By ando 
Rittō City, Shiga Prefecture. Here stands a jinja (Shinto shrine) with a curious name, said to be extremely rare, or even “one of a kind,” across Japan. Its name is 菌神社 (Kusakamisha / Kinjinja).
What kind of history and mysteries are hidden within this jinja, which bears the character “菌” (kin/kusa, meaning fungus or microbe)? We will introduce little-known stories about this jinja, which attracts attention from fermented food enthusiasts, researchers, and even anime fans.
Basic Information about Kinjinja
Location: 1-11 Nakazawa, Rittō City, Shiga Prefecture
Main Kami: Ukanomitama no Kami
Founding: Reputedly during the reign of Emperor Keikō, or the era of Emperor Tenji
Locally, it has long been affectionately known as “Kusakami-san.” However, due to its unusual name, it has now become widely known nationwide as “Kinjinja.”
The Legend of the Mushrooms That Saved People Overnight
A remarkably dramatic legend remains regarding the origin of this jinja’s name.
It was during the Asuka period, in the era of Emperor Tenji. An unprecedented famine struck this region. As people suffered from hunger and many lost their lives, it is said that giant mushrooms (菌 – kin/kusa) sprouted overnight near the current jinja grounds.
When the desperate villagers ate these mushrooms, their hunger was miraculously appeased, and many lives were saved. Believing this to be divine protection, people built a shrine to enshrine “菌 (kusa)” (fungi/vegetation) so as not to forget its blessings. This is said to be the origin of the jinja.
The Mystery and Backstory Behind the Character “菌”
Actually, there is another aspect to why this jinja uses the character “菌.”
There is a theory that this area was once associated with the place name “Kusatsu” (草津) and that the jinja originally enshrined “草” (kusa, meaning grass/vegetation). However, it seems that the aforementioned mushroom legend was so powerful that the character “菌” (kin/kusa) came to be used instead.
Furthermore, in modern times, the interpretation of “菌” (kin) as “microorganisms” has become widespread. This has given rise to a unique form of modern worship, where industry professionals involved in fermented foods such as soy sauce, miso, sake, and natto, as well as researchers from pharmaceutical companies, visit to pray for “the tranquility and activation of microorganisms.”
Pilgrimage: Connection to the Microbe Manga “Moyashimon”
Kinjinja is unofficially and secretly passed down among fans of the hugely popular manga and anime “Moyashimon,” which focuses on microbes, as one of their “sacred sites” or “pilgrimage sites.”
While the jinja does not directly appear in the work itself, its unique concept of “revering fungi/microbes” perfectly aligns with the worldview of the protagonist, Tadayasu Sawaki, who can see microorganisms. Fans of the series began visiting with the purpose of “greeting the kami of microbes,” becoming a topic of discussion on social media and elsewhere.
Points for Visiting
The jinja grounds are very quiet, nestled discreetly within a residential area. While not a flashy tourist destination, it undeniably embodies the Japanese spirituality of respecting “the invisible forces of life.”
An annual festival is held every May and is carefully preserved by local residents. If you are a fan of fermented foods or wish for good health, why not visit this “kami of microbes”?
Tiny, invisible beings support our lives. This hidden gem of a jinja in Shiga helps us realize this commonplace yet wondrous truth.
Related Links / References
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