Nagoya Shrine Visit Report 2025 Mizuho No.14 Honganji Hachiman Shrine
Honganji Hachiman Shrine (Mizuho Ward, Nagoya) — Guardian of the Former Honganji Village
Nestled in the quiet residential streets of Mizuho Ward, Nagoya, Honganji Hachiman Shrine has long served as the tutelary shrine of the former Honganji Village. The compact precinct is carefully maintained, with granite torii, lanterns, and guardian dogs that embody the region’s durable stone craftsmanship.
Deities (Enshrined Kami)
- Emperor Ōjin (Hachiman) — national protection, warding off calamity, valor.
- Kukurihime-no-Mikoto — mediation, harmony, bringing people together.
- Otsune Inari Daimyōjin — a locally rooted form of Inari worship; blessings for harvests, business prosperity, and household safety.
Origins & Background
While the founding date is unknown, sources indicate the shrine already existed by the late 17th century as the guardian of Honganji Village. The stone namepost today reads “Hachiman / Hakusan,” reflecting the merger with Hakusan Shrine carried out in the modern era. Within the precinct stands a dedicated space for Otsune Inari Daimyōjin, marked by many vivid red banners and donated torii. Together, Hachiman, Hakusan, and Inari traditions form a layered sacred landscape that continues to protect agriculture, commerce, and family life in the neighborhood.
What to Notice on the Grounds
- Granite ensemble: torii, tōrō (stone lanterns), tamagaki (fence), and komainu (guardian dogs) emphasize longevity and calm aesthetics.
- Clean, modest worship hall: cared for by local volunteers; the shrine remains closely tied to daily life.
- Otsune Inari Daimyōjin area: a small sanctuary lined with red banners and donated torii; stone figures and paper cranes show heartfelt devotion.
Historical Timeline
| Year / Period | Event |
|---|---|
| Early 1600s | Hachiman worship takes root as the tutelary faith of the developing Honganji settlement. |
| Late 1600s | Village records already mention the Hachiman shrine, suggesting an established presence. |
| 1870s | Administrative reforms remove the “Honganji Village” place name, but the shrine remains active as a local guardian. |
| 1900–Present |
Early 1900s: Hakusan Shrine is merged into Honganji Hachiman; the stone namepost preserves both names. Mid–late 20th century: The precinct’s Otsune Inari Daimyōjin area grows into a familiar focus of local devotion, with many banners and donated torii. Today: Through regular cleaning, offerings, and seasonal observances, local residents continue to maintain the shrine as a quiet neighborhood guardian. |
Deities Table
| Deity | Reading | Blessings / Role |
|---|---|---|
| Emperor Ōjin (Hachiman) | Ōjin Tennō | National protection, warding off misfortune, valor and communal well-being. |
| Kukurihime-no-Mikoto | Kukurihime-no-Mikoto | Mediation and harmony; bringing people together and fostering good ties. |
| Otsune Inari Daimyōjin | Otsune Inari Daimyōjin | Harvests, business prosperity, and household safety; a locally rooted Inari tradition. |
Summary
Honganji Hachiman Shrine is a living example of a neighborhood tutelary shrine in Nagoya, where Hachiman, Hakusan, and Inari traditions overlap to form a layered sacred landscape. Granite works record time with quiet dignity, while red Inari banners ripple with the community’s prayers.
There are about 80,000 Shinto shrines across Japan. At Japanstones.shop, we visit authentic shrines and temples, sharing their stone culture—tōrō (stone lanterns), chozubachi (water basins), and komainu (guardian dogs)—with audiences worldwide. We walk these precincts with care and present the craft of stone and the accumulation of time as faithfully as possible.
Last updated (JST): November 4, 2025