Deities Enshrined at Kaguhashi Shrine
Kaguhashi Shrine enshrines several important Shinto deities.
Ukanomitama-no-Kami: A deity associated with agriculture, food, and prosperity in commerce.
Ukemochi-no-Kami: A deity associated with food and nourishment.
Amaterasu Omikami: The sun deity and one of the most important deities in Japanese mythology.
Wakumusubi-no-Kami: A deity associated with the growth and development of life.
Haniyamahime-no-Kami: A deity associated with the earth and land.
Sumiyoshi Okami: A deity traditionally revered as a protector of the sea and maritime travel.
Hachiman Okami: A deity historically associated with military success and protection.
History of Kaguhashi Shrine
The origin of the shrine’s name is traditionally associated with an imperial visit. According to local tradition, when Emperor Kotoku visited this area, he described the place as “kaguhashi,” a word associated with a pleasant fragrance.
According to the Old Records of Kashima Shrine, Ukanomitama-no-Kami and Ukemochi-no-Kami were enshrined here in 959. The shrine is also mentioned in the historical work Setsushushi, which records an Inari shrine in Kashima Village, providing evidence of the site’s long religious history.
Records from the Kamakura and Muromachi Periods
The shrine once had a building known as a Renga-den, associated with the traditional Japanese linked-verse poetry known as renga. During the Kōchō era, Hojo Tokiyori is said to have donated land known as Rengaden rice fields to the shrine.
The historical chronicle Taiheiki also contains an account that in 1351, Masayoshi Kusunoki, the third son of Masashige Kusunoki, prayed for success in the forest of Kashima Myojin.
The Battle of Eguchi and Miyoshi Nagayoshi
During the Battle of Eguchi in 1549, warlord Miyoshi Nagayoshi is said to have donated a large torii gate to the shrine as an offering in prayer for victory.
The shrine was later renamed from Kaguhashi Taisha to Inari Shrine. Following the Meiji Restoration, its name was changed back to the present Kaguhashi Shrine.
From the Edo Period to the Present
In 1658, the shrine suffered damage from a fire. Its buildings were subsequently reconstructed in 1862.
In 1872, Kaguhashi Shrine was designated as a village shrine. In 1909, several nearby shrines were merged with it, including Mitsuya’s Sansha Hachiman Shrine, Sumiyoshi Shrine, and Tenjin Shrine.
In 1959, the shrine celebrated its 1,000th anniversary with a special commemorative festival that attracted many worshippers.
Highlights within the Shrine Grounds
Monument and Tomb of Ueda Akinari
The shrine grounds contain a monument marking the former residence and the tomb of Ueda Akinari, an important writer of yomihon fiction during the late Edo period.
Ueda Akinari is believed to have lived in this area for approximately four years from 1774. His tomb was established in 1811. Visitors interested in Japanese literature can explore the site while reflecting on the life and literary achievements of this influential Edo-period writer.
Location and Access
Address: 4-4-20 Kashima, Yodogawa Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture.
Getting There
Kashima Station, JR Tozai Line: Approximately 10 minutes on foot north from the station.
Kaguhashi Shrine Bus Stop: Located immediately near the stop served by the local Yodogawa Ward shared taxi service.
Nearby Attraction
Fukoji Temple is located near Kaguhashi Shrine. This historic Buddhist temple can be visited together with the shrine, allowing travelers to explore different aspects of the area’s religious and cultural heritage in a single outing.
A Historic Shrine with Literary and Cultural Connections
Kaguhashi Shrine has been an important place of worship for centuries and preserves many connections with the history of Kashima. Its long religious tradition, stories involving historical figures, and association with Ueda Akinari give the shrine particular appeal for visitors interested in Japanese history and literature.
Conveniently located within Osaka City, Kaguhashi Shrine offers travelers an opportunity to discover a quieter historical side of the city while experiencing the traditions of a local Shinto community.