Ichinoya Yasaka Jinja (一ノ矢八坂神社)

Ichinoya Yasaka Jinja (一ノ矢八坂神社)

The first torii (entrance gate) of Ichinoya Yasaka Jinja

Ichinoya Yasaka Jinja (一ノ矢八坂神社) is a Shinto shrine located in the Tamatori District of Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture.

The shrine was founded during the early Heian period, in the Jogan era (859–877), when Susanoo-no-Mikoto (素戔嗚尊), the kami (deity) of Yasaka Shrine in Gion, Kyoto, was enshrined here as a guardian against disease, disasters, and maritime dangers, as well as a divine patron of military valor and education.

The second torii of Ichinoya Yasaka Jinja

According to the shrine's official website, a crow from Kyushu flew into the area and damaged the crops.  In response, an arrow was shot toward the sky and the first arrow successfully struck down the crow.  The shrine was later built at that very spot.  The name "Ichinoya" (一ノ矢) means "first arrow."  The crow was said to have three legs and carried a tama (jewel).  The area where it was struck down became known as Tamatori (which literally translates "jewel-taking") Village (玉取村).

Temizu-ya (water pavilion)

However, an explanatory sign in front of the shrine states that a warrior named Tomonaga attempted to shoot a three-legged bird.  His first and second arrows missed, but the third one struck its target.  The place where his first arrow landed came to be called Ichinoya.

The shrine has long been known as "Ichinoya no Tenno-sama" (一ノ矢の天王様).  The term "Tenno-sama" (天王様) is a shortened form of Gozu Tenno (牛頭天王), a kami identified as Susanoo-no-Mikoto.  Initially worshipped as a kami of water, Gozu Tenno later became regarded as a kami who controls epidemics.

During conflicts from the Eiroku era (1558–1570) to the early Tensho era (1573–1592), the shrine was destroyed by fire.  It was rebuilt by the local community during the Bunroku era (1592–1596).  Later, in April 1676, domain lord Hori Michichika reconstructed the honden (main hall), and in March 1711, Hori Toshinaga rebuilt the haiden (worship hall), giving the shrine its current form.

Zuika Socho Hachiryokyo

One of the shrine's most significant artifacts is the Zuika Socho Hachiryokyo (瑞花雙鳥八稜鏡), a 10-centimeter bronze mirror from the Nanboku-cho period (1337–1392).  It is believed to have been donated by the Oda clan.  The mirror features an inner section divided by an eight-lobed frame, with a floral-patterned knob at its center, two opposing phoenixes above, and auspicious floral motifs below, while the outer section is decorated with arabesque patterns and butterflies with outspread wings.  It is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by Ibaraki Prefecture.

The shrine's Reitaisai (annual grand festival) takes place from June 6 to June 14 according to the lunar calendar.  The festival on June 7 is specifically known as Nin-niku Matsuri (ニンニク祭り), which translates to "Garlic Festival."

The Nin-niku Matsuri is believed to have originated during the Great Tenmei Famine (1782–1788), when an epidemic spread throughout the region.  According to legend, the local lord, Hotta Tsushima-no-kami (堀田対馬守), saved many people using garlic from this shrine.  As part of the festival, garlic amulets—believed to ward off illness and misfortune—are distributed.

Subordinate Shrines

Inari Jinja (稲荷神社) & Tenmangu (天満宮)

Tenmangu (天満宮) (left) and Inari Jinja (稲荷神社) (right)

Behind Ichinoya Yasaka Jinja are two smaller shrines of Inari Jinja (稲荷神社), enshrining Ukanomitama (宇迦之御魂神), the kami of agriculture, industry, and business, and Tenmangu (天満宮), enshrining Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真公), the kami of scholarship and agriculture.

Iwadainichi-sha (岩大日社)

Iwadainichi-sha (岩大日社)

Next to the parking lot stands the subordinate shrine of Iwadainichi-sha (岩大日社), also referred to as Morodainichi-shi or Morodainichi-hokora (室大日祠), enshrining the kami O-hirumenomuchi (大日孁貴).  The shrine's stone statue of a seated Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana) of the Diamond Realm (石造金剛界大日如来坐像) sits on top of what is believed to be a kofun (burial mound).