Interview with Makoto Fukuda, chief priest of Haguro Shrine
We spoke with Makoto Fukuda about the history of the shrine, goshuin, and other topics.
This interview was conducted during our first visit in April 2021.
Haguro Shrine Comes from Mt. Haguro in Yamagata Prefecture
Why was it Haguro Shrine that was enshrined on Mt. Amida?
Fukuda (succession omitted)
This is connected to Katsutaka Mizutani, the lord of the Matsuyama Domain, who decided to enshrine Haguro Shrine.
Before becoming lord of the Matsuyama Domain, Katsutaka was lord of the nearby Nariwa Domain. Before that, he was lord of Shimodate (present-day Chikusei City) in Hitachi Province (present-day Ibaraki Prefecture).
One theory holds that the Mizutani family originated in the Tohoku region. For generations, the family worshipped Ideha Shrine on Mt. Haguro in Dewa Province (present-day Yamagata and Akita prefectures, among others) as its clan shrine.
There is a Haguro Shrine in Shimodate built by Katsutaka’s ancestors.
So Katsutaka decided to enshrine a divided spirit from Mt. Haguro on Mt. Amida in Tamashima as well.
In other words, the “Haguro” in Haguro Shrine comes from Mt. Haguro in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture.
Is Haguro Shrine the Origin of the Place Name “Tamashima”?
What does “the birthplace of Tamashima” on the shrine name marker at the east approach mean?
Fukuda
In fact, one theory holds that Haguro Shrine is where the place name Tamashima originated.
Mt. Haguro, where Haguro Shrine stands, was once a mountain called Mt. Amida and was a small island.
It is also said that the island where Mt. Amida stood was called “Tamashima”.
It is also said that when new land was created through land reclamation, it was named “Tamashima Shinden” after the symbolic Tamashima area.
For this reason, Mt. Haguro is said to be the origin of the place name Tamashima.
Incidentally, the current address of Haguro Shrine is 1-12-1 Tamashima Chuo-cho, but before the lot numbers were changed, it was “1 Tamashima.”
That is because it reflects the theory that Mt. Haguro is the origin of the place name Tamashima.
About Goshuin
The distinctive goshuin are popular. What inspired you to start making them?
Fukuda
My wife is mainly in charge of the goshuin.
Actually, my wife studied art in college and had painting as a hobby.
She applies her skills and sense of design to the goshuin.
It began when the Emperor ascended the throne and the era name changed to Reiwa.
Various shrines and temples were offering special goshuin to commemorate the accession.
So my wife made a special commemorative goshuin for Haguro Shrine, too.
It was very well received by visitors.
So after that, we decided to offer original goshuin as well.
My wife says that, “Since we have the opportunity, I want people to learn about the highlights of our shrine through the goshuin,” so she decided to change the design every month and feature the highlights of our shrine as motifs.
Since the designs change monthly, she also incorporates things and kanji related to each month.
Future outlook
If you have a message for those who come to worship, please share it.
Fukuda
What the shrine wishes for most is the health of everyone, both in mind and body.
Since 2020, the world has continued to face a difficult time due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The circumstances for visiting shrines have also become difficult.
So my greatest wish is for the COVID-19 pandemic to end soon.
And I hope everyone can regain their happiness and be able to visit our shrine in good health.
Haguro Shrine, which developed alongside the town of Tamashima
Haguro Shrine was founded alongside the town of Tamashima and developed together with it.
Haguro Shrine has many things that reveal the history of Tamashima, once a commercial city.
Its carefully crafted goshuin stamps are also appealing, and receiving one is something to look forward to.
It might be fun to explore the history of the shrine grounds, using the sights of Haguro Shrine depicted on the goshuin as a guide.
Articles about Japan Heritage in Kurashiki City
Haguro Shrine Information
| Name | Haguro Shrine |
|---|---|
| Location | 1-12-1 Tamashima Chuo-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-522-2695 |
| Parking | Available |
| Enshrined Deities | Tamayorihime-no-Mikoto Susanoo-no-Mikoto Okuninushi-no-Mikoto Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto |
| Blessings | Business prosperity, fulfillment of good fortune, matchmaking, and more |
| Goshuin (offering) | Available (500 yen or 1,000 yen) ※The offering amount varies depending on the type of goshuin |
| Visiting Hours | Open for worship at any time |
| Reception Hours | 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Closed | None |
| Admission | Free |
| Payment Methods for Admission and Offerings |
|
| Restrooms | No restrooms |
| Website | Welcome to Haguro Shrine - hagurojinja page! |
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