Nagoya Shrine Visit Report 2025 Mizuho No.16 Naorai Shrine
Naorai Jinja (Naorai Shrine) — A Quiet Place Where Things “Come into Order”
In Naorai-cho, Mizuho Ward, Nagoya, Naorai Jinja stands as a small yet dignified shrine whose name shares the same characters as the ritual feast naorai—the final act of a Shintō ceremony when people return to ordinary life with renewed harmony. The grounds are calm and spotless. Two auxiliary shrines for Hakuryū (White Dragon) and Nichiryū stand neatly side by side. Stone steps, rounded fieldstone walls, and timeworn stone lanterns quietly tell the story of a community’s long devotion.
Deities & Blessings
Naorai Jinja brings together dragon faith, healing, and purification. The following deities are enshrined:
| Shrine | Deity | Blessings |
|---|---|---|
| Naorai Jinja (Main) | Naorai Hakuryū Ōkami | Healing of skin lumps (odemono), recovery from illness, longevity, maritime safety, prosperity, household well-being, good fortune |
| Naorai Jinja (Co-enshrined) | Naorai Ōkami | Purification of defilements, harmony and affection, completeness and felicity |
| Nichiryū-sha (Aux.) | Nichiryū Ōkami | Recovery, longevity protection, removal of karmic obstacles, bestowal of blessings |
| Hakuryū-sha (Aux.) | Hakuryū Ōkami | Protection from water calamities, good harvests, warding off misfortune, uplifting fortune |
Kiso Yoshinaka — The Historical Thread
Kiso Yoshinaka (1154–1184) was a Genji commander in the late Heian period who expelled the Taira from Kyoto in 1183. Raised in the Kiso Valley of Shinano, he is remembered as a brave yet tragic hero. His clan’s flight through turbulent times left legends across Japan—one strand of which is preserved at Naorai Jinja.
The Legend of Princess Katsura
According to local tradition, Princess Katsura, said to be Yoshinaka’s consort, died during an escape due to an illness described as “skin lumps.” A katsura tree was planted where she was laid to rest. The stele on the grounds records her wish to “help those who suffer from the same affliction.” Over time, people believed that rubbing a small stone at the base of the katsura would bring healing. Today’s prayers for healing and relief at Naorai Jinja trace back to this gentle story.
Stone Highlights (Craft & Material)
- Stone steps & rounded fieldstone walls: Soft natural textures and careful stacking give the approach a warm gravity.
- Two historic stone lanterns: Hand-chiseled details with graceful weathering convey long devotion.
- Auxiliary shrines (Hakuryū-sha & Nichiryū-sha): Granite pedestals with timber sanctuaries and copper roofs—cleanly maintained since the 2006 precinct upgrade.
- Natural-boulder stele: A large stone with framed dressing that shows refined workmanship and presence.
Timeline (Common Era)
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1180s (Genpei War era) | Flight of Kiso Yoshinaka’s clan; the legend of Princess Katsura takes root locally. |
| 1912 (Taishō 1) | Founding of Naorai Jinja (Naorai Shrine). |
| 1921 (Taishō 10) | Precinct improvements; ritual organization strengthened. |
| 1928 (Shōwa 3) | Structures improved in celebration of the Imperial enthronement. |
| 1930 (Shōwa 5) | Commemorative name stele dedicated. |
| 2006 (Heisei 18) | Precinct upgrade: Hakuryū-sha, Nichiryū-sha, natural-boulder stele, and stone edging shaped the present layout. |
| 2006–Present | Ongoing cleaning and care by parishioners keep the grounds beautifully maintained. |
Conclusion
Naorai Jinja leaves a lasting impression of quiet, care, and depth of prayer. True to the meaning of naorai, a visit gently restores balance, while the stonework conveys both history and warmth. Dragon faith, the wish of Princess Katsura, and the 2006 upgrade come together gracefully in a small precinct carefully protected by its neighbors.
Shrine-Hopping & Japanese Garden Design
Japan has about 80,000 shrines, each carrying its own layer of local history and quiet prayer. Even a small shrine like Naorai Jinja preserves stories handed down for centuries—together they form the very texture of Japanese culture.
At Japanstones.shop, we visit shrines across Japan and share original photos of stone lanterns, komainu (guardian dogs), Inari icons, temizu basins, and Jizō statues. Just as Sen no Rikyū once brought shrine lanterns into the tea world, we hope these examples inspire your own Japanese garden design.