.
It was very well received by those who visited.
As a result, we decided to continue issuing original Goshuin.
My wife thought, "Since we have this opportunity, I want people to know the highlights of our shrine through the Goshuin," and decided to change the design every month, using the highlights of our shrine as motifs.
Also, since it changes monthly, she incorporates elements related to each month and kanji.
Future prospects
If you have a message for the visitors, please let us know.
Fukuda
What the shrine wishes for the most is the health of everyone's mind and body.
Since 2020, the world has been going through a difficult time due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The situation for visiting shrines has also been quite challenging.
Therefore, my greatest wish is for the early end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
And I hope that everyone can regain their happiness and come to our shrine in good spirits.
Haguro Shrine developed together with the town of Tamashima
Haguro Shrine was born together with the town of Tamashima and has developed alongside it.
Haguro Shrine has many things that reveal the history of the former commercial city of Tamashima.
Additionally, the unique Goshuin is also attractive, and it is enjoyable to receive them.
Using the highlights of Haguro Shrine depicted in the Goshuin as a reference, it might be fun to explore the history within the shrine grounds.
Articles about Japan Heritage in Kurashiki City
Data of Haguro Shrine
| Name | Haguro Shrine |
|---|---|
| Location | 1-12-1 Tamashima Chuo-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-522-2695 |
| Parking | Available |
| Deities | Tamayori-hime no Mikoto Susanoo no Mikoto Ookuninushi no Mikoto Kotoshironushi no Mikoto |
| Benefits | Business prosperity, fulfillment of good fortune, matchmaking, etc. |
| Goshuin (Offertory) | Available (500 yen or 1,000 yen) *The offertory varies depending on the type of goshuin |
| Visiting Hours | Worship is possible at any time |
| Reception Hours | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Closed Days | None |
| Admission Fee | None |
| Payment Method for Admission Fee and Offertory |
|
| Restroom | No restroom |
| Website | Welcome to Haguro Shrine - hagurojinja page! |
