The Origin of the Shrine’s Name and Its Ancient Legend
The name “Sakadono” is connected to an ancient legend dating back to the mythical age of the gods.
According to tradition, during the reign of either Emperor Sujin or Emperor Ōjin, the deity Niutsuhime-no-Ōkami descended to this area. At that time, the local deity Kamado Myōjin is said to have brewed sake and offered it to the goddess for the first time.
This sacred act is believed to have given rise to the name “Sakadono,” meaning a place associated with sake brewing and offering. The shrine subsequently became known as a sacred place where sake was presented to the gods.
Another tradition says that Niutsuhime-no-Ōkami arrived holding a branch of sacred sakaki, an evergreen tree traditionally used in Shinto rituals. The place where she is believed to have descended is associated with Sakakiyama behind the shrine and the nearby Nanahiro Waterfall.
These ancient legends have contributed to the area’s reputation as a sacred landscape where nature, mythology, and Shinto beliefs have been closely connected for centuries.
A Deep Connection with Niutsuhime Shrine
Niu Sakadono Shrine has a particularly close relationship with the nearby Niutsuhime Shrine, another important sacred site associated with Mount Kōya.
While Niutsuhime Shrine is located in the mountains, Niu Sakadono Shrine stands at their foot and is traditionally considered to have served as a “satomiya,” or village shrine, connected to the mountain sanctuary.
Historical records indicate that priests associated with Niutsuhime Shrine once lived in this area and carried out religious ceremonies here. The two shrines therefore formed part of a closely connected religious tradition.
The Mitani-zaka Pilgrimage Route developed as a path connecting these sacred places. For generations, pilgrims walked this route toward Mount Kōya, offering prayers along the way and experiencing the sacred natural landscape of the Kii Mountains.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
The Magnificent Ginkgo Tree
One of the most striking features of the shrine grounds is its enormous ginkgo tree, believed to be several hundred years old.
The tree has a trunk circumference of approximately 5.2 meters and reaches around 25 meters in height. In autumn, its leaves turn a brilliant golden yellow, creating a spectacular contrast with the traditional shrine buildings.
When the leaves eventually fall, the ground beneath the tree becomes covered in a carpet of golden leaves. This beautiful scene is one of the area’s most memorable sights in late autumn and attracts photographers and visitors from near and far.
During the autumn foliage season, the tree may also be illuminated at night, creating a mysterious atmosphere that is quite different from its appearance during the day.
A Stone Lantern Donated by Hanaoka Seishū
The shrine grounds are also home to a stone lantern donated by Hanaoka Seishū, the pioneering Japanese physician famous for successfully performing surgery under general anesthesia.
The lantern was dedicated in 1834, when Seishū was 74 years old. It is believed to have been offered as an expression of gratitude for divine and Buddhist protection that he had received throughout his life.
For visitors interested in the history of medicine, this stone lantern is a particularly fascinating connection between Japan’s religious heritage and the history of modern medical practice.
Kama-Hachimangū and Its Unique Tradition
Within the shrine grounds is Kama-Hachimangū, a subsidiary shrine known for an unusual traditional form of prayer.
In the past, worshippers would offer sickles, known as kama, to a sacred Japanese evergreen oak tree and pray for their wishes to come true. According to tradition, if the sickle became embedded in the tree’s trunk, the wish would be granted; if it fell, the wish would not come true.
Today, sickles are no longer driven into the sacred tree in order to protect it. Instead, visitors can express their wishes through traditional ema wooden prayer plaques.
Prayers commonly include wishes for good health, safe childbirth, academic success, and other forms of good fortune.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Niu Sakadono Shrine has played an important role in the religious history of the Mount Kōya region for many centuries. The shrine is believed to have already existed by the middle of the Heian period, and numerous religious ceremonies were conducted here over the centuries.
Its importance as part of the historic pilgrimage network was formally recognized in modern times. In 2015, the Mitani-zaka route was designated as part of a national historic site associated with the Mount Kōya pilgrimage routes.
In 2016, the site was also recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage property “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” This international recognition highlights the exceptional cultural value of the shrine and the surrounding pilgrimage landscape.
Traditional Festivals and Local Culture
Every year on August 16, the shrine hosts a traditional performance known as Sasa Odori, or Bamboo-Grass Dance.
During the event, performers dance while carrying decorations made from bamboo grass. The word “sasa”, meaning bamboo grass, is also traditionally associated with the word for sake, creating a connection with the shrine’s ancient story and the origin of the name Sakadono.
Other traditional religious practices historically associated with the shrine have also had a close relationship with the natural environment. Ritual purification in the river and prayers conducted near waterfalls demonstrate how deeply local beliefs have been connected with the surrounding landscape.
These traditions offer visitors an opportunity to understand how nature and spirituality have been intertwined in the daily lives of people living in the Kii Mountain region.
Access and the Appeal of Visiting
Niu Sakadono Shrine is approximately a 25-minute walk from Myōji Station on the JR Wakayama Line. The peaceful journey through the countryside provides an opportunity to appreciate the natural surroundings before reaching the shrine.
The Mitani-zaka Pilgrimage Route begins near the shrine and continues toward the sacred sites associated with Mount Kōya. Although parts of the route involve relatively steep mountain paths, walking along it provides a memorable way to experience the history of pilgrimage while surrounded by the natural beauty of the Kii Mountains.
The quiet shrine grounds, changing seasonal scenery, ancient legends, and long connection with Mount Kōya create an atmosphere of tranquility. For visitors interested in Japanese spirituality and traditional pilgrimage culture, the shrine offers a chance to experience a side of Wakayama that is far removed from busy tourist destinations.
A Historic Gateway to the Sacred Mountains of Kii
Niu Sakadono Shrine is a historic sacred site deeply connected with the religious traditions of Mount Kōya and the pilgrimage routes of the Kii Mountains. Its ancient legends, beautiful natural surroundings, and distinctive local traditions provide a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s spiritual heritage.
From the legendary descent of Niutsuhime-no-Ōkami and the story behind the shrine’s name to the magnificent autumn ginkgo tree, the stone lantern associated with Hanaoka Seishū, and the unique traditions of Kama-Hachimangū, there is much to discover within the peaceful shrine grounds.
As the gateway to the Mitani-zaka pilgrimage route, the shrine is also an excellent starting point for travelers who want to explore the historic relationship between local communities, sacred mountains, and pilgrimage in the Kii Peninsula.
When visiting Wakayama, consider taking time to explore this quiet and historic sanctuary. Walking through the shrine grounds and along the ancient pilgrimage route offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the history, mythology, nature, and spirituality of the Kii Mountains.