The Three Principal Deities
Tsurumine Hachiman Shrine enshrines three principal deities:
- Honda-wake-no-mikoto – the deified form of Emperor Ojin, traditionally associated with Hachiman worship.
- Tamayori-hime-no-mikoto – a female deity who appears in Japanese mythology.
- Empress Jingu – an ancient Japanese empress who is traditionally regarded as the mother of Honda-wake-no-mikoto.
A History Dating Back to the Nara Period
According to shrine tradition, Tsurumine Hachiman Shrine was founded during the Yoro era (717–724). From the Heian period through the Kamakura period, the shrine received the devotion of powerful warrior families who ruled the region, including the Takeda clan of Kazusa and the Satomi clan.
Connections with Minamoto no Yoritomo and the Takeda Clan
The shrine also has historical connections with prominent figures of medieval Japan. It is said to have received land donations from Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate, as well as Kazusa no Hirotsune, an influential warrior of the period.
During the Sengoku period, the shrine was particularly respected as a place of prayer by the Takeda clan of Kazusa, further strengthening its connection with the region’s warrior history.
Reconstruction in 1507
In 1507, during the Eisho era, the shrine was restored by Takeda Nobutsugu and Takeda Nobuaki. A wooden ridge-end plaque, known as a munafuda, was dedicated at the time of this restoration and remains an important historical cultural property.
A Valuable Historical Record
The munafuda contains a large inscription written in black ink. Measuring approximately 70 centimeters long and 27 centimeters wide, it provides valuable information about the circumstances surrounding the shrine’s restoration and the history of religious devotion in the area.
Cultural Property of Futtsu City
The munafuda commemorating the restoration of Tsurumine Hachimangu is designated as a cultural property by Futtsu City. As an surviving historical document, it offers an important glimpse into the shrine’s long history and the strong reverence it received from the local community.
Location and Access
Tsurumine Hachiman Shrine is located at 143 Yawata, Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture.
By Public Transportation
The shrine is approximately a 6-minute drive from Sanukimachi Station on the JR Uchibo Line, making it relatively convenient to reach by public transportation followed by a short taxi ride.
By Car
Visitors traveling by car can make use of parking facilities in the surrounding area, allowing for a convenient visit and peaceful worship at the shrine.
A Historic Shrine Surrounded by Nature
With a history stretching back more than a thousand years, Tsurumine Hachiman Shrine has continued to support the faith and traditions of the local community. Surrounded by the natural scenery of Futtsu, the shrine provides a peaceful setting where visitors can appreciate both the spiritual atmosphere and the long history of the region.
For travelers interested in Japanese history, traditional Shinto culture, and medieval warrior heritage, Tsurumine Hachiman Shrine offers an opportunity to discover a lesser-known historical site in southern Chiba.