By ando 
Basic Information
Name: Hikami Aneko jinja (Hikami Aneko Shrine)
Location: 1 Hikamiyama, Otakacho, Midori-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
Enshrined kami: Miyazuhime no Mikoto
Shrine rank: Shikinaisha (Myojin-dai), an auxiliary shrine of Atsuta Jingu
Access: Approximately 20 minutes on foot from Odaka Station on the JR Tokaido Main Line, or immediately after alighting at the “Hikami Aneko jinja” city bus stop.
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Atsuta Jingu’s “Original Shrine”? The Grand Legend of the Kusanagi-no-Mitsurugi
Atsuta Jingu is known as Nagoya’s representative sacred site, but did you know that Hikami Aneko jinja is a place that could be called its “origin”?
The enshrined kami, Miyazuhime no Mikoto, was the consort of Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, a hero of Japanese mythology. On his way back from his eastern expedition, Yamato Takeru stayed here (at Hikamiyama) and married Miyazuhime no Mikoto. Afterwards, Yamato Takeru set off to defeat the kami of Mt. Ibuki. At that time, he entrusted the sacred sword, Kusanagi-no-Mitsurugi, to Miyazuhime no Mikoto before departing, and later passed away in Nobono.
Left behind, Miyazuhime no Mikoto carefully protected the sacred sword, a memento of her beloved husband, here in Hikami. After she grew old, the place she chose as “where this sacred sword should be enshrined forever” was the current site of Atsuta Jingu. In other words, Hikami Aneko jinja is an extremely important place that can be called the “original shrine” where Kusanagi-no-Mitsurugi, one of the Three Sacred Treasures, was enshrined even before Atsuta Jingu was founded.
From “Hakami” to “Hikami”: A Mystery Hidden in the Place Name
The area where the jinja is located was originally called “Hikamiyama” (Fire-Upper Mountain). There is a legend that when Yamato Takeru visited this area, he saw a glowing fire in the night sea and named it “the mountain where fire rises.”
However, the kanji “氷上” (Hikami, Ice-Upper) is currently used. Why did “fire” change to “ice”?
One theory suggests that the character “氷” (ice) was used to negate “火” (fire) out of aversion to fire disasters. However, there is also a mystery that fascinates history enthusiasts, suggesting it might have been a name change to reflect the transition of ancient energies or to balance yin and yang.
The Path to the “Original Shrine,” a Power Spot Known to a Select Few
Near the summit of “Hikamiyama,” a little distance from the current main shrine building, stands the “Motomiya” (Original Shrine), believed to be the former residence of Miyazuhime no Mikoto. Many visitors only pray at the main hall, but in fact, this Motomiya is the true sacred ground where Yamato Takeru and Miyazuhime no Mikoto are said to have spent their time together. In this tranquil space surrounded by trees, the breath of ancient times can still be felt, and a solemn atmosphere, a stark contrast to the bustle of Atsuta Jingu, pervades. One cannot truly speak of Hikami Aneko jinja without visiting this spot.
The Secret Festival Held Once Every 60 Years and the Story Behind the “Nezu no Matsuri”
Hikami Aneko jinja holds a very rare Shinto ritual called “Nezu no Matsuri.” It is said to be based on the anecdote that Miyazuhime no Mikoto waited sleeplessly, longing for Yamato Takeru’s return, or that she mourned his death and was in mourning. Furthermore, it once played an important role in presenting rice harvested from the “Odaka Saiden” (sacred rice paddies of Odaka) to Atsuta Jingu. Even today, many special festivals are conducted here, with Shinto priests from Atsuta Jingu officiating.
Key Point for Worship: The Hidden “Kami of Wisdom”
Miyazuhime no Mikoto is revered as a wise woman who protected the sacred sword and laid the foundation for Atsuta Jingu. Therefore, locally, she is worshipped not only as a “guardian kami for women” but also as a kami who bestows “wisdom” and “decisiveness” to overcome difficulties.
When you visit Atsuta Jingu, please also make your way to Hikami Aneko jinja, the birthplace of that story. You will surely have a special experience, feeling the continuation of the myth firsthand.
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