Tomita Hachimangu & Kunitamahiko Shrine

 

The Tomita Hachiman Shrine is one of a cluster of shrines at the base of Mount Bizan not far from the bustling downtown of Tokushima City.

To the right of the Hachiman Shrine is the Kunitamahiko Shrine, pictured above.

It was established in 1806 by the feudal lord Haruaki to enshrine his ancestor, Iemasa, who built Tokushima Castle in 1587.

In 1871, when the last lord, Shigeaki, moved to Tokyo, he enshrined a further 90 ancestors and assorted military and literary figures in the shrine.

The Hachiman Shrine was detroyed by a fire in 1967, although the Zuijinmon (last two photos) survived. It was rebuilt in 1986.

The stepped, square "platform" the shrine is built upon seems quite unusual.

I had trouble findong any information at all about the Hachiman Shtine and its history, however there were plenty of signboards about the numerous smaller shrine withon the grounds...

Moved into the grounds after the war, Yabe Daimyojin is said to be a kami of tootache relief.

Several of the small shrines had signboards put up by the Awa Tanuki Support Association, which suggest that some of the kami are Tanuki...

Unsurprisingly, there was a small Inari Shrine...

Another "tanuki" shrine was the Boroku Daimyojin, said to play pranks but effective for safe transportation and fulfillment of wishes..

Rokubei Daimyojin Shrine was located in a shopping street before being moved here. Said to be good for business prosperity and passing entrance exams.

Oiwa Daimyojin was also moved here. It was originally located under a rock at a hotel and restaurant. Also known as a prankster, prayed to for success in the entertainment industry.

The numerous Tanuki shrines may relate to a major local legend that took place somewhat south of this srea. The Awa Tanuki War.

The previous post in this series on the sights of Tokushima was the Tenjin Shrine not far away.

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