A Shrine with Over 1,200 Years of History
The origins of Kenkoku Shrine are traditionally traced back to 801, during the early Heian period. According to shrine tradition, the story began when the military commander Sakanoue no Tamuramaro arrived in the Kiri-saki Shobu area of ancient Kii Province and encountered a mysterious event.
According to the legend, Sakanoue no Tamuramaro was guided by a sacred turtle that appeared on the sea and obtained three sacred jewels. Respecting their divine power, he enshrined the largest jewel as Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, while the two smaller jewels were dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Kushinada-hime-no-Mikoto.
The shrine became known as Okuni Daimyojin and developed as a guardian deity of the surrounding area. This tradition is regarded as the origin of what is now Kenkoku Shrine.
During the late Heian period, the powerful local warrior Yuasa Muneshige became a devoted patron of the shrine. In 1144, he moved the shrine to its present location and renamed it Kenkoku Myojin. It subsequently became associated with the protection of Yuasa Castle and was revered as a principal guardian shrine for the wider Arida region.
Patronage from the Kishu Tokugawa Family
During the Edo period, Kenkoku Shrine received special recognition from the Kishu Domain. In 1668, Tokugawa Yorinobu, the first lord of the Kishu Tokugawa family, granted the shrine the prestigious title Kenkoku Daimyojin.
Successive lords of the domain also visited the shrine themselves or sent representatives to worship there. This official patronage further strengthened the shrine’s importance in the region.
At the same time, Yuasa flourished as a center of soy sauce brewing. Merchants, brewers, and craftsmen gathered in the town, and the local economy developed rapidly. Kenkoku Shrine remained an important spiritual center for these people, who prayed for prosperity and protection.
Because of the shrine’s impressive grounds and dignified buildings, local people gradually came to call it “Omiya-san,” meaning “the Great Shrine.” This affectionate name continues to be used today.
Festivals and Traditional Culture
Kenkoku Shrine hosts several important annual festivals. Among the best known are the Wakamiya Festival, held on July 18, and the Annual Autumn Festival, known as the Yuasa Festival, held on the first Sunday after October 18.
During these festivals, portable shrines are carried through the town, and traditional performances are dedicated to the shrine. The streets of Yuasa become filled with festival activity, bringing together local residents, worshippers, and visitors.
One of the most distinctive traditions associated with Kenkoku Shrine is the Sanmen Shishi, a unique form of traditional lion dance that has been passed down through generations.
Sanmen Shishi: A Unique Traditional Lion Dance
The Sanmen Shishi is one of Yuasa’s most important traditional performing arts. It has been designated both as a Yuasa Town Cultural Property and as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Wakayama Prefecture.
Unlike many Japanese lion dances, the Sanmen Shishi features characters called Oni and Wani, who confront and subdue the lion. The dramatic performance preserves distinctive elements of older festival traditions and provides an important glimpse into the history of folk performing arts in the region.
Characters and Features of the Sanmen Shishi
The performance consists of one Oni wearing a long-nosed mask, one Wani wearing a demon mask, a lion operated by two performers, a taiko drummer, and supporting performers.
During festivals, the performers traditionally lead the portable shrine procession through the town. Their presence is believed to purify the route and protect the community.
As the sounds of the traditional drum fill the air, the Oni and Wani dance while holding ceremonial spears and sacred paper streamers. They confront the fierce lion, which represents a dangerous supernatural force. Eventually, the Oni subdues the lion, symbolizing the removal of evil and misfortune and expressing wishes for peace, good harvests, and the well-being of the community.
The style of the performance retains characteristics associated with medieval Japanese lion dances and is therefore valuable not only as a local tradition but also as an important cultural resource for understanding the development of folk performing arts in the surrounding region.
When the Sanmen Shishi Is Performed
The Sanmen Shishi is traditionally performed during the Wakamiya Festival on July 18, the annual autumn festival in October, and New Year’s Eve.
The performance is particularly anticipated during the Yuasa Festival, when local residents and visitors gather to watch this historic tradition.
There is also a charming local belief that having the lion bite a child’s head will protect the child from illness and help them grow up healthy and intelligent. Children may be a little nervous when the lion approaches, but families happily participate as they pray for their children’s healthy growth.
The “Omiya-san” Connecting the Past with the Future
Kenkoku Shrine is much more than a place of religious worship. It is a living cultural site that preserves the history, traditions, and everyday life of Yuasa.
Its long history dating back to the Heian period, its relationship with the development of the soy sauce industry, and traditional events such as the Sanmen Shishi all continue to be protected by the local community.
Visiting the shrine together with Yuasa’s historic streets allows travelers to experience the cultural traditions and spiritual heritage that have been passed down through generations.
Yuasa Festival: A Traditional Celebration for the Entire Town
The Yuasa Festival, the autumn festival of Kenkoku Shrine, is one of the most important traditional festivals in the Arida region. The main festival ceremony is held on the first Sunday after October 18, featuring a portable shrine procession, the Sanmen Shishi performance, and other traditional events.
In the past, the Yuasa Festival was also famous as a spectacular horse festival. Decorated horses and mounted warriors once paraded through the streets, creating a magnificent celebration that attracted large crowds.
Decorated Horses and Mounted Warriors
From the Edo period through the early Showa period, different neighborhoods of Yuasa sent groups of horses known as Kumi-uma, also called Hakouma or Machi-uma, to the festival.
Mounted warriors dressed in armor and elaborate ceremonial clothing rode through the town. Their horses were decorated with ornate tack, banners, and ceremonial ornaments, creating an impressive procession.
A detailed image of the festival appears in the “Illustrated Guide to Famous Places of Kii Province”, published in 1851. The illustration shows houses decorated for the event and crowds of spectators lining the streets, providing a valuable record of the festival’s former grandeur.
During the Meiji period, the festival featured numerous horses and became known as one of the largest horse festivals in the Arida region. However, as horses gradually disappeared from everyday agricultural and transportation work, the traditional horse procession declined. Today, the festival has evolved to feature children’s portable shrines, festival floats, drums, and other community activities.
The Yuasa Festival Today
Although the form of the festival has changed over time, its ability to bring the community together remains strong. Neighborhood groups prepare for the celebration in advance, decorating festival lodgings and streets with lanterns and banners.
On the festival day, the portable shrine procession leaves Kenkoku Shrine and travels through the historic streets of Yuasa. Walking along sections of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route and through the traditional areas once associated with soy sauce production offers a wonderful glimpse of Yuasa’s historic character.
The Sanmen Shishi is performed along the procession route, allowing residents and visitors to experience the dramatic traditional dance. When the portable shrine reaches its temporary resting place, further ceremonies are held, followed by festive activities such as mochi rice-cake throwing.
Highlights of Kenkoku Shrine
Main Sanctuary
The main sanctuary of Kenkoku Shrine is an important example of traditional Shinto architecture and has been designated as a Yuasa Town Cultural Property.
The building follows the Kasuga-zukuri architectural style, characterized by a gabled roof with the entrance beneath the gable and a projecting covered entrance. Decorative elements such as chigi and katsuogi, traditional features of Shinto architecture, give the sanctuary a dignified appearance.
The building was restored in 1888 and underwent another major restoration in 1960, helping preserve its historic character for future generations.
Worship Hall
The worship hall is another historic building designated as a Yuasa Town Cultural Property. It was reconstructed in 1737 and has been carefully maintained through repeated repairs.
The hall continues to serve as an important place for religious ceremonies and festivals. Restoration work was carried out in 1990, followed by improvements to the surrounding corridors and grounds in 2006 as part of a project to preserve and enhance the shrine’s sacred forest.
Norito Hall
The Norito Hall is where Shinto priests traditionally recite sacred prayers known as norito. The building was established in 1888 and was restored in 1960 and renovated again in 1990.
It continues to play an important role in the religious ceremonies held at Kenkoku Shrine.
Wakamiya Shrine
On the eastern side of the shrine grounds stands Wakamiya Shrine, dedicated to Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, two important deities in Japanese mythology.
According to local tradition, the shrine is connected with the imperial pilgrimage to Kumano by Emperor Go-Toba. It is said to have originally been established by Yuasa Munekata as a guardian deity.
The shrine was later moved to the Hanazono Mountain area of Aoki and became known as Wakamiya Shrine. Today, it is enshrined together with Kenkoku Shrine, and the Wakamiya Festival is held every July 18.
Cultural Treasures Within the Shrine Grounds
Sacred Tree: A Large Arakashi Oak
On the western side of the worship hall stands a magnificent Arakashi oak, traditionally believed to be approximately 800 years old.
The tree divides into two large trunks near its base, creating a distinctive appearance. With a trunk circumference of approximately 4.05 meters, it is regarded as one of the notable large trees in Wakayama Prefecture.
Its great age and imposing presence make it a living symbol of the shrine’s long history, having stood watch over the sacred grounds for centuries.
Great Gate
The Great Gate at the entrance to the shrine grounds is an impressive historic structure believed to date from before the Edo period.
In the past, the gate was opened and closed at designated times. Following changes to the surrounding roads and urban environment, it is now generally kept open.
The gate provides a striking introduction to Kenkoku Shrine and offers visitors an immediate sense of the site’s long history.
Guardian Dogs and Sacred Horse
The komainu guardian dog statues in front of the worship hall were dedicated in 1928 to commemorate the enthronement ceremonies of Emperor Showa.
The grounds also feature a sacred horse statue reconstructed in 1978. The monument expresses wishes for peace and for the healthy growth of children who will carry the community into the future.
Portable Shrine Pavilion
On the eastern side of the grounds is a portable shrine pavilion, where the mikoshi used during festivals are stored together with festival drums, floats, and ceremonial vehicles.
Among these is a particularly unusual goshoguruma, a traditional ceremonial carriage. Its impressive appearance is sometimes compared with the ornate floats seen during Kyoto’s famous historical festivals and provides a valuable connection to the history of the Yuasa Festival.
Kenkoku Shrine and Yuasa’s Traditional Food: Narezushi
The autumn festival at Kenkoku Shrine is closely associated with a traditional local food called narezushi. This fermented sushi is particularly associated with the Arida region and has traditionally been prepared by local families around festival time.
Unlike modern sushi, narezushi is made without vinegar. Instead, salted mackerel and rice are fermented through lactic acid fermentation. Because the fermentation process allows the food to be preserved for a long period, it was historically an important dish for festivals and special occasions.
Narezushi has a distinctive aroma and rich, deep flavor, with recipes varying from one household to another. During festival periods, families and neighbors have traditionally exchanged portions of narezushi, making the dish an important expression of community ties and local food culture.
Branch Shrines Across the Town of Yuasa
Kenkoku Shrine’s influence extends beyond its main grounds. Several branch shrines are located throughout Yuasa and have long been connected with the area’s daily life, industries, and relationship with the sea.
Yuasa developed as a post town along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route and later flourished through fishing and soy sauce production. As the town developed, local communities established and maintained places of worship where people could pray for safety, prosperity, and a good life.
Kita-Ebisu Shrine
Kita-Ebisu Shrine is a branch shrine of Kenkoku Shrine located in the Yuasa district, in what was formerly known as the northern part of Yuasa-Shinyashiki.
It is dedicated to Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto, Toyotamahiko-no-Mikoto, and Toyotamahime-no-Mikoto.
The shrine is traditionally said to have been established in 1661, when the new Shinyashiki district was developed and local fishermen collectively requested that the deity be enshrined there.
Today, Kita-Ebisu Shrine is particularly associated with fishing communities and is revered by people praying for safe voyages, successful fishing, and business prosperity.
The shrine is located within the Yuasa Traditional Buildings Preservation District, designated in 2006. Its main sanctuary, gate, stone walls, stone lanterns, and stone washbasin preserve the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese shrine and form an important part of Yuasa’s historic townscape.
Minami-Ebisu Shrine
Minami-Ebisu Shrine is another branch shrine of Kenkoku Shrine, located in the southern part of the former Yuasa-Shinyashiki district.
The shrine is dedicated to Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto, Toyotamahime-no-Mikoto, Oyamatsumi-no-Mikoto, and Wadatsumi-no-Mikoto.
It is traditionally believed to have originated as an Ebisu shrine located behind the southern side of Yokomachi before being moved to the Minamihama area.
Fishermen and local merchants have long worshipped here, praying for prosperity and protection. The shrine also plays an important role as a temporary resting place for the portable shrine during the Wakamiya Festival.
When the mikoshi arrives, a special ceremony is held, followed by the Sanmen Shishi performance, the offering of sea bream, and mochi throwing. The annual festival on July 22 brings the local community together, with food stalls and other activities creating a warm summer festival atmosphere.
Benzaiten Shrine
Benzaiten Shrine is a branch shrine of Kenkoku Shrine located in the Shimanouchi area of Yuasa. It is dedicated to Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto.
The deity has traditionally been worshipped as a guardian associated with water. According to local tradition, the shrine originated when a Benzaiten deity was transferred from Bessho during improvements to the course of the Hirokawa River.
The surrounding area retains traces of Yuasa’s historic port landscape. In the past, boats frequently traveled through these waters, and the area played an important role in the town’s maritime activities.
The nearby Benten Port once supported Yuasa’s shipping and trade. Local traditions also associate the area with historical figures such as Kinokuniya Bunzaemon and Tokugawa Yoshimune, who later became the eighth shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Every year on July 7, the Tanabata Festival is held at the shrine. Visitors write their wishes on colorful paper strips and offer them at the shrine, with children especially encouraged to pray for health and the fulfillment of their dreams. Food stalls and other activities create a lively summer atmosphere after dark.
Discover the History and Culture of Yuasa
With a history of more than 1,200 years, Kenkoku Shrine is one of Yuasa’s most important historic and cultural sites. Yet its significance goes far beyond its age.
The shrine is closely connected with the development of Yuasa, the prosperity of its soy sauce industry, the everyday lives of local residents, its traditional festivals, and its distinctive food culture.
The Sanmen Shishi and portable shrine processions held during the autumn festival are not simply performances for visitors. They are living traditions that have been carefully maintained by generations of local residents.
Although lifestyles and festival customs have changed over time, the community’s respect for the shrine and its strong sense of connection remain an important part of Yuasa’s cultural identity.
A Historic Stop on a Visit to Yuasa
When visiting Kenkoku Shrine, travelers should also explore the surrounding historic streets of Yuasa. The town is famous for its traditional soy sauce breweries, old merchant houses, warehouses, and other buildings that preserve the atmosphere of a historic Japanese settlement.
Walking through the old town and along the historic Kumano Kodo route before visiting Kenkoku Shrine provides a deeper understanding of how religion, commerce, food, and everyday life developed together in Yuasa.
Visitors who come during a festival can experience an especially lively side of the shrine, with Sanmen Shishi performances, portable shrine processions, traditional music, and community celebrations bringing the historic town to life.
Access to Kenkoku Shrine
Location
Kenkoku Shrine
Yuasa, Arida District, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan
By Train
From Yuasa Station on the JR Kisei Main Line, the shrine is approximately a 15-minute walk.
By Car
From the Arida Interchange on the Hanwa Expressway, it takes approximately 10 minutes by car to reach the Yuasa area.
The shrine is surrounded by Yuasa’s historic townscape, making it easy to combine a visit to Kenkoku Shrine with a leisurely walk through the old town.
Experience “Omiya-san,” the Heart of Yuasa
Kenkoku Shrine is a remarkable place where more than a thousand years of history, local faith, traditional festivals, and the development of Yuasa’s famous soy sauce industry come together.
Prayers for prosperity, traditions such as the Sanmen Shishi, historic buildings, sacred trees, festival processions, and local food culture all tell the story of a community that has maintained a close relationship with its guardian shrine for generations.
When exploring Yuasa, be sure to visit the shrine affectionately known as “Omiya-san.” Alongside the town’s historic streets and traditional soy sauce breweries, it offers an opportunity to experience the spiritual heritage and living culture that have shaped Yuasa for centuries.