Honshagū (本社宮) & Honjagaoka (本社丘)

Honshagu

Honshagu (本社宮) is a Shinto shrine currently standing in the Yabata area of Chigasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, and is a kenmu-sha (jointly administered shrine) of Tsurumine Hachimangu.

The shrine traces its origins back to 1030 when Minamoto no Yoriyoshi founded Futokorojima Hachimangu (懐島八幡宮) on the hills of Satsuka Daimyojin. Before setting off on an imperial military campaign to the east, he enshrined Hondawake no Mikoto (誉田別命), the kami (deity) of Iwashimizu Hachimangu in Kyoto.

In 1055, Yoriyoshi and his son, Minamoto no Yoshiie, returned to the shrine to seek divine favor during what would later be known as the Former Nine Years' War (1051–1062). After their victory, in 1063, the kami of Futokorojima Hachimangu was enshrined in Kamakura which later became Tsurugaoka Hachimangu.*

In 1085, Yoshiie once again prayed for success in battle — this time for the Later Three-Year War (1083–1087), emerging victorious in 1087.

Koshin-to

In 1089, Yoshiie prepared land in neighboring Hamanogo Village (now the Hamanogo area and part of the Jukkensaka area of Chigasaki) for the construction of Tsurumine Hachimangu. Around this time, Futokorojima Hachimangu was renamed Honshagu and became the chinju-sha (guardian shrine) of Yabata Village (now the Yabata area of Chigasaki).

Honshagu was relocated to a site slightly south of its current location during the Tenpo era (1830–1844), before being moved to its present-day location in 1927.

Behind the shrine building stands a koshin-to (a stone marker erected by followers of the Koshin faith as an expression of devotion), which has been designated a cultural property of Chigasaki. This 1656 monument is engraved with a rare roof-like cap and the three wise monkeys (see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil).

The original site of Honshagu is now known as Honjagaoka (本社丘), where a small stone shrine stands. In spring, visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms.

Honjagaoka

* According to the official website of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Yoriyoshi enshrined the kami of Iwashimizu Hachimangu at Kamakura, establishing the foundation of the shrine.