By ando 
Imazu-cho, located in the northwestern part of Lake Biwa in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, is home to a jinja with a rather unusual name. It is called “Ashizumi Jinja and Yukisugi Tenmangu” (Ashizumi Jinja – Yukisugi Tenmangu). This site, where the names of two shrines are intertwined, holds a mysterious legend connected to the Heian period genius, Sugawara no Michizane, and a deep history stretching back to ancient times.
Basic Information
Location: 1228 Hirokawa, Imazu-cho, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture.
Enshrined Kami: Ashizumi Jinja enshrines Ashizumi no Mikoto, and Yukisugi Tenmangu enshrines Sugawara no Michizane-ko.
Annual Festival: May 4 (Imazu Matsuri).
The Mystery of the Name “Yukisugi”
Upon visiting this jinja, the first thing that catches the eye is its rare name, “Yukisugi,” which means “passing by” or “overpassing.” This name is associated with a somewhat poignant legend concerning Sugawara no Michizane-ko, who is renowned as the kami of scholarship.
During the Heian period, Michizane-ko was exiled to Dazaifu following the Shotai Incident. On his journey, as he passed through this area, his former students and admirers rushed to bid him a sorrowful farewell. However, as a condemned man, Michizane-ko, despite his reluctance, had to “pass through” this place without stopping.
From this episode, the area eventually became known as “Yukisugi.” It is said that when a Tenmangu jinja was later built to enshrine Michizane-ko, the name Yukisugi was adopted. Within the precincts, there remains a “Koshikake-ishi” (sitting stone) where Michizane-ko is believed to have rested, conveying his lingering regret and the deep affection of the local villagers to this day.
Ashizumi Jinja: Holding Ancient Mysteries
On the other hand, Ashizumi Jinja, whose name is also listed, is a Shikinaisha, meaning it was recorded in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, a document from the Heian period, indicating its extremely ancient history.
There is a mystery surrounding its enshrined kami, Ashizumi no Mikoto, as the exact identity is not fully known. One theory suggests a connection to the ancient Azumi clan, who once ruled this area. The Azumi clan is known for worshipping sea kami, and given the immense body of water that is Lake Biwa, it is highly probable that Ashizumi no Mikoto was revered as a kami of water or navigation here.
From the medieval period onward, as the worship of Tenmangu grew stronger, the name “Yukisugi Tenmangu” became more prominent. Yet, beneath it lies the quiet, enduring worship of the enigmatic kami “Ashizumi,” a tradition that has continued since ancient times.
Pilgrimage to a Sacred Site: A Setting for the Anime ‘Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions!’
Imazu-cho in Takashima City, where Ashizumi Jinja and Yukisugi Tenmangu are located, is also known as one of the real-world locations that inspired the popular anime series ‘Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions!’
In the anime, many scenes feature the area around Omi-Imazu Station, the nearest train station, and the landscapes along Lake Biwa. While the jinja itself is not depicted as a main setting, many fans visit it as part of their pilgrimage to “sacred sites” to immerse themselves in the anime’s atmosphere. The tranquil ambiance of the precincts exudes a somewhat fantastical charm that resonates with the anime’s world, making it an unmissable spot for fans of the series.
Highlights for Visitors
The jinja precincts are remarkably serene, enveloped in a solemn atmosphere created by ancient trees. Of particular note are the elaborate carvings on the main hall (honden). Furthermore, during the annual Imazu Matsuri in May, magnificent decorative floats (hikiyama) parade through the streets, creating a vibrant contrast to the usual tranquility.
A path once trod by Michizane-ko, and a place where ancient kami rest. Why not visit Ashizumi Jinja and Yukisugi Tenmangu, where the visible stage of history and its hidden depths intertwine, and experience a romance that transcends time?
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