Iwashimizu-Hachiman Shrine

Iwashimizu-Hachiman Shrine was built in 859, and is one of the most historical shrines in Japan. Iwashimizu-Hachiman Shrine is also one of the three major Hachiman Shrines. The other two major Hachiman Shrines are Usa-Hachiman Shrine in Ohita Prefecture, and Tsuruoka-Hachiman Shrine in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Iwashimizu-Hachiman Shrine is located on Mt. Otokoyama in Yawata City, Kyoto Prefecture, near the boarder between Kyoto and Osaka Prefectures. From the Yawata-Shi Station, there is a cable car access to Iwashimizu-Hachiman Shrine.

Otokoyama Cable Car

From the Otokoyama-Sancho Station located on the top of Mt. Otokoyama, you can easily reach Iwashimizu-Hachiman Shrine.

The atmosphere of the approach to the shrine was very solemn. At the end of the approach, you will see the main gate of the shrine.

When you pass through the main gate, you will see "Honden", the main shrine buildings. The main building was rebuilt in 1639 by the third "Shogun" TOKUGAWA Iemistu (1604 - 1651) . The golden gutter donated by ODA Nobunaga (1534 - 1582) remains in the main shrine buildings.

The main shrine building were repaired approximately ten years ago. The repaired buildings are shining as if they were newly built, recently. The main shrine buildings are designated as national treasures of Japan.

There is a big camphor tree in front of the main shrine buildings. The tree was dedicated by KUSUNOKI Masashige (1294? - 1336) , who was a military commander at the end of the Kamakura Age (1185 - 1333) .

You will go to the backside of the main buildings through a pathway between "Tsuijibei", a roofed mud wall, and a corridor. There are a couple of historical buildings which are also located behind the main shrine buildings.

"Tsuijibei", Roofed mud wall

Corridor

The north gate is one of the historical shrine buildings located behind the main shrine buildings. The gate was rebuilt between 1624 and 1643.

The North Gate

Beside the north gate, two auxiliary shrines, "Wakamiya-Sha" and "Wakamiyaden-Sha" are located. People pray for their wishes, enthusiastically.

These buildings are designated as important treasures of Japan.

Iwashimizu-Hachiman Shrine is very well-known to Japanese, not only it's history nor these historical buildings, but also the well-known essay, "Tsuredure-Gusa", written by YOSHIDA Kenko (1283? - 1352?) , at the end of the Kamakura Age (1185 - 1333) . In the essay, he wrote the story of a monk at "Ninnaji" temple in Kyoto who visited Iwashimizu-Hachimangu shrine. He just visited an auxiliary shrine located at the foot of Mt. Otokoyama without going to the top of Mt. Otokoyama. He regretted it a lot after knowing that the main shrine buildings were located on the top of Mt. Otokoyama and said a guide is necessary in everything.

How to get there
From downtown Osaka and Kyoto, You can take a Keihan Line train to Yawata-shi. Take a Otokoyama Cable Car to the top of Mt. Otokoyama. Iwashimizu-Hachiman Shrine is within walking distance from the Cable Station.

Other Historical Sites near by:
Ruins of Nagaoka-Kyo Capital
Ruins of Yodo Castle
Ujikami Shrine
Byodoin Temple