Yokohama Nishi Ward

Description

Climb up Momiji-zaka slope near the Sakuragicho Station. Cross the Momiji Bridge and walk up “Front Approach to the Shrine” slope next to “Music Street” on the left and you will find “Iseyama Kotaijingu”.
In 1870, Shinmobe Village was relocated to this higher ground and it has become the Sochinj (guardian) of Yokohama. Enter the shrine ground, pass through the large Torii gate and climb up the stairs, you will find yourself in the plaza where the sacred main shrine is located. The current main shrine was relocated from the Inner Ise Shrine two years ago to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Iseyama Kotaijingu founding. You can see the “Syoshikai (second generation of shrine nightlight) that protects the port of Yokohama in the plaza. On New Year’s Day, the shrine ground is filled with visitors including company employees and general worshipers who wish for good health and prosperity.
When I was a child, my parents ran a confectionary shop without any days off, so I have memory of visiting the shrine with my family. It was only after I got married that I started visiting the shrine. Sketching the shrine reminds me of my childhood memories of Omiyamairi (shrine visit), Shichi-go-san (Ceremony for children of three, five and seven years of age) and New Year’s visit. The most recent was my grandson’s first shrine visit.

Title, picture and writing by Taro Suzuki
※This is a sketch and writing published in Yokohama Public Relation Nishi ward edition since June 2013. Please be noted that there’s a possibility that information in the article may be changed.

(Published in October 2022)