By ando 
Hiraoka jinja (Hir-a-oka Shrine), located at the foot of Mount Ikoma in Higashiosaka City, Osaka Prefecture, holds the highest shrine rank of “Kawachi-no-Kuni Ichinomiya” (First Shrine of Kawachi Province). It is also known as “Moto-Kasuga” (Original Kasuga) because it is the site where the kami (deities) of Nara’s renowned Kasuga Taisha originally resided, making it a sacred area with extremely deep historical roots.
In this article, we will introduce the mysterious Shinto rituals (shinji) and legends passed down at this ancient jinja, as well as its surprising connection to anime.
Basic Information
Location: 7-16 Izumoicho, Higashiosaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Main Kami (Deities): Amenokoyane-no-mikoto, Hime-no-mikami, Futsunushi-no-mikoto, Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto
Divine Blessings: family safety, good fortune and warding off evil, academic achievement, and more.
The “Original” Site of Nara’s Kasuga Taisha
Hiraoka jinja is said to have been founded an astonishing three years before the enthronement of Japan’s first Emperor, Emperor Jimmu (around 663 BCE).
The biggest highlight is its connection to Nara’s Kasuga Taisha. In 768, by imperial decree of Empress Shotoku, Amenokoyane-no-mikoto and Hime-no-mikami, the main kami of Hiraoka jinja, were enshrined in a branch shrine on Mount Kasuga in Nara. This marked the beginning of Kasuga Taisha. In other words, the roots of Kasuga Taisha lie here in Hiraoka.
Laughing for 20 Minutes?! The Mysterious “Owarai Shinji”
Essential to any discussion of Hiraoka jinja is the “Shimenawa-kake Shinji” (Shimenawa Hanging Ritual), commonly known as the “Owarai Shinji” (Laughing Ritual), held every December.
Inspired by the “Ama-no-Iwato Biraki” (Opening of the Heavenly Rock Cave) in Japanese mythology, all participants laugh continuously for an astonishing 20 minutes, led by the chief priest’s booming “Ah-ha-ha!”
Embodying the proverb “Fortune comes to a laughing gate,” this shinji was once a secret ritual performed only by Shinto priests, but now the general public can also participate. This powerful and nationally rare mystery shinji seeks the return of the sun during the winter solstice and aims to laugh away the evil spirits of the year.
The Secret Ritual “Okayuura” (Porridge Divination) and Weather Prediction
Another mysterious event is the “Kayura Shinji” (Porridge Divination Ritual), held in January.
In this ritual, 53 bamboo tubes are placed into azuki bean porridge cooked in a large cauldron, and the amount of porridge inside the tubes is used to predict the success or failure of the year’s harvest. Furthermore, it is a traditional divination ceremony that has continued since the Muromachi period, where 12 oak branches are burned, and the degree of their charring predicts the weather for each of the 12 months. The results are announced as “Okiage” (Divination Record), and many people still pay close attention to it as a guide for the year.
The Tragic Warrior Kusunoki Masatsura’s “Head-Washing Well”
Within the jinja grounds, there is also a historical spot that might send a slight shiver down your spine.
This is the “Kubi-arai no Ido” (Well for Washing Heads), associated with Kusunoki Masatsura, a warrior from the Nanboku-cho (Northern and Southern Courts) period. Legend has it that the head of Masatsura, who was defeated in the Battle of Shijonawate, was washed in this well. While the jinja hosts the vibrant “Laughing” Shinji, the sad histories of such warriors being etched into its grounds is also one of this jinja’s multifaceted appeals.
Anime Pilgrimage: The Ancient Magus’ Bride
Hiraoka jinja is actually known as a pilgrimage site for the popular anime series “The Ancient Magus’ Bride SEASON 2.”
In the “College Arc” of the series, an episode inspired by Japanese mythology features Hiraoka jinja’s “Owarai Shinji” as a significant element. For anime fans, it has become a precious spot where they can directly experience the mystical world of Japanese shinji that Chise and her companions encountered.
Highlights for Your Visit
On Mount Ikoma, soaring behind the main hall (honden), is “Kamitsudake,” said to be the first place where kami descended, and it is also popular as a hiking course.
Experience the tranquil atmosphere of “Moto-Kasuga” and the overwhelming positive energy brought by “laughter.” When you visit Osaka, be sure to make your way to Hiraoka jinja, a place brimming with this mysterious power.