Honshagū (本社宮)

Honshagu (本社宮)

Honshagu (本社宮) is a Shinto shrine located in the Yabata District of Chigasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture.  It currently serves as a kenmu-sha (jointly administered shrine) of Tsurumine Hachimangu.

The shrine traces its origins back to 1030 when Minamoto no Yoriyoshi founded Futokorojima Hachimangu (懐島八幡宮) on the hills of Satsuka Daimyojin.  He enshrined Hondawake no Mikoto (誉田別命), the kami (deity) of Iwashimizu Hachimangu in Kyoto, before heading east on a military campaign ordered by the emperor.

In 1055, Yoriyoshi and his son Minamoto no Yoshiie visited the shrine again to pray for victory in what later became known as the Former Nine Years' War.  After their victory, in 1063, the kami of Futokorojima Hachimangu was enshrined in Kamakura, giving rise to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, according to the sign placed in Honshagu.

In 1085, Yoshiie once again prayed for success in battle—this time for the Later Three-Year War, emerging victorious in 1087.

In 1089, he allocated land in the neighboring Hamanogo Village (now corresponding to the Hamanogo District and part of the Jukkensaka District of Chigasaki) to establish Tsurumine Hachimangu.  Around this time, Futokorojima Hachimangu was renamed Honshagu and became the chinju-sha (guardian shrine) of Yabata Village (modern-day Yabata District of Chigasaki).

Koshin-to

During the Tenpo era (1830–1844), Honshagu was relocated slightly south of the current location.  It moved to its current location in 1927.

A notable feature of the shrine is a koshin-to (庚申塔) stone marker, located to the right of the main shrine building.  This 1656 monument is engraved with a rare roof-like cap and the three wise monkeys (see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil).  It is designated as a cultural property of Chigasaki.

The shrine's original site is now known as Honjagaoka (本社丘), where a small stone shrine stands.  In spring, visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms.