In daily life, we might overlook shrines without stopping to pay respects. But if we look closely at their history and grounds, some might be connected to horses…? In this article, we introduce several horse-related shrines in the Kanto region!
Senzoku Hachiman Shrine (Tokyo)
The first shrine we introduce is Senzoku Hachiman Shrine, located in Minami Senzoku, Ota Ward, Tokyo. Nationwide, Hachiman Shrines are generally considered to be deities of victory, and Hachiman is the guardian deity of the Minamoto clan. Remarkably, this shrine is said to have hosted Minamoto no Yoriyoshi during his campaigns.
Yoriyoshi, who ultimately helped establish the Kamakura shogunate, was said to have camped here after suffering a defeat in a recent battle, fleeing and seeking aid on his way to Kamakura.
In that situation, a wild horse appeared during the camp, lifting the spirits of the soldiers by its beauty and strength. This horse was named ‘Ikezuki’ because of its striking blue coat resembling the moon reflected in the pond. However, there is another theory saying it was called ‘Ikezuzuki’ because of its fierce temper and tendency to bite both people and horses.
Ikezuki was celebrated not only for its appearance but also for its deeds. It is depicted in The Tale of the Heike as having been given to Minamoto no Yoriyoshi and carrying Sakon Takatsuna across rapids, rushing into enemy territory.
Ikezuki survived many battles and spent its remaining days on the land of Sakon Takatsuna, who loved and honored it as a divine horse. After Ikezuki’s death, Takatsuna gave it a noble burial, and the site, known as the Horse-Headed Kannon Hall, still remains in Tori-yama Town, Yokohama City.
Visiting sites related to this legendary horse and the historic tales associated with it makes for a fascinating journey. At Senzoku Hachiman Shrine, you can find ema ema plaques featuring the brave Ikezuki and also get a charm called ‘Winning Guardian’ embroidered with Ikezuki’s image. Wearing such charms during important moments might bring good luck!
Katsuma Shrine (Ibaraki)
The next shrine is Okusu Shrine, located in Awa, Inashiki City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Known popularly as ‘Ohsugi-sama’, it also encompasses the lesser-known ‘Katsuma Shrine’ within its grounds.
Historically, the nearby Miho Village Shinota was home to a government-managed horse farm called ‘Shinta’s Horse Ranch.’ Divine spirits for horse safety and health were enshrined in a small shrine called ‘Barekin-sha,’ which was later moved to Okusu Shrine during the transition of time, becoming Katsuma Shrine.
This shrine has continued to be revered by horse breeders and was once the site of competitive horse racing with over 100 horses, making it a notable hub in the early Showa era. Today, it remains a sacred spot for horse racing enthusiasts and those praying for safe and healthy horses. The shrine’s tsuba-gi (stone fence) features numerous donations from equestrians, and it offers unique charms, including the ‘Winning Horse Charm’ and ‘Mane Charm’ filled with mare hair. The ema plaques crafted with horse hoofs instead of illustrations also show a special touch for horse lovers.
While originally dedicated to horse health and safety, the shrine is also suitable for prayers related to horse riding or competitions. Whether you’re a horseback rider or a racing fan, praying here might bring good luck.
Shiraoka Hachiman Shrine (Saitama)
Next, we visit Shiraoka Hachiman Shrine in Saitama. Along with Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (Kamakura) and Kameoka Hachimangu (Sendai), it is famous as one of the ‘Miao Hachimangu’ shrines. Inside its grounds, there is a small auxiliary shrine called ‘Shinba-sha.’
The origins of this shrine are unclear, but the enshrined horses are believed to have been wild horses, indicating a long history. The horses were known for their intelligence but began to descend into the towns, damaging crops, which alarmed local farmers.
The farmers, sensing the horses’ special nature and beauty, decided to capture and enshrine them as sacred animals at the Hachiman Shrine’s rear. They believed these horses were messengers of the gods and kept them there, praying for their safety and longevity.
During WWII, farmers who owned war horses would visit the shrine to pray for their horses’ continued success. The ‘Umayose Festival’, once a major event attracting many horses and hosting grass racing, is still held annually in March during the shrine’s festival season.
The stone fence of the shrine is inscribed with many names of horse owners, illustrating the strong connection to equestrian culture. Unique charms featuring horseshoes and mare hair are available, along with ema plaques made from horse hoofs, which are highly valued by horse enthusiasts.
Yasumi Inari Shrine (Tokyo)
Finally, we visit Yashima Inari Shrine in Taito, Tokyo. Historically, this shrine was the guardian deity of the Sanjusan-ga-do Temple, a famous Buddhist temple.
During the era of the Sanjusan-ga-do, archery competitions called ‘Yashitori’ took place, and it was said that the shrine enshrined the guardians of this tradition. These competitions involved shooting arrows through a long hall, testing archery skills, and are still held in places like Kyoto’s Sanjusangendo.
Honoring the tradition of archery, Yashima Inari Shrine was believed to enhance martial fortunes. Despite the original Sanjusan-ga-do being destroyed by fire in 1699, the shrine survived and continued to be revered by locals, maintaining its spiritual significance.
Now, you might wonder, ‘Where’s the horse connection?’ The key is in the shrine’s impressive ceiling paintings, which depict the history of Japanese horse riding from the era of Emperor Jimmu to the present—over 100 images! These detailed murals are an extraordinary sight, showcasing the deep historical link between horses and Japanese culture. Each figure, horse, harness, and attire was carefully researched and illustrated, making this ceiling a rare and valuable historical treasure.
Summary
Most horse-related shrines have roots in samurai history or possess long-standing cultural traditions. Beyond those mentioned here, many other shrines in Tohoku and Kanto are dedicated to horses, such as the Komagata Shrine. There might even be a shrine with a special connection to horses in your hometown.