By ando 
Wakasahiko jinja, located in Obama City, Fukui Prefecture, is a renowned shrine that has been revered since ancient times as the ichinomiya (chief shrine) of Wakasa Province. This jinja holds fascinating stories that become more intriguing the more you learn, such as a grand legend connecting it underground to Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara, and the mystery of kami who appeared in foreign guises.
This time, we will delve into the charms of Wakasahiko jinja, a must-visit for history enthusiasts and power spot lovers alike.
1. The Mystery of Omizuokuri: Sending Sacred Water to Nara’s Tōdai-ji Temple
Essential to any discussion of Wakasahiko jinja is the Omizuokuri (Sending of Sacred Water) shingi, a sacred ritual held annually on March 2nd. This is a very rare event where holy water from Wakasa is sent to Nara, taking place prior to the Omizutori (Drawing of Sacred Water) ritual at Tōdai-ji Temple’s Nigatsu-dō Hall.
The Legend: An Apology from a Late Kami
Long ago, when Jitchu Oshō, the founder of Tōdai-ji Temple, invited kami from across the country for a Buddhist service, Onyū Myōjin (Wakasahiko no kami) from Wakasa was so engrossed in fishing that he arrived late. As an apology, the Myōjin promised to “dedicate the pure water of Wakasa to the principal deity of Nigatsu-dō Hall.”
It is said that when the Myōjin struck the ground at Nigatsu-dō Hall, water sprang forth, becoming the present-day Wakasai (Wakasa Well). The sacred water released from Unose in Obama is believed to travel underground for 10 days before reaching the well in Nara. This is a romantic bond, spanning over 1300 years, that transcends scientific proof.
2. Did the Kami Appear as Tōjin (Foreigners)?
The origin story of Wakasahiko jinja contains a highly mysterious account. It states that in Wado 7 (714 CE), when the kami descended to this land, they appeared as “Tōjin (foreigners) riding white horses.”
Both Wakasahiko no kami of the Kamisha (upper shrine) and Wakasahime no kami of the Shimosha (lower shrine) initially descended at a place called Shiraishi, upstream on the Onyu River. Why would Japanese kami appear in foreign attire? One theory suggests this indicates Wakasa’s role as a gateway for continental exchange since ancient times, and its deep connections with immigrant clans, sparking intrigue about ancient history.
3. The Story of the Married Kami and Their Kamisha (Upper Shrine) and Shimosha (Lower Shrine)
Wakasahiko jinja is divided into two separate shrines: the Kamisha (Wakasahiko jinja), which enshrines Hikohodemi-no-mikoto, also known as Yamasachihiko; and the Shimosha (Wakasahime jinja), which enshrines his consort, Toyotamahime-no-mikoto, also known as Otohime.
– Kamisha (Wakasahiko jinja): Enveloped in a dense forest, it exudes a tranquil and solemn atmosphere. Here, you will find the Meoto Sugi (Married Couple Cedars), two cedar trees joined at their roots, known as a powerful spot for warding off evil spirits and purification.
– Shimosha (Wakasahime jinja): Located approximately 1.5 km from the Kamisha, this shrine is famous for its divine blessings for safe childbirth, child-rearing, and matchmaking. Within its grounds stands the Sennen Sugi (Thousand-Year Cedar), a cedar tree over 1000 years old, whose overwhelming vitality is truly awe-inspiring.
4. A Surprising Aspect: Kami of Tatami and Interior Design
Wakasahiko jinja is actually also revered as a guardian kami of tatami mats and floor coverings. This originates from a legend that when the enshrined kami descended to this land, they were welcomed by laying down tatami. Even today, it is a “kami of the industry,” known to those in the know, with people from the interior design industry and tatami artisans visiting from across the country to pray for business prosperity.
Basic Information
Name: Wakasahiko jinja (Kamisha) and Wakasahime jinja (Shimosha)
Location:
Kamisha: 28-7 Ryuzen, Obama City, Fukui Prefecture
Shimosha: 65-41 Onyu, Obama City, Fukui Prefecture
Enshrined Kami:
Kamisha: Hikohodemi-no-mikoto (Yamasachihiko)
Shimosha: Toyotamahime-no-mikoto (Otohime)
Access: Approximately 10-15 minutes by car from Obama Station on the JR Obama Line. Exploring by rental bicycle is also recommended.
Nestled amidst the abundant nature of Wakasa, this jinja is a place that allows visitors to feel its deep connection to Nara and the mysteries of ancient times. Why not ponder the story of the “sacred water” that has flowed for over 1300 years within its tranquil grounds?
Related Links and References
1. Wakasahiko jinja | Kamunakara no Michi – Tenchi Yūkyū
2. Wakasahiko jinja and Wakasahime jinja are secretly popular powerful purification spots [Ichinomiya of Fukui Prefecture] | Jinja Lab
3. Does Wakasa’s “Omizuokuri” really reach Tōdai-ji Temple? We considered it from the perspective of the water cycle | SusTB communications Inc.
4. ON THE TRIP
5. ZIPANG-2 TOKIO 2020 ~Tradition continued for over 1200 years~ “From Obama Jingūji ‘Omizuokuri’ to Nara Tōdai-ji ‘Omizutori’ (Part 5)” | ZIPANG-2 TOKIO 2020
6. Wakasahiko jinja and Wakasahime jinja | National Tourism Resources Database (Japan Travel Bureau Foundation)
7. Announcing spring to Tōdai-ji Temple, “Omizuokuri” connects Wakasa and Nara – Sekai Nippo DIGITAL
8. 501 Not Implemented
9. Wakasa Ichinomiya (Wakasahiko jinja) | Recommended Tourist Spots | FUKUI WakasaONEweb Fukui “Wakasaji” Tourism Site
10. [Ichinomiya of Wakasa Province] Wakasahiko jinja: The Love Story of Yamasachihiko and Princess Otohime – “Hinata” na? Katchan BLOG
11. Wakasahiko jinja Meoto Sugi, where souls and foundations connect, providing bonds | yasuragi
12. 501 Not Implemented
13. Fukui Wakasahiko jinja Wakasahime jinja | Teacher NICO’s (provisional) Goshuin Tour
14. Wakasahiko jinja / Wakasahime jinja (Ichinomiya of Wakasa Province) (2) and Meikyodo *with update | Miku’s IRODORI Walk
15. Wakasahiko / Wakasahime jinja! Tōdai-ji Temple Omizutori! Starting from Wakasa “Omizuokuri” – Jingūji Temple [Fukui Series] | Yanmaa
16. A record of worship at Wakasahiko jinja and Wakasahime jinja, welcomed by sacred trees and living creatures – SmartNatural.Life
17. Wakasahiko jinja is a beautiful Japanese shrine with an ancient atmosphere. | Tomoko Shimokawa Official Blog “Let’s Go to Power Spots!” Powered by Ameba