By ando 
Basic Information
Location: 1445 Tonomachi, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture
Main Kami Enshrined: Hondawake no Mikoto (Hachiman-jin), Ukanomitama no kami (Inari-jin)
Kami Also Enshrined: A total of 33 kami, including Amaterasu Omikami, Izanagi no Mikoto, and Izanami no Mikoto.
Access: Approximately 15-minute walk from JR/Kintetsu Matsusaka Station; adjacent to Matsusaka Castle Ruins (Matsuzaka Castle Ruins).
The Legend of “Oi no Mori,” Which Paved the Way for Matsusaka’s History
The history of Matsusaka Jinja is deeply intertwined with the birth of the city of Matsusaka. Once, this land was a mystical forest known as “Oi no Mori” (意悲の森) or “Yoi no Mori” (宵の森).
In Tensho 16 (1588), the renowned warlord Gamo Ujisato noticed the terrain of this forest and constructed Matsusaka Castle. At that time, he designated the “Oi Jinja” that was originally enshrined there as the guardian deity (chinju) of the castle and co-enshrined Hachiman-sama, the kami of samurai families. This is why it was known as “Gojo Hachiman” (御城八幡) until the Edo period and was deeply revered by successive castle lords and the Kishu Domain.
An Astonishing 33 Kami Enshrined Together! The Strongest Power Spot Where All the City’s Kami Gather
The greatest feature of Matsusaka Jinja is the sheer number of kami enshrined here. During the Meiji era, due to government policy, 17 neighboring jinja were consolidated and enshrined at this location. The total number? An impressive 33 kami.
From Inari-jin for business prosperity and Hachiman-jin for success in competition, to Izanagi and Izanami for matchmaking, and even kami for academic success and healing illnesses – it’s like a veritable department store of kami. It is said that by visiting just this one spot, you can receive all kinds of divine blessings, making it one of Matsusaka’s leading power spots.
A Must-See for “Rurouni Kenshin” Fans! A Holy Site Pilgrimage Route That Was a Movie Set
What anime and manga fans shouldn’t miss is the area leading from Matsusaka Jinja to the adjacent Gojoban Yashiki (御城番屋敷).
This location is known as a filming spot for the live-action movie “Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning.” The stone pavement and beautiful hedges, preserved since the Edo period, create an atmosphere that truly evokes Kyoto in the Bakumatsu period. You can also view this historic scenery from within the Matsusaka Jinja grounds, making it a “holy site” where many fans visit to immerse themselves in the world of the film while paying their respects.
Model for Issun-boshi? The “Healing Illness” Kami Hidden within the Grounds
Within the grounds, there is a small sub-shrine called Sukunahikona no Mikoto-sha (少彦名命社). Sukunahikona no Mikoto, enshrined here, is actually a small kami said to be the model for the fairy tale “Issun-boshi.”
Known as the kami of medicine and sake, Sukunahikona no Mikoto is particularly known for strong blessings for healing illnesses. Seasoned visitors often pay respects not just at the large main hall, but also at this small yet powerful kami’s shrine.
Symbol of Vitality: The “Longevity Camphor Tree” and its Mysteries
A giant tree called “Choju Kusunoki” (Longevity Camphor Tree) stands tall within the grounds. Its appearance, with a large hole at its base, evokes an overwhelming sense of vitality and has become one of Matsusaka’s symbols.
Matsusaka also has various mysterious background stories unique to a castle town, such as the legend of a stone lantern once feared to bring a curse if touched. Matsusaka Jinja, as the “positive” guardian of such a town, continues to quietly watch over the city next to the Matsusaka Castle Ruins.
Related Links and References
[1] Theme Exhibition “Wishing on an Ox: Faith and Midwinter Ox Crimson” | Isehan Beni
[2] Matsusaka Jinja – Wikipedia
[3] Matsusaka Jinja | Jinja.com
[4] Matsusaka Jinja
[5] Matsusaka Stone Lantern – Cursed Object Placed in an Accident-Prone Area
[6] Matsusaka Jinja: Guardian of Matsusaka, Carving Over a Thousand Years of History
[7] About the Origins of Matsusaka Jinja, Which Continues to Preserve Traditions in Matsusaka