By ando 
Aekuni Jinja, located in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, is the highest-ranking jinja (ichinomiya) of the former Iga Province, and has long protected this region. It is said to have been founded in the 4th year of Empress Saimei’s reign (658 AD), boasting a history of over 1300 years.
However, the reason this jinja is more than just an ancient site lies in the numerous mysteries and legends hidden within its history.
Basic Information
Its location is 877 Ichinomiya, Iga City, Mie Prefecture. The enshrined kami are Ōhiko-no-mikoto, Sukunabikona-no-mikoto, and Kanayamahime-no-mikoto. Main festivals include the Aekuni Jinja Annual Festival on April 17 and Shishi Kagura on December 5.
Roots of Abe no Seimei? The Mystery of Enshrining the Ancestor of the Abe Clan
Ōhiko-no-mikoto, the main enshrined kami of Aekuni Jinja, was the first prince of the 8th Emperor Kōgen and is considered the ancestral kami of the ancient prestigious Abe clan.
What captures the attention of history and occult fans here is the connection to Abe no Seimei, the legendary Onmyoji (master of yin-yang divination) of the Heian period. The Abe clan, from which Seimei originated, claimed Ōhiko-no-mikoto as their founder. Aekuni Jinja can thus be called the “spiritual home” of the Abe clan. Walking through the jinja grounds, one might feel a mysterious atmosphere of Onmyodo, perhaps due to this ancient lineage.
One of Japan’s Oldest Lion Dances and the Shadow of Ninjas
The Shishi Kagura performed at Aekuni Jinja is considered one of Japan’s oldest lion dances and is designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Mie Prefecture.
There is a theory that a deep connection exists between this lion dance and the Iga ninjas. Stories suggest that Iga ninjas would blend into the lion dance processions to gather information from various regions or to infiltrate enemy territory. Aekuni Jinja was also a spiritual pillar for the Iga ninjas, a place where they prayed for the safety of their missions. Even today, descendants of ninjas and martial arts practitioners can be seen visiting the shrine.
Warding off Misfortune with the Power of Peaches? The Legend of the “Peach Charm”
The main enshrined kami, Ōhiko-no-mikoto, is known as one of the “Four Shido Shoguns” who pacified the Hokuriku and Tohoku regions. However, a legend involving “peaches” is also associated with him. In the ancient historical record Kojiki, peaches are depicted as a fruit with magical power to repel pursuers (thunder kami) from the underworld (Yomi).
At Aekuni Jinja, omamori (charms) and ema (votive tablets) featuring peaches, inspired by this myth, are popular. They are believed to possess extremely strong protective powers against misfortune. It is common to see visitors experiencing a turning point in life or a series of unfortunate events purchasing them, hoping to “break through their current situation.”
The Mystery of the Kofun (Ancient Burial Mound) within the Jinja Grounds
Behind the main hall of the jinja, there is actually an ancient burial mound called the “Aekuni Jinja Ura Kofun.” The presence of a kofun within the grounds of a prestigious ichinomiya jinja indicates that this area was a special sacred site from ancient times.
One theory suggests that this kofun might be the tomb of Ōhiko-no-mikoto or a powerful figure from the ancient local clan, the “Ae clan.” However, the details remain shrouded in mystery. This space, where the energies of “death and rebirth” mingle, might be the reason why Aekuni Jinja is considered a powerful spiritual spot.
Highlight for Visitors: The Sacred Nagi Tree
On the jinja grounds, a nagi tree (a type of evergreen) is planted, which has a deep connection with the Kumano faith. Nagi leaves are difficult to tear horizontally, which has led them to symbolize “unbreakable bonds” and “family safety.” In this place surrounded by Iga’s tranquil forest, why not pray for strong bonds, just like the nagi leaves?
From prominent samurai who stood on the stage of history, to ninjas who lived in the shadows, and mysterious Onmyoji, Aekuni Jinja is truly a “hidden gem” sacred site, encapsulating Iga’s deep history and mysteries.
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