Photos courtesy of Yoshihito Morita ()
Kushihiki Hachimangu is about a 40-minute drive from Misawa Air Base and is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in the region.
This Hachinohe City shrine is a popular tourist attraction and features unique architecture offset by the impressive cedar trees that surround it.
Kushihiki Hachimangu is over 800 years old and has been the center of faith in the region for centuries. As such, this shrine is considered a power spot which draws many near and far to seek good fortune in business, competition and for safe births.
The main shrine hall built by local feudal lord Mitsuyuki Nanbu in 1648 is designated national important cultural prosperity as the building is considered a valuable example of the early-Edo style shrine architecture. The shrine treasure hall is also home to 25 precious samurai armors, two of which— the Akaito-Odoshi Yoroi (armor laced with red threads) and Shiroito-Odoshi Tsumadori Yoroi (armor laced with white triangular-patterned thread)— are designated as national treasures. Visitors are usually allowed to try on a suit of armor but due to COVID-19, this activity has been temporarily suspended.
On the grounds, you may recognize western architecture on one building which stands apart from the surrounding buildings. This building is the Meiji Memorial Hall, one of the oldest of its kind in Aomori Prefecture. The hall was a school auditorium built in 1881 and the Meiji Emperor (grandfather of current Emperor Naruhito) stayed in the building when he toured northern part of Japan in the same year. This building was not originally at this location but was moved here to commemorate the Emperor’s visit to go along a statue of his likeness in 1962.
Kushihiki Hachiman Shrine
Location: 3 Hachimancho, Hachiman, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture (a 40-minute drive from Misawa AB) URL Tel: 0178-27-3053
