By ando 
There are several shrines named ‘Koshio jinja’ in Akita Prefecture. The most famous among them are Koshio jinja in Terauchi, Akita City, and the Koshio jinja in Daisen City, which is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. This article will introduce their deep history, architectural beauty, and the mystery hidden in their name.
Basic Information
Koshio jinja (Akita City)
Location: 1-5-55 Terauchi Kōzakura, Akita City, Akita Prefecture
Enshrined kami: Takemikazuchi no Mikoto, Ohiko no Mikoto
History: It is said that the shrine originated during the reign of Emperor Sujin when Ohiko no Mikoto, one of the Shido Shogun (Four Great Generals) who pacified the Hokuriku and Tohoku regions, enshrined a martial kami. Later, when Abe Hirafu campaigned in Akita, he is said to have additionally enshrined Ohiko no Mikoto, his own ancestor, and named the shrine ‘Koshio’.
Koshio jinja (Daisen City)
Location: 30 Koshiozai, Omamagari, Daisen City, Akita Prefecture
Highlights: The honden (main sanctuary), built in the late Muromachi period (1570), is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
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The Mystery of the Name ‘Koshio’: King of Koshi Province, or Four Heavenly Kings?
The most distinctive feature of this jinja is its enigmatic name. The characters ‘古四王’ (Koshio) might suggest four ancient kings, but a prominent theory states that it evolved from ‘越王’ (Koshi no O), meaning ‘King of Koshi’.
In ancient times, the region stretching from Hokuriku to Tohoku was known as Koshi Province. It is believed that the name ‘Koshio’ arose from the worship of a kami who pioneered this land or a king who protected the northern territories. Furthermore, through its connection with the Buddhist worship of the Shitenno (Four Heavenly Kings), during the era of Shinbutsu-shugo (syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism), it garnered immense reverence from warriors as ‘Koshio Daigongen’.
Legend and Anecdote: Abe Hirafu and the Miracle of ‘Takashimizu’
The location where Koshio jinja in Akita City stands is called ‘Takashimizu no Oka Hill’. A legend persists here concerning Abe Hirafu, who visited the area to pacify the Emishi during the reign of Empress Saimei.
It is said that when Hirafu prayed for victory in this land, a sacred spring suddenly gushed forth, which is believed to be the origin of the place name ‘Takashimizu’. Today, this area is also known as the home of the brewery for ‘Takashimizu’, a representative sake of Akita. Tracing its roots leads back to ancient heroes and the shrine’s legend.
Architectural Mystery: ‘A Marvel Among Marvels’ Praised by Chuta Ito
The honden of Koshio jinja in Daisen City is a must-see mystery spot, not only for architecture enthusiasts.
This shrine building, constructed in 1570 by the renowned Hida master craftsman ‘Jinbei’, features an extremely rare eclectic style, a complex mix of traditional Japanese Wayō, Chinese Zen Buddhist Zenshūyō, and Indian Tenjikuyō styles.
When Chuta Ito, a leading authority in architecture during the Meiji era, surveyed this building, he exclaimed, ‘It is a marvel among marvels, a rarity among rarities.’ Later, architectural historian Shunichi Amanuma also lauded it as ‘a peerless building in the world that transcends Japanese, Chinese, and Indian styles.’ The incredibly elaborate and original carvings and structure, appearing suddenly in a rural landscape, boast an exceptional quality for regional architecture of its time.
Pilgrimage Information: Daisen City, Hometown of Hiroshi Nohara
Daisen City is officially designated as the hometown of Hiroshi Nohara, the father of Shinnosuke Nohara, the protagonist of the popular national anime ‘Crayon Shin-chan’.
The Omamagari area, where Koshio jinja in Daisen City is located, has an atmosphere reminiscent of Hiroshi’s family home, making it a place where fans can experience ‘Hiroshi’s hometown scenery’. In 2022, Daisen City and ‘Crayon Shin-chan’ formed a ‘Family City’ partnership, so a stroll through the serene rural landscape around the shrine will allow you to immerse yourself in the anime’s world.
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Akita’s Koshio jinja is a multifaceted attraction, showcasing its role as an ancient northern defense stronghold, its architectural beauty with superb medieval craftsmanship, and even its connection to modern anime. Why not delve into the mysteries of history at this place, also known for its blessings in competitions?
Related Links and References
National Important Cultural Property Koshio jinja Honden | Daisen City Tourism and Product Association Agaru! Daisen
501 Not Implemented
‘Visiting Akita Castle Ruins and Koshio jinja’ | Mo Chan
Koshio jinja (Terauchi Kōzakura, Akita City, Akita Prefecture) – Katchin’s Miscellaneous Notes
Koshio jinja
Koshio jinja
Koshio jinja Honden Cultural Heritage Online
Koshio jinja (Akita City)
Uta-gatari Fudoki Koshio jinja
Koshio jinja Honden – Guidoor
National Important Tangible Cultural Property (Building) ‘Koshio jinja Honden’ | Daisen City
Koshio jinja – Digital Archive Research Institute – Gifu Women’s University
(Daisen City’s) Koshio jinja – Something Like a Diary
Exploring Akita’s Anime Stages! Encountering Breathtaking Scenery and the World of the Work on a Sacred Site Pilgrimage