Yokohama Nishi Ward

Description

Strolling through Nishi-ward: Iseyama Kotaijingu



People living in Nishi-ward visit Iseyama Kotaijingu at the occasions of events including New Year’s visit, Omiyamairi (newborn child's first visit) and Shichi-go-san (an annual Japanese festival to celebrate the growth of children).



A Hokora (miniature Shinto shrine) from Isenomori near Ganki-yokocho street was transferred to this place and a divine spirit from Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture and designated as Sosha of the Prefecture and Sochinju of Yokohama by Moritome Ise, a governor of Kanagawa Prefecture at the time in 1870 (Meiji 3). This is said to be the origin of the shrine itself.



It is said that Iseyama Kotaijingu was built by combining Shinto as Japanese spiritual pillar and Mt. Fuji worship in line with policy of Meiji government. It was built on heights which is on the line connecting the pork and Mt. Fuji. When you look at Ukiyo-e painted by Hiroshige III, you can see the positioning of the shrine was great. With its mysterious atmosphere even in the middle of modern architectures, it still secures a solid position as a famous site in Yokohama.



Writing and picture by Tai Hasewaga (Nishi ward Cultural Association/Chairman of Kiko Society)



※This is a sketch and writing published in Yokohama Public Relation Nishi ward edition between November 1997 and April 2004. Please be noted that there’s a possibility that information in the article may be changed.



(Published January in 2000)