Kotonomama Hachimangu

Standing in Yasaka, Kakegawa City in Shizuoka Prefecture, Kotonomama Hachimangu is the foremost shrine of the old Totomi Province, enshrining a deity who arranges matters through the power of word spirits. Its principal deity is Kotonomachihime no Mikoto, and it has long been said that wishes come true just as you speak them. This venerable old shrine even appears as Kotonomama no Myojin in the Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon in the Heian period. Passing through the gate, you are surrounded by many great trees, including the sacred cedar. As a power spot where you can receive the power of word spirits, it draws worshippers from across the country who put their wishes into words and pray.

Highlights

• The sacred cedar rising beside the worship hall, about thirty six meters tall. Said to have been planted by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, it is designated a natural monument of Kakegawa City.
• A great camphor tree, about thirty one meters tall, that greets you at the entrance of the approach, also a natural monument of Kakegawa City.
• A large knot on the trunk of the giant camphor. Its ear like shape leads to the belief that the deity hears worshippers wishes from here.
• The custom of polishing white stones, called fukunokami, then praying. One for the deity, one for everyone, and one for yourself.

Practical Travel Notes

• Best time and seasons: In fresh greenery the young leaves of the sacred cedar and camphor are vivid for an invigorating visit. Autumn brings color to the surrounding trees, the New Year fills the grounds with first prayers, and in winter the clear air makes the solemn silhouette of the great cedar stand out.
• Time needed: A visit to the main hall, a look at the cedar and camphor, and a distant worship toward Mt. Hongu take about thirty minutes to an hour. Allow extra time to climb Mt. Hongu itself.
• Avoiding crowds: The first three days of the New Year are very crowded with first prayers. For calm word spirit prayers, weekdays or mornings are best.
• Nearby real spots: Kakegawa Castle, Kakegawa Kachoen bird and flower park, and the old Tokaido post town of Nissaka are within driving range, all distinctive of Kakegawa.
• Budget sense: Visiting is free. Aside from a goshuin seal, amulets, and parking, costs are modest.
• Safety notes: The path up Mt. Hongu is a mountain trail. Wear comfortable shoes and mind the time after rain and near sunset.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Yasaka, Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture
• Train and bus: From the north exit of JR Kakegawa Station, take the Higashiyama route bus and get off at Kotonomama Hachimangu. By taxi it is about fifteen minutes. Check bus times and frequency.
• By car: About nine hundred meters north of the Yasaka Interchange on the Kakegawa Bypass.
• Parking: Available, for about fifty cars.
• Fees and hours: Visiting is free. Reception hours at the amulet office and festival dates vary, so check officially before your visit.

A Quick Tip

When you pray, the practice at this shrine is to put your wish clearly into words. Rather than wishing only in your heart, speak it aloud, and it is said your wish will come true just as you say it. If you have time, a climb of Mt. Hongu across the road is also recommended. Combined with Kakegawa Castle, it makes a day that savors both history and faith. (Tabitabi Japan Editorial Team)

📚 Sources

This article is based on Kakegawa City and local tourism information and on guidance about the history and highlights of Kotonomama Hachimangu, the ichinomiya of Totomi Province. It touches on the sacred cedar and camphor trees, both Kakegawa City natural monuments, and the shrine's history as an old shrine mentioned in The Pillow Book. Amulet-office hours, festival schedules, and the condition of the path up Mount Hongu may change, so please check official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 30 minutes to an hour to worship at the main hall and see the cedar and camphor trees
• Access: Bus on the Higashiyama line from the north exit of JR Kakegawa Station, with parking for about 50 cars
• Etiquette: Here the custom is to voice your wish clearly when you pray
• Avoiding crowds: The New Year's first three days are very busy; weekdays and mornings are calmer
• Safety notes: The path up Mount Hongu is a mountain trail, so wear comfortable shoes
• Also enjoy: Kakegawa Castle, Kakegawa Kachoen, and the Nissaka post town