By ando 
Ichinomiya Asama Jinja (Ichinomiya Asama Shrine), located in Fuefuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture. While there are numerous Asama Jinja throughout Japan that worship Mt. Fuji, this is a special place that has been revered as “Ichinomiya,” the highest-ranking shrine in the former Kai Province (present-day Yamanashi Prefecture). This article will delve into the mysterious legends passed down at this ancient jinja, and its aspect as a sacred site for a popular anime.
Basic Information
Location: 1684 Ichinomiya, Ichinomiyacho, Fuefuki-shi, Yamanashi
Main Kami: Konohanasakuyahime-no-Mikoto
Founded: Jogan 7 (865 AD)
Divine Blessings: Safe childbirth, fertility, fire prevention, good matches in marriage, and more.
A Jinja Born to Appease Mt. Fuji’s Fury
The founding of this jinja is deeply connected to the Great Jogan Eruption of Mt. Fuji, which occurred during the Heian period. It is believed to have begun when Konohanasakuyahime-no-Mikoto, the kami of Mt. Fuji, was enshrined by imperial command to quell its raging power. Originally located elsewhere, it was later moved to its current site. It truly has a history of being established as “the frontline for appeasing Mt. Fuji’s wrath.”
Mystery and Backstory: Why Do Men Carry the Mikoshi in Women’s Attire?
The most famous unusual festival at Ichinomiya Asama Jinja is the Grand Spring Festival, “Daishinkosai” (commonly known as “Omiyuki-san”), held annually on April 15. This festival features a peculiar sight not seen elsewhere.
This involves the men carrying the mikoshi (portable shrine) wearing women’s yukata, applying white face powder (oshiroi), and doing makeup.
There’s an interesting backstory to why they do this. The enshrined kami, Konohanasakuyahime-no-Mikoto, is a very beautiful goddess. It was believed that if men carried the mikoshi in their usual appearance, the goddess would feel shy, or it would be disrespectful. Thus, it’s said that the tradition began with the bearers disguising themselves as women to help the goddess relax and feel comfortable riding in the mikoshi.
Furthermore, the unique chant of “Sokodai, Sokodai” used while carrying the mikoshi is said to originate from the bearers encouraging each other, saying “We’re almost there!” (Sokodai!) during the arduous trek spanning 50km round trip.
Yamanashi’s Unique Mystery: Traces of the “Maruishi Belief”
Found throughout the jinja grounds are “Maruishi-gami” (round stone kami), where rounded stones are enshrined. This is a belief unique to Yamanashi Prefecture (especially the Kuninaka region), a custom of enshrining round natural stones as Doso-shin (roadside guardian deities). Beautiful round stones, like eggs, are dedicated within Ichinomiya Asama Jinja, conveying a mysterious form of belief whose origins are said to date back to the Jomon period.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Information: Featured in the Anime “Yuru Camp△”
Ichinomiya Asama Jinja is also known as a sacred site for “Yuru Camp△,” a popular anime that sparked a camping boom.
In episode 1 of the TV anime’s second season (SEASON2), the jinja that protagonist Rin Shima visits for Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the New Year) is indeed Ichinomiya Asama Jinja. The anime faithfully depicts scenes of Rin praying, drawing an omikuji (fortune slip), and enjoying the atmosphere of the jinja grounds.
In particular, the “kyo” (bad luck) omikuji she drew and the “Eto stone statues” (Zodiac animal stone statues) on the grounds have become famous among fans, and many “Yuru Camp△” enthusiasts still visit to pay their respects.
The Hidden Power Spot: “Joju no Ishi” (Stone of Fulfillment)
Beside the haiden (worship hall), there are plenty of visually enjoyable elements, such as the “Joju no Ishi” (Stone of Fulfillment), which is said to resemble a heart, and a spot where you can pray to the stone statue of your own zodiac animal. In spring, the surrounding peach blossoms bloom in full, creating a breathtaking scene where the entire jinja is enveloped in a pink “peach paradise.”
The history of Mt. Fuji, a festival with cross-dressing, and an anime sacred site. Ichinomiya Asama Jinja is a mysterious power spot that represents Yamanashi, revealing deeper layers the more you learn about it.
Related Links / References
[1] https://kai.library2.city.kai.yamanashi.jp/furusato_01.html About Omiyuki-san | Kai City Library
[2] https://www.nippon-matsuri.net/report/omiyuki/ Omiyuki-san (Grand Spring Festival of Kai Province Ichinomiya Asama Jinja Daishinkosai) | NPO Nippon no Matsuri Network
[3] https://asama-jinja.blogspot.com/2019/04/415.html Kai Province Ichinomiya Asama Jinja: April 15 is the Grand Spring Festival “Daishinkosai (Omiyuki-san)”!
[4] https://koshu-karuta.com/topics/974/ Omiyuki-san | Let’s try Koshu Karuta | We want children who will lead the future to learn about their hometown Yamanashi in a fun way
[5] https://japanmystery.com/yamanasi/maruisi.html Maruishi-gami – Mysterious stones worshipped only in Yamanashi Prefecture
[6] https://www.fuji-yurari.jp/recommend-info/yuru-camp.html Let’s go on a “Yuru Camp△” sacred site pilgrimage during your Yamanashi trip! Recommended spots and exquisite gourmet introduced – | Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari
[7] https://www.uraken.net/rail/travel-urabe668.html Yuru Camp△ Sacred Site Tour – Minobu Town, Yamanashi Prefecture, and others –
[8] https://www.travel.co.jp/guide/matome/4120/ Yuru Camp△ Sacred Site Tour! 17 Recommended Spots | Travel.jp Travel Guide