Hatogamine Hachiman Shrine

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Hatogamine Hachiman Shrine is an ancient Japanese Shinto shrine in Tokorozawa, Saitama.

[edit] History

Hatogamine Hachiman Shrine is believed to date to 921 A. D. when a ground purification ceremony was held there. Shrine records state that the it was repaired in year 1232 and that in year 1333 the famous Samurai commander Nitta Yoshisada prayed at the shrine during his campaign against the Kamakura Shogunate. The “Kabuotokakeno-matsu” pine tree on the grounds is believed to date from that time and is where Nitta hung his helmet while visiting.

In year 1591 when the future Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu began the tradition of donating lumber for the shrine that was maintained by every Shogun until the end of the Edo Period in 1867.

The main hall rests on a wooded hilltop and dates before 1333 and is one of the few such ancient structures in Saitama.

The shrine is dedicated to the Shinto gods Hondawakano-mikoto, Himegami, and Kinagatarashihimenno-mikoto.

[edit] Festivals

The major festivals and Suitengu held are:

• January 1 – Gantansai (New Year’s Festival)
• January 5 – Reitaisai (Annual Festival / Daruma Fair)
• March 15 – Harumatsuri (Spring Festival)
• April 15 – Reitaisai (Annual Festival)
• July 15 – Natsu-Matsuri (Summer Festival)
• September 15 – Aki-matsuri (Autum Festival)
• November 23 – Niinamesai

[edit] References

• Tokorozawa Hatogamine Hachiman Shrine Records
• Tokorozawa Tourist Association