Honshagū (本社宮)

Honshagu (本社宮)

The history of the Shinto shrine of Honshagu (本社宮), in Chigasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, traces back to 1030 when Minamoto no Yoriyoshi founded the shrine of Futokorojima Hachimangu (懐島八幡宮) on the hills of Satsuka Daimyojin by enshrining the god of Hondawake no Mikoto (誉田別命) of Iwashimizu Hachimangu, in Kyoto, on his way east on a military campaign ordered by the emperor.

In 1055, Yoriyoshi, along with his son Minamoto no Yoshiie, visited the shrine again and prayed for victory for the battle, later called the Former Nine Years' War.  After winning the battle, the Shinto shrine of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu was founded in Kamakura by enshrining the god of Futokorojima Hachimangu in 1063.

In 1085, Yoshi-ie prayed for victory in the battle, later known as the Later Three-Year War, which he won in 1087.

In 1089, Yoshi-ie prepared a vast area of land in the neighboring Hamanogo Village to build Tsurumine Hachimangu.  Futokorojima Hachimangu was renamed Honshagu and became the chinjusha of Yabata Village, mainly the Yabata District of Chigasaki today.

Koshin-to

During the Tenpo Period (1830-1844), the shrine relocated south of the current location.  In 1927, the shrine relocated to its current location.

Honshagu is currently administered by Tsurumine Hachimangu.

On the right side of the shrine building in the back, there is a stone marker, called koshin-to, engraved with the three wise monkeys made in 1656.  A koshin-to with this roof-like cap is relatively rare.  It is designated as cultural property by Chigasaki.

The place where the shrine first stood is now called Honjagaoka (本社丘) where a small stone shrine stands.  During spring, visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms here.