Lifestyles and Traditions - Shrines
Mizuwakasu-mikoto Shrine is a myojin taisha listed in Engishiki as well as the most important provincial shrine of Oki Province. Enshrined here is Mizuwakasu-no-mikoto, which is the deity of land development in Oki Province and the guardian of the Sea of Japan. According to legend, the deity rose from the sea, off the shore of Igo, crossed Mt. Ōmine and entered the former Goka Village. In Shoku Nihonki, an imperially-commissioned text of the history of Japan, the shrine already had a name. In Inshū Shicho Gakki composed in the Edo Period, it is recorded as a myojin taisha and in the Kokunai Jinmyōchō, it was Mizuwakasu Myojin Oki Ichinomiya Shrine of the upper senior fourth rank.
According to the shrine’s legend, the shrine was established during the reigns of Emperor Suijin or Emperor Nintoku (both Kofun Period). But from the origin of Nakagoto-no-kami, the deity that succeeded Mizuwakasu-no-mikoto as the ruler of Oki, it is believed that the shrine was established as far back as before the two emperors mentioned above. Nakagoto-no-kami is said to be the grandson of Ōkuninushi, and Suzu-go-zen is the wife of Nakagoto-no-kami, and her original name was Suzu-hime.
The front of the main hall is of Yuiitsu Shinmei-zukuri architectural style, from Ise Grand Shrine, the roof is of Taisha-zukuri style, from Izumo Grand Shrine, and the pent roof is Kasuga-zukuri from Kasuga Grand Shrine. The unique Oki-zukuri style is a combination of these three styles, and can only be found here in Oki. The shrine has also been designated as an Important Cultural Property.
The grand festival is held on May 3 in odd-numbered years.
