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Continuing east of Morioka-jō Citadel Web site Park, the bottom past the large vermilion-painted torii gate is Morioka Hachimangū Shrine’s precinct. It’s a less-known spot to international vacationers, however a shrine you received’t need to miss out on. As a result of Morioka Hachimangū Shrine (盛岡八幡宮) could be very spacious and situated on a barely excessive floor, you’ll be able to oversee Morioka‘s cityscape from right here. With wealthy vegetation on its floor, the shrine exhibits a special face relying on which season you go to it. You may even spot a Japanese Serow strolling within the precinct!
Tip: Morioka Hachimangū can also be a cherry blossom spot in Morioka. The cherry bushes that line the west aspect of the shrine create beautiful surroundings in early spring annually.
Morioka Hachimangū’s Historical past
The shrine was erected by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi (源頼義) when he ceremonially transfered part of the spirit of the primary god of Iwashimizu Hachimangū Shrine (石清水八幡宮) to Morioka.
Minamoto no Yoriyoshi was a Japanese samurai lord who was the top of Osaka’s Minamoto clan within the mid-Heian interval (794 – 1185).
In 1953, when the Nambu clan was constructing Morioka Citadel, the shrine was renovated as a guardian shrine of the town. This explains why the shrine has an enormous precinct. As with most shrines in Japan, there are a number of auxiliary shrines at Morioka Hachimangū (12 to be precise). Gods intently associated to our every day life are enshrined on the precinct, similar to those who take care of victory, enterprise, teachers, well being, and efficiency arts. Since there are a selection of gods right here, Morioka Hachimangū is usually known as the Theme Park Shrine (神社のテーマパーク).
What to See at Morioka Hachimangū
The issues that are available in a range aren’t simply restricted to the variety of gods at Morioka Hachimangū. You’ll seemingly discover cats in several breeds and colours on the shrine. One may even sleep on the donation field!
Whereas the present predominant worship corridor was restored in 1997, smaller gadgets, such because the lanterns and the Sacred Treasure Corridor (神宝殿), are from the Edo interval. The previous however intricately painted picket ema plaques of various sizes hung in one of many passageways are one other wonderful factor to see on the shrine. Though the wishing plaques these days are loads smaller and standardized, those offered at Morioka Hachimangū are distinctive. The gourd-shaped ema plaque is one thing that you’d need to carry dwelling as a substitute of writing your needs and hanging on the shrine.
As well as, one kind of fortune slip is in a bream form. It’s known as Medetai Omikuji (目出鯛おみくじ). Medetai means auspicious, and the “tai” within the medetai by itself, can imply sea bream. After studying the fortune slip, the ocean bream is a pleasant memento!
The Festivals at Morioka Hachimangū
Morioka Hachimangū Shrine is finest identified for the Morioka Autumn Competition (盛岡秋まつり). It’s a 3-day pageant held from the 14th to the sixteenth of September and often sees greater than 200,000 guests taking part. The pageant’s historical past might be traced again to 1709. It was initially a celebration of the completion of Morioka‘s city growth deliberate by the Nanbu clan.
The moveable shrine parade isn’t only a pageant occasion. It prays for the happiness of the contributors. The Nanbu-style horseback archery ritual can also be part of the grand pageant!
Furthermore, Morioka Hachimangū is the place the pageant, Chaguchagu Umako (チャグチャグ馬コ), ends. It’s one other must-see pageant in Morioka.
On the 2nd Saturday of June annually, round 100 splendidly embellished horses depart from Onikoshisozen Shrine (鬼越蒼前神社). In case you can’t be at Morioka through the Chaguchagu Umako pageant, there are two embellished life-sized horse figures in a picket hut so that you can try.
In fact, momentary stalls are arrange within the morning, making the occasions extra energetic and fulfilling!
Morioka Hachimangū Shrine’s Opening Hours and Entry Info
- Morioka Hachimangū’s shrine workplace is open from 9 am to five pm.
- In case you plan to take a bus, get off at Hachimangū-mae (八幡宮前). You too can get off at Matsumo-mae (松尾前). The shrine will then be a 5-minute stroll.
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