By ando 
Narumi Jinja is a shrine located in Midori Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. Known affectionately by locals as “Narimi-san,” it is, in fact, a highly prestigious ancient shrine with a deep connection to Atsuta Jingu and a history spanning over 1300 years. This article will introduce some of the mysteries hidden within this shrine and some lesser-known backstories.
Basic Information
Location: 85 Otogoyama, Narumi-cho, Midori Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
Enshrined kami: Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, Miyazu Hime no Mikoto, Takeinadane no Mikoto
Founded: Shucho Gannen (686 AD)
Access: Approximately 10 minutes walk from Narumi Station on the Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line
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The Mystery of the Kusanagi-no-Mitsurugi’s Return and the Birth of Narumi Jinja
The founding of Narumi Jinja is deeply intertwined with one of the greatest mysteries in Japanese mythology: the “Theft of the Kusanagi-no-Mitsurugi.”
During the reign of Emperor Tenji, the Kusanagi-no-Mitsurugi was stolen from Atsuta Jingu by Dogyo, a monk from Silla (an ancient Korean kingdom). The sacred sword was eventually returned safely to Atsuta. The following year, Shucho Gannen (686 AD), Narumi Jinja was founded to commemorate the sacred sword’s re-enshrinement in Atsuta and to serve as its “guardian to the east.”
For this reason, Narumi Jinja has long been referred to as “Atsuta’s inner sanctuary” or “Atsuta of the East (Narumi no Omiya).” It is this historical background that explains why Narumi Jinja, like Atsuta Jingu, enshrines Yamato Takeru no Mikoto as its main kami.
Did It Disappear from Narumi Castle Ruins? The Legend of the “Moving Shrine”
While Narumi Jinja is currently located on “Otogoyama,” it was not originally here when it was founded. It is said that the shrine was initially located where the “Narumi Castle Ruins (Castle Ruins Park)” stands today.
However, during the Oei era (1394-1428), when Yasuhara Munenori, a vassal of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, constructed Narumi Castle, the shrine was relocated to its present site. There is a backstory to this relocation; people at the time were reportedly fearful, wondering “What is this, moving the kami?” However, the relocation ultimately led to the shrine taking on the role of a guardian deity for the castle. Even today, Tenjinsha is enshrined at the former site, Narumi Castle Ruins, allowing visitors to feel the remnants of the former sacred grounds.
The Memory of “Narumigata” Sung in the Manyoshu
While the area around the shrine is now a residential neighborhood, in ancient times, the sea extended very close to the shrine. The Manyoshu, an ancient anthology of Japanese poetry, contains a poem: “Cranes cry as they fly over Sakurada, it must be low tide, as I gaze upon Narumigata.”
Within the grounds of Narumi Jinja, there stands a monument with this poem, commemorating the scenery of the Manyo era. When you visit the shrine, imagining the tidal flats that once stretched out before it, it feels as if the scene from 1000 years ago comes to life.
Thrilling! The Backstory of “Omotegata”
The “Omanto” festival, held during Narumi Jinja’s annual grand festival, is a spirited event where elaborately decorated floats are paraded on horseback. This festival also serves as proof of Narumi’s past prosperity as a vital post town on the Tokaido road.
In fact, the “Narumi Omotegata” people who participate in this festival have a very strong sense of pride and tradition. It is said that there used to be fierce rivalry between the central part of the post town (Omotegata) and other areas, and that passion is still carried on in today’s festival.
Hidden Power Spot: “Daruma-zuka”
In a corner of the shrine grounds, there is a somewhat unusual “Daruma-zuka” (Daruma mound). This was created to memorialize Daruma dolls that have completed their purpose. It is a unique spot, befitting Narumi’s history as a prosperous post town for business. It is said to be a powerful energy spot, known to those in the know, where Daruma dolls, imbued with many people’s wishes, gather.
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Narumi Jinja is a sacred site that transcends the role of a mere local ujigami (guardian deity) shrine, born with the grand mission of protecting the Kusanagi-no-Mitsurugi, one of the Three Sacred Treasures. When you visit Atsuta Jingu, why not extend your journey to Narumi Jinja, its “guardian to the east,” and experience its profound history?
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