Overview of Habu Shrine
Habu Shrine is located in Gōbu, Narita City. There is another shrine with the same name, Sannomiya Habu Shrine, in Namikimachi, Narita, but the shrine in Gōbu is regarded as the head shrine.
The shrine is dedicated to Haniyamahime-no-Mikoto, a deity associated with the earth and soil in Japanese mythology. One distinctive feature of the shrine is that its goreishiro, the sacred object representing the deity, is a piece of Haji pottery.
Haniyamahime-no-Mikoto and Haji Pottery
Haniyamahime-no-Mikoto appears in Japanese mythology as a daughter of Izanami-no-Mikoto and is regarded as a goddess associated with earth and soil.
Because the shrine enshrines this deity, its sacred object is traditionally represented by Haji pottery, an ancient type of earthenware. Haji pottery played an important role in ancient Japan, and its connection with the shrine reflects the area’s historical relationship with pottery production and communities involved in related occupations.
History of Habu Shrine
Origins and the Early Heian Period
The exact date of Habu Shrine’s foundation is unknown. According to shrine tradition, however, it was established during the early Heian period, roughly from the late 8th to 10th centuries.
In ancient times, members of the Hajibe, an occupational group associated with the Yamato court, are believed to have lived in this area. They practiced slash-and-burn agriculture while also producing Haji pottery.
Other occupational communities, including the Tamakuribe, who were associated with bead and jewel production, and the Hatori, associated with textile production, are also said to have lived in surrounding settlements. Each group was connected with particular industries and occupations.
A Shrine Serving the Local Communities
At the time, Habu Shrine served as a ujigami shrine, or guardian shrine of the local community. Its worshippers included members of the Hajibe as well as other people who had settled in the region.
The surrounding area was traditionally associated with several shrines known as Ichinomiya Habu Shrine and Ninomiya Habu Shrine, suggesting that different communities had their own places of worship.
The name Haniu District is traditionally connected with the word haniwa, referring to clay used for making earthenware. Gōbu may once have served as an important center of this wider area.
Habu Shrine Today
A Major Guardian Shrine of Narita
Today, Habu Shrine is regarded as a major guardian shrine for the Narita area and has traditionally held a comprehensive role in relation to more than 30 nearby shrines.
It is particularly associated with prayers for safe childbirth, child-rearing, a baby’s first shrine visit, and Shichi-Go-San, the traditional celebration for children at the ages of three, five, and seven.
As the ubusuna-sama, or guardian deity of the local birthplace and community, the shrine continues to receive deep respect from residents of Narita.
Connections with Other Haji Shrines
Within Gōbu, there is also a Haji Shrine dedicated to Amenohohi-no-Mikoto. To the south, the name Karube remains as a place name in Narita New Town.
Other Haji Shrines can be found in areas historically associated with Yamakata-go, including Kamifukuda in Narita, Futo in Sakae Town in Inba District, and Hanehoki in Kawachi Town, Inashiki District, Ibaraki Prefecture. These locations suggest historical connections among communities sharing the Haji name and traditions.
Festivals at Habu Shrine
The Annual Grand Festival and Its Long History
Habu Shrine holds its annual festival, consisting of a Yoimiya evening festival and the main festival, during the two days before Marine Day in July.
In even-numbered years, a mikoshi, or portable shrine, is traditionally carried through the former Narita town area. This festival has a history of more than 700 years, dating back to 1244, when Habu Jiro Taira no Tokitsune, who ruled the area at the time, is said to have donated a mikoshi to the shrine.
Hama-oroshi and the Negomuna River
In the past, the festival included a large-scale procession known as Hama-oroshi. The mikoshi procession traveled as far as Hasunuma on the Kujukuri Coast, in present-day Sanmu City, and the participants reportedly took around 10 days to complete the journey and return.
Today, the mikoshi procession follows a shorter route. The portable shrine is carried down toward the Negomuna River in the city before continuing through the surrounding area.
Morning Glory and Chinese Lantern Plant Market
In recent years, an “Morning Glory and Chinese Lantern Plant Market” has also been held within the shrine grounds during the festival.
During the Yoimiya evening festival, visitors can enjoy performances such as kokyu, a traditional Japanese bowed string instrument, as well as lion dances. These events create a lively atmosphere and offer both local residents and visitors an opportunity to experience traditional community culture.
Access to Habu Shrine
From the Nearest Stations
Habu Shrine is conveniently accessible on foot from the major railway stations in central Narita.
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Narita Station
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Keisei Narita Station
The Shrine Grounds Today
The grounds of Habu Shrine were once considerably larger and extended toward the area of what is now the former Chiba Prefectural Route 18 Narita-Asakusa Line, historically known as the Ajiki Kaido.
A large avenue of Japanese cedar trees once stood along the road. However, the cedar trees were cut down as part of road expansion work, resulting in the smaller shrine grounds seen today.
The road in front of the shrine is now also known by the local nickname “Nishi-Sando Sannomiya-dori,” or “West Approach Sannomiya Street.”
Summary
Habu Shrine is one of the historic places of worship in Narita, with a long history and a distinctive cultural connection to ancient communities involved in pottery production.
Dedicated to Haniyamahime-no-Mikoto, the shrine is closely associated with the earth and with Haji pottery, making its traditions particularly interesting from the perspective of Japan’s ancient history.
The shrine also continues to serve as an important center of local faith, especially for child-rearing, safe childbirth, first shrine visits, and Shichi-Go-San celebrations. Its long-running festivals, mikoshi processions, and traditional performances further preserve the character of Narita’s local culture.
For travelers interested in Shinto, ancient Japanese history, traditional festivals, and local cultural traditions, Habu Shrine offers an opportunity to experience a quieter side of Narita away from the city’s major tourist attractions.