By ando 
Hochigai Jinja (Katatagae Jinja) is located in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture. It is a remarkably rare jinja nationwide, where many people have, since ancient times, worshipped the kami for protection against directional misfortunes (housaiyoke), particularly before building a house or moving. This time, we will delve into the mysterious legends and enigmas hidden within this jinja.
BASIC INFORMATION
Location: 2-2-1 Kitamikumogaokacho, Sakai Ward, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture
Enshrined Kami: Katatagae Sachi Okami (Katatagae Sachi Okami). This is a collective term for Yaso Tenman Konjin (Tenjin Chigi or heavenly and earthly kami), Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Mitsutsuo-no-Okami (Sumiyoshi Okami), and Okinagatarashihime-no-Mikoto (Empress Jingu).
Access: Approximately a 5-minute walk from Sakaihigashi Station on the Nankai Koya Line, or approximately a 15-minute walk from Sakaishi Station on the JR Hanwa Line.
—
1. The “Sacred Ground Without Direction” Born from the Boundary of Three Provinces
The greatest mystery of Hochigai Jinja lies in its location. This spot was once the meeting point of the boundaries of three ancient provinces: Settsu, Kawachi, and Izumi.
It is said that the current place name “Sakai” (meaning “boundary”) originated from this “border of three provinces.”
Since ancient times, this “boundary” area has been regarded as “belonging to no country, thus a place without direction.” A place without direction signifies a “zero point” where one is unaffected by the influence of bad directions. For this reason, a special belief arose that by worshipping here, any misfortune from an ill-fated direction one might be heading towards could be nullified.
2. The Legend of Empress Jingu Hidden in the Inedible “Chimaki”
The “chimaki” granted at Hochigai Jinja is completely different from the edible chimaki (rice dumplings) we might imagine.
It is a special amulet made by wrapping earth from the shrine grounds in komo (reed) leaves, intended to be hung at entrances or other locations to ward off directional misfortunes.
A legend related to Empress Jingu is associated with this chimaki.
When the Empress returned from her expedition to the Three Korean Kingdoms, she emulated the tale of Emperor Jinmu at this very spot. She kneaded clay to create “Yaso Hiraka” (many dishes), enshrined the Tenjin Chigi (heavenly and earthly kami), and prayed for victory and safe travels. It is said that the chimaki, made by wrapping earth in komo leaves and offered to the kami, originated from this event. This ancient and elegant ritual is still passed down today during the “Chimaki Matsuri” (Chimaki Festival), held annually on May 31st.
3. The Mystery of the “Golden Rooster” Sleeping in the Shrine Grounds
Around the jinja, there was once an ancient burial mound (kofun) called “Tenno-zuka.” A peculiar legend remains about this place.
It is said that “a golden rooster is buried inside the mound, and its crow can be heard on New Year’s Day morning.”
This golden rooster is rumored to be a guardian kami of the jinja or a symbol of buried treasure, but its true identity remains shrouded in mystery. It is one of the mysteries that tell the story of this area’s past as an important transportation hub where much wealth accumulated.
4. The Resilience of the “Kuroganemochi” Tree That Withstood War
Within the grounds of Hochigai Jinja stands a magnificent Kuroganemochi tree, designated as a protected tree by Sakai City.
During the Great Sakai Air Raid of 1945, all of the jinja’s shrine buildings were completely burned down. However, this tree miraculously survived, even while being exposed to intense flames.
Despite bearing black burn marks, it sprouted anew and now thrives with lush green leaves. Its vibrant presence embodies the divine grace (go-shintoku) of the jinja, which wards off calamities. It continues to quietly inspire courage in worshippers facing major life transitions, such as moving or job transfers.
—
Hochigai Jinja is a place that can reset the invisible “flow of fortune” related to directions.
Before starting something new, or whenever you feel your luck might be stagnant, why not visit this “center of the world (zero point)”?
RELATED LINKS AND REFERENCES
[1] Hochigai Jinja
[2] Hochigai Jinja and Mikunigaoka – Legend and Historical Facts
[3] Hochigai Jinja [Osaka Prefecture] – Cultural Research Log
[4] History | Hochigai Jinja Official
[5] Receive blessings at Hochigai Jinja, a power spot | Natts (Nankai Odekake Information)
[6] Hochigai Jinja | Spots | Sakai Tourist Guide
[7] Hochigai Jinja – Wikipedia
[8] Osaka Prefecture Sakai City “Hochigai Jinja” Three Provinces Story (280) | Today’s Scenery
[9] Hochigai Jinja (Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture) | Miku’s IRODORI Walk
[10] Hochigai Jinja
[11] Hochigai Jinja (Kitamikumogaokacho, Sakai Ward, Sakai City) – The “Boundary” of Three Provinces for Directional Misfortune Amulets and Tadeyama Kofun – Ancient History Exploration from Settsu Mishima
[12] [(3) Hochigai Jinja]
[13] Hochigai Jinja | Jinja.com
[14] Hochigai Jinja (Sakai City) Directional Misfortune and Exorcism Prayer | Access and History | OSAKA-INFO
[15] Mystery here and there [Osaka] Goshuin and Chimaki Matsuri of Hochigai Jinja
[16] Chimaki for Directional Protection and Exorcism | Hochigai Jinja – Jinja Fan
[17] Annual Festival Chimaki Matsuri | Hochigai Jinja Official
[18] Hochigai Jinja (Sakai Ward, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture)