The God of Trees and the Land of Forests
The principal deity enshrined at Itakiso Shrine is Itakeru-no-Mikoto. In the Nihon Shoki, one of Japan’s oldest chronicles, Itakeru is described as a deity who planted trees throughout the Japanese archipelago, helping to transform the land into a lush and green country.
Because of this tradition, Itakeru is widely worshipped as the god of trees, forestry, and construction. His worship reflects the importance of forests and timber in Japanese life, particularly in the heavily forested Kii Peninsula.
According to ancient mythology, Itakeru received seeds of trees from his father, Susanoo-no-Mikoto. Together with his sisters, Ohoyatsuhime-no-Mikoto and Tsumatsuhime-no-Mikoto, he traveled throughout Japan planting trees. The three deities eventually came to the Province of Kii, or present-day Wakayama.
This story is one reason why Kii has traditionally been associated with the expression “the Land of Trees.” Itakiso Shrine stands as one of the most important spiritual symbols of this ancient relationship between Wakayama and its forests.
A Shrine with More Than 1,000 Years of History
The exact date of Itakiso Shrine’s foundation is unknown, but historical records already mention the shrine in 702. This indicates that its history extends back well over a thousand years.
According to tradition, the shrine was originally located in the area that is now home to Hinokuma Shrine and Kunikakasu Shrine, commonly known together as Hinokuma Shrine. It was later moved to an area known as Inomori before being relocated to its present site in 713.
During the Heian period, Itakiso Shrine was listed among the prestigious Myōjin Taisha shrines in the Engishiki Jinmyocho. This classification reflected the shrine’s importance and its close connection with the imperial court.
Over the centuries, it continued to attract worshippers from all levels of society. As the Ichinomiya of Kii, it became one of the most important religious centers in the region and continued to receive official recognition into the modern era.
Highlights of the Sacred Shrine Grounds
The Main Sanctuary and Side Sanctuaries
At the center of the shrine grounds stands the main sanctuary dedicated to Itakeru-no-Mikoto. On either side are side sanctuaries dedicated to his sisters, Ohoyatsuhime-no-Mikoto and Tsumatsuhime-no-Mikoto.
The arrangement of these three deities reflects the shrine’s deep connection with the mythology of trees and forests. Together, they represent a spiritual tradition in which nature, human life, and the divine are closely interconnected.
The Sacred Tree Crotch for Dispelling Misfortune
One of the shrine’s distinctive attractions is the “Kino-mata Kuguri,” or Sacred Tree Crotch Passage. Inspired by the worship of Itakeru as the god of trees, visitors pass through an opening modeled on the crotch of a tree as a symbolic way of dispelling misfortune and welcoming good fortune.
The practice is particularly popular among people seeking protection from bad luck or wishing for a positive new beginning. It offers visitors a simple but memorable way to participate in a traditional form of Japanese folk belief.
The Sacred “Water of Life”
Another notable feature is the sacred spring known as “Inochi-no-Mizu,” or the Water of Life. The water has traditionally been associated with prayers for healing, good health, and longevity, and visitors have long come to collect it.
Combined with the peaceful atmosphere of the shrine grounds, the clear spring water provides a refreshing experience and offers a glimpse into the traditional Japanese belief that natural springs can possess spiritual significance.
Sacred Rocks and Ancient Burial Mounds
The shrine grounds also contain a iwakura, or sacred rock, traditionally associated with the descent of Itakeru-no-Mikoto. Such sacred rocks are reminders of ancient Japanese nature worship, which predates the establishment of formal shrine architecture.
Nearby are the Itakiso Shrine burial mounds, providing further evidence that the area has been regarded as a special and sacred place since ancient times.
Traditional Festivals Throughout the Year
The Tree Festival
The Tree Festival, held on the first Sunday of April each year, is one of Itakiso Shrine’s most distinctive annual celebrations. The festival gives thanks for the blessings provided by trees and is especially significant to people involved in forestry and the timber industry.
Forestry and wood-related professionals from across Japan visit the shrine to pray to the deity of trees. One of the festival’s memorable features is chainsaw carving performed as a ceremonial offering, demonstrating the skill of modern woodworkers while honoring the traditional importance of forests.
The Uzue Festival
The Uzue Festival, held in January, is a fascinating ritual with roots in ancient court ceremonies. During the event, a form of divination known as kayuurabe uses red-bean rice porridge to forecast the agricultural conditions of the coming year.
Eating the specially prepared porridge is traditionally believed to bring good health and protection from illness throughout the year. The ceremony offers visitors an opportunity to experience a distinctive ritual connected with Japan’s agricultural traditions.
The Chinowa Festival and Annual Grand Festival
During the summer Chinowa Festival, worshippers pass through a large ring made of woven cogon grass as a symbolic act of purification. The ritual is intended to cleanse away accumulated impurities from the first half of the year.
The autumn Annual Grand Festival features a portable shrine procession and a children’s procession, filling the surrounding community with a lively and colorful festival atmosphere.
One of Wakayama’s Three-Shrine Pilgrimage Sites
Itakiso Shrine is also one of the three major shrines traditionally visited together in Wakayama City, known as the “Three Shrine Pilgrimage.” The other two are Hinokuma Shrine and Kunikakasu Shrine, collectively known as Hinokuma Shrine, and Kamasan Shrine.
Visiting these three ancient shrines allows travelers to explore some of Wakayama’s most important religious heritage. For centuries, pilgrims have believed that visiting the three shrines together brings powerful blessings and spiritual benefits.
Easy Access by Local Railway
Itakiso Shrine is conveniently located near Itakiso Station on the Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line. The shrine is approximately a five-minute walk from the station, making it easy to include in a sightseeing itinerary.
The Kishigawa Line is also famous for its unique sightseeing trains, including the popular Tama Train. Combining a visit to Itakiso Shrine with a ride on this charming local railway makes for an enjoyable way to explore the countryside around Wakayama.
A Peaceful Sacred Place Where Nature and Mythology Live On
Itakiso Shrine is much more than a historic Shinto shrine. It is a place where Japanese mythology, ancient nature worship, forestry culture, and spiritual traditions come together.
Walking into the shrine grounds, visitors are surrounded by trees and a quiet atmosphere that feels distinctly different from everyday life. The peaceful setting encourages visitors to slow down and appreciate the long relationship between the people of Kii and the natural world.
For travelers exploring Wakayama, Itakiso Shrine offers a chance to encounter the spiritual traditions of the ancient Land of Trees and learn about Itakeru-no-Mikoto, the deity who is said to have spread trees throughout Japan.
With its ancient history, fascinating mythology, traditional festivals, and serene forest setting, Itakiso Shrine is an excellent destination for discovering the spiritual and cultural heritage of Wakayama.