Hie Jinja (日枝神社)

Hie Jinja (日枝神社)

Hie Jinja (日枝神社)

Hie Jinja (日枝神社) is a Shinto shrine located in the Nakajima District of Chigasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture.  It enshrines the kami (deity) Oyamakui-no-Mikoto (大山咋命).

According to shrine legend, Sanno Daigongen (山王大権現) was enshrined in 1649 as the guardian deity of Nakajima Village, which corresponds to the Nakajima District of Chigasaki today.  The shrine was originally known as Sanno-sha (山王社) until it was renamed Hie Jinja in 1869.

Belfry

The shrine is particularly known for its blessings related to the brewing industry, including brewing safety, prosperity in alcohol-related businesses, prayers for moderation in drinking, good health and longevity, and extended life expectancy.  Many sake brewers are said to visit the shrine to pray for success.

Near the torii (shrine gate) stands the goshinboku (a sacred tree at a Shinto shrine believed to be a dwelling place of kami) alongside a Dosojin (道祖神) and a small shrine dedicated to Oyama Fudōson (大山不動尊).

Goshinboku

Dosojin (道祖神) (left) and Oyama Fudoson (大山不動尊) (right)

Additionally, a row of koshin-to (庚申塔) is lined up next to the belfry.

Koshin-to

Behind Hie Jinja, the subordinate shrine Yasaka Jinja (八坂神社) enshrines the kami Susanoo-no-Mikoto (素盞嗚尊).

Yasaka Jinja (八坂神社)