A History Dating Back to the Heian Period
The exact date when Nawakuri Shrine was founded is unknown. However, a ridge-end plaque preserved at the shrine records that its buildings were reconstructed during the Jōan era, from 1171 to 1175. This suggests that the shrine was already an important place of worship by the late Heian period.
Locally, the shrine has long been affectionately known as Nawakuri-no-Ōkami or Nawakuri-san. It became deeply connected with the everyday lives of local people, particularly those whose livelihoods depended on agriculture and livestock.
During the Edo period, devotion spread beyond Izumo to areas including Hōki, Bicchū, Bingo, and the Oki Islands. Religious associations were formed in various regions, and the shrine became an important center of worship.
Matsudaira Harusato, better known as Fumai, the lord of the Matsue Domain and a famous tea master, is also said to have regarded Nawakuri Shrine as a place for prayer.
The Legend Behind the Name “Nawakuri”
The unusual name Nawakuri is associated with an ancient legend involving two divine sisters, Iwanagahime and Konohanasakuyahime, daughters of Oyamatsumi-no-Mikoto.
According to the legend, the sisters climbed Mt. Iimori while searching for places where they could live. From the mountain, Konohanasakuyahime saw the distant peak of Mt. Daisen in present-day Tottori Prefecture.
She decided to travel toward Daisen by following a rope. She promised her sister that she would send a signal after finding a suitable place to stay.
However, no message came. Iwanagahime eventually tried to pull the rope back toward herself, but no matter how much she wound it in, she felt no resistance.
This story is said to have given rise to the expression meaning “winding the rope”, which eventually became associated with the name “Nawakuri.” The name was later written with the characters 縄久利.
Okumiya on Mt. Iimori
The shrine’s Okumiya, or inner shrine, stands near the summit of Mt. Iimori at an elevation of approximately 600 meters. It can be reached by following a mountain trail for about 300 meters from the lower shrine.
For centuries, this secluded area has been regarded as a sacred place. From the summit, visitors can see Mt. Daisen to the east and Mt. Sanbe to the west, creating an impressive panorama of the mountains of the San’in region.
The surrounding scenery is also associated with the ancient myths of Izumo, including the legendary story of Kunibiki, or the Land-Pulling Myth. The combination of mountain landscapes, traditional beliefs, and ancient legends gives the area a particularly mysterious atmosphere.
From sunrise to sunset, the scenery changes with the light and weather, making the mountain a peaceful place for visitors seeking a quiet connection with nature and traditional Japanese spirituality.
Mysterious Sacred Rocks and Ancient Trees
The grounds of Nawakuri Shrine and the surrounding mountain area contain numerous large rocks and sacred stones associated with local traditions. Notable examples include Hanakuri-iwa, Kikusuino-iwa, Komori-iwa, Chichi-iwa, and Akago-iwa.
These rocks have traditionally been regarded as symbols of reverence for nature and the forces of life. Their presence helps convey the ancient character of the mountain sanctuary.
One particularly fascinating site is Chichi-iwa Shrine. Water is said to drip continuously from the surface of the rock throughout the year. Because the water is believed never to run dry, the site has traditionally been associated with vitality and abundance.
The shrine grounds are also surrounded by many large, old trees. Their trunks and branches have grown over many generations, creating a natural setting that blends seamlessly with the sacred landscape.
Hanagasa Ritual: A Powerful Traditional Festival
One of Nawakuri Shrine’s best-known events is the Hanagasa Ritual, held every year on April 24. The ceremony is performed to pray for the health of cattle and horses and for the protection of people from illness and misfortune.
On the day of the festival, decorated poles known as kasa-boko are brought to the shrine from surrounding communities. These bamboo poles are approximately 2 to 8 meters high, with umbrella-shaped decorations measuring about 1 to 4 meters in diameter at the top.
The decorations are covered with numerous artificial flowers, creating a spectacular display. At the climax of the ceremony, the decorated poles are knocked down, and worshippers compete to collect the flowers.
These flowers have traditionally been regarded as protective charms for healthy cattle and horses and for the prosperity of stables. People take them home as talismans, praying for the safety of their animals and the good health of their families.
The energetic ritual is an important expression of the local community’s traditional beliefs and close ties.
A Shrine Closely Connected with Local Life
Nawakuri Shrine has been respected not only as a guardian of livestock but also as a protector of forestry and agriculture. In the past, agricultural ceremonies such as Hanadaue, traditional rice-planting events held to pray for a good harvest, were also practiced in the area.
Some traditional events were temporarily interrupted by historical events, including wartime disruption. Over time, however, local traditions were revived and passed on as an important part of the region’s cultural heritage.
A Sacred Place Where Nature, Myth, and Faith Meet
Today, Nawakuri Shrine remains an important place of worship while also attracting visitors interested in the natural and cultural heritage of the mountains of Yasugi.
Because the shrine is located deep in the mountains, the journey itself offers an opportunity to experience the peaceful rural landscapes of the Izumo region. Large sacred rocks, ancient trees, and quiet mountain paths create an atmosphere that can feel like stepping into an older world of Japanese nature worship.
The views from Mt. Iimori are another highlight. On clear days, visitors can enjoy magnificent views toward Mt. Daisen and Mt. Sanbe, making the area an appealing destination for those who enjoy hiking, scenery, history, and traditional Japanese culture.
Access to Nawakuri Shrine
From Arashima Station on the JR San’in Main Line, take a bus for approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes and get off at the Dojo bus stop. From there, the shrine is about a 30-minute walk.
As the shrine is located in a mountainous area, visitors should allow plenty of time for the journey. The surrounding natural scenery is part of the experience, offering a peaceful introduction to this secluded sacred site.
Experience the Ancient Spirit of Yasugi
With its long history, traditional legends, sacred mountain landscape, and close connection to local agriculture and livestock culture, Nawakuri Shrine offers a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual traditions of Shimane.
A visit allows travelers to experience not only a historic Shinto shrine but also the quiet mountain environment and stories that have been passed down through generations. For travelers interested in Japanese mythology, traditional beliefs, rural culture, and nature, Nawakuri Shrine is a memorable destination in the Yasugi area.