Overview of Makata Shrine
Located in Daikata, Makata Shrine has long been closely connected with the religious traditions of the surrounding communities. It is regarded as the head shrine of the 18 shrines bearing the name “Makata” that are distributed around Lake Inbanuma.
The shrine is visited by worshippers interested in its ancient history, traditional beliefs, and connection with the many Makata Shrines throughout the region.
Location and Access
Makata Shrine can be reached from central Narita by car or public transportation. Its relatively convenient location makes it possible to combine a visit to the shrine with sightseeing at other attractions in the Narita and Lake Inbanuma areas.
History of Makata Shrine
Legend of the Shrine’s Foundation
According to shrine tradition, Makata Shrine was founded in the 42nd year of Emperor Keiko’s reign. During his legendary eastern expedition, Yamato Takeru-no-Mikoto is said to have visited this area.
According to the legend, Yamato Takeru hung a mirror on the trunk of a cedar tree and declared that if the mirror were revered and enshrined as Inba-no-Kunitama Okitsukagami, it would bring abundant harvests to the region.
The Legend of Yamato Takeru
The mirror associated with Yamato Takeru was later enshrined at a shrine built in Funakata, present-day Narita City, where it became a sacred object for worshiping Wakahirume-no-Mikoto.
Seven sacred jewels were also reportedly discovered beneath the cedar tree at that time. These objects became sacred symbols of the shrine and were worshiped locally as “Magatama-no-Okami,” or the Great Deity of the Sacred Curved Jewels.
The Origin of the Shrine’s Name
When the shrine was recorded in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, its name was written as “Magatama.” Because this name was identical to the name associated with one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan, one character was removed and the name became “Magata Shrine.”
The name was later changed to Makata Shrine, reflecting the historical connection between the surrounding area and the cultivation of hemp.
Scenery within the Shrine Grounds
Shrine Buildings and Kagura Hall
The grounds of Makata Shrine contain traditional shrine buildings and a kagura hall, where sacred dance and music associated with Shinto ceremonies can be performed.
Behind the main sanctuary stands Amahitsuku Shrine, which has attracted worshippers since ancient times and remains an important part of the shrine grounds.
The Inner Shrine
The inner shrine, or Okumiya, is located in Teguro, Funakata, Narita City, and is also known as Teguro Shrine.
This site has a particularly close connection with the origins of Makata Shrine and is considered an important sacred place by local residents. Visiting the inner shrine provides a deeper understanding of the traditions surrounding the main shrine.
The Sacred Tree and Cultural Heritage
One of the most impressive features of Makata Shrine is its enormous cedar tree, traditionally said to have been planted during the reign of Emperor Suiko. The tree is believed to be approximately 1,400 years old.
It is regarded as one of the oldest cedar trees in eastern Japan and has been designated a Natural Monument of Chiba Prefecture. The massive tree adds to the solemn atmosphere of the shrine and provides a striking reminder of the area’s long history.
Cultural Property Designations
Several important elements of Makata Shrine have been designated as cultural properties:
- Chiba Prefectural Natural Monument: The Forest of Makata Shrine, designated in 1977
- Narita City Tangible Cultural Property: The Main Sanctuary of Makata Shrine, designated in 1971
- Narita City Intangible Folk Cultural Property: Makata Shrine Kagura, designated in 1975
- Narita City Historic Site: Makata Shrine, an Engishiki-listed shrine, designated in 1969
The 18 Makata Shrines
The name “Makata Shrine” is shared by 18 shrines located throughout the Inba District area. Together, these shrines form a distinctive network of local religious traditions centered around the Lake Inbanuma region.
The 18 shrines are distributed as follows:
- Narita City: 1 shrine
- Sakura City: 11 shrines
- Shisui Town: 2 shrines
- Tomisato City: 2 shrines
- Yachiyo City: 1 shrine
The shrines are spread around Lake Inbanuma and neighboring communities, illustrating how local religious traditions developed across the region.
Makata Shrines in Sakura City
Sakura City is home to particularly many Makata Shrines. Like the shrine in Narita, these shrines have served as important centers of local faith.
Among them, the Makata Shrine in Kaburakicho, Sakura City, and the Makata Shrine in Shisui Town are also known for their long histories and are visited as local cultural attractions.
Subordinate Shrines
Sessha Associated with Makata Shrine
Makata Shrine has several sessha, or associated shrines, within its grounds. These include Amahitsuku Shrine and Daigongen Shrine, each associated with its own deities and traditions.
Amahitsuku Shrine
Amahitsuku Shrine stands behind the main sanctuary and is revered as part of the wider Makata Shrine complex.
It has been a focus of local worship for generations and remains an important place for visitors exploring the shrine’s traditional religious landscape.
Massha Subordinate Shrines
The shrine grounds also contain numerous massha, or smaller subordinate shrines, dedicated to different deities.
Notable examples include Haraedo Shrine, Komine Shrine, and Mitsumine Shrine. These smaller shrines add to the cultural richness of the grounds and provide visitors with opportunities to encounter different aspects of traditional Japanese Shinto worship.
Summary
Makata Shrine is one of the historic centers of faith in the Narita area and is especially important as the head shrine of the 18 Makata Shrines distributed around Lake Inbanuma.
Its long history, traditions associated with Yamato Takeru-no-Mikoto, ancient sacred objects, traditional Kagura performances, and enormous cedar tree make the shrine a fascinating destination for visitors interested in Japanese history and Shinto culture.
The surrounding forest also creates a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. A visit to Makata Shrine offers travelers an opportunity to experience both the natural beauty and deep historical traditions of the northern Chiba region.