Nagoya Shrine Visit Report 2025 Mizuho No.10 Hakkensha Shrine
Hakkensha Shrine (Mitsurugi Town) — The Deity of the Eight Swords
Hakkensha Shrine, located in Mitsurugi Town, Mizuho Ward, Nagoya, is an ancient shrine believed to have enshrined the divine spirit of the lower shrine of Atsuta Jingu.
The name <em>Hakkensha</em> literally means “Shrine of the Eight Swords,” referring to eight divine blades that repel evil and purify calamities — a symbol of protection and renewal.
Over the centuries, the shrine became inseparable from its surroundings, and the local area came to be known as Mitsurugi (“sacred sword”) Town, reflecting how faith and place have grown together through generations.
Deities Enshrined
| Type | Deity | Divine Virtue |
|---|---|---|
| Main Deity | Take-haya Susanoo no Mikoto | God of purification and protection from calamity — wielder of the divine sword that cleanses and renews. |
| Associated Deities | Yamato Takeru no Mikoto Otomono Takehi no Mikoto |
Revered for courage, loyalty, and divine protection in times of battle. |
Origins and Geographic Setting
Two traditions describe the origin of Hakkensha Shrine. One holds that it was founded in 1056 (Tengi 4) when the divine spirit of the “Eight Swords” was transferred from Atsuta Jingu’s lower shrine. The other claims it was rebuilt in 1564 (Eiroku 7) by Murase Joushin, lord of Takata Castle.
In ancient times, the surrounding area was known as Ayuchigata — a wide tidal inlet that once covered southern Nagoya. Although the region was once sea, Mitsurugi Town lies on the Mizuho Plateau, about 10–15 meters above sea level. Its elevated location made it safe from floods and ideal for sacred rituals. For this reason, the 1056 foundation theory remains plausible: a shrine built on a hill above the waves to enshrine the “Eight Swords” of purification.
Chronological Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1056 (Tengi 4) | Believed to have been founded by transferring the divine spirit of the Eight Swords from Atsuta Jingu’s lower shrine. Known as “Takata Village Hakkensha.” |
| 1564 (Eiroku 7) | Rebuilt by Murase Joushin, lord of Takata Castle. Revered as a guardian deity during the Sengoku era. |
| 1600–1800s (Edo period) | Maintained close ties with Atsuta Jingu. Stone lanterns and monuments were built along the approach road. |
| 1870s (Meiji period) | Elevated to the rank of village shrine; additional deities Yamato Takeru and Otomono Takehi no Mikoto were enshrined. |
| 1930s (Showa period) | Torii gate, stone steps, and lanterns were reconstructed, shaping the present-day appearance. |
| From 1930 to Present | The annual festival has been preserved by local parishioners. Faith continues to this day, and the Omokaru Stones and Water Fortune remain beloved by visitors. |
The Omokaru Stones — Stones of Prayer and Lightness
In front of the worship hall stand two stones placed on red and yellow cushions, known as the Omokaru Stones, or “heavy-light stones.” They are part of an ancient Japanese folk ritual where the perceived change in weight reflects the divine will.
How to Experience:
- Lift the stone once with both hands, without any thought, to feel its weight.
- Think deeply about your wish.
- Lift the same stone again. If it feels lighter, your wish is closer to fulfillment; if heavier, more effort may be required.
The left stone (amber agate on a yellow cushion) is relatively light — suitable for children or first-time visitors. The right stone (a natural boulder on a red cushion) is heavier, often chosen by adults making heartfelt prayers. Together they form a pair called the “Parent and Child Stones,” representing the connection of prayer across generations.
Note: No official record assigns symbolic meanings such as “left = heart” or “right = form.” These interpretations are based on visitors’ experiences and local tradition.
The Shrine Today
Hakkensha Shrine continues to serve as the spiritual heart of the Mitsurugi community. Stone lanterns and guardian lion-dogs from the Showa era stand proudly along the path, while newer features such as the Water Fortune draw young visitors. During the autumn festival, children carry portable shrines through the streets, keeping the faith alive.
Standing on elevated ground, the shrine overlooks southern Nagoya, where wind and sunlight pass gently through the trees. This serenity embodies the millennium-long continuity of the Eight Swords’ divine protection.
Access
Address: 2-18 Mitsurugi-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-0875
Conclusion
Hakkensha Shrine tells the story of a deity of the Eight Swords — a god who guards the boundary between land and sea. Even today, the whispers of prayer and the sound of wind through the sacred grove echo across the centuries on this ancient hill.
There are approximately 80,000 shrines across Japan. At JapanStones.shop, we visit authentic shrines nationwide to share their stories, stone lanterns, chozubachi, and guardian statues with the world.