Hie Jinja (日枝神社)

Hie Jinja

Hie Jinja

Hie Jinja (日枝神社), also called Nakajima Hie Jinja (中島日枝神社), is a Shinto shrine located in the Nakajima area of Chigasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. It enshrines the kami (deity) Oyamakui-no-Mikoto (大山咋命).

Bell tower

According to shrine legend, Sanno Daigongen (山王大権現) was enshrined in 1649 as the guardian deity of Nakajima Village, which corresponds to the Nakajima area of Chigasaki today. The shrine was originally known as Sanno-sha (山王社) until it was renamed Hie Jinja in 1869.

The shrine is particularly known for its blessings related to the brewing industry, including brewing safety, prosperity in alcohol-related businesses, prayers for moderation in drinking, good health and longevity, and extended life expectancy. Many sake brewers are said to visit the shrine to pray for success.

Goshinboku

Near the torii (shrine gate) stands the goshinboku (a sacred tree at a Shinto shrine believed to be a dwelling place of kami) alongside a Dosojin (guardian deities of travelers, relationships, and communities) and a small shrine dedicated to Oyama Fudoson (大山不動尊).

Dosojin (left) and Oyama Fudoson (right)

Additionally, a row of koshin-to (stone markers erected by followers of the Koshin faith as expressions of devotion) stands next to the bell tower.

Koshin-to

Yasaka Jinja (八坂神社)

Yasaka Jinja

Next to the 10th Division building of the Chigasaki City Fire Department, behind Hie Jinja, stands Yasaka Jinja (八坂神社), a subordinate shrine that enshrines the kami Susanoo-no-Mikoto (素盞嗚尊).