A Shrine with Ancient Roots in the Izumo no Kuni Fudoki
Noki Shrine is traditionally said to have been established as a place of worship for Nuki no Okami, a deity widely revered in this area in ancient times. The shrine appears in the Izumo no Kuni Fudoki as “Nuki no Yashiro”, indicating that it already held an important position in the local community during the ancient period.
According to the Izumo no Kuni Fudoki, only four deities in the entire province of Izumo were referred to as “Okami,” meaning great or major deities. They were Nuki no Okami, Kumano no Okami, Kizuki no Okami, and Sada no Okami.
These four deities were particularly revered in ancient Izumo, and Nuki no Okami was considered one of the central figures in the region’s early religious traditions.
The Changing Tradition of the Shrine’s Principal Deity
As religious traditions changed over the centuries, the principal deity worshipped at Noki Shrine is thought to have shifted to Ame-no-Hohi-no-Mikoto around the Heian period.
Ame-no-Hohi-no-Mikoto is traditionally described as the second son of Amaterasu Omikami. In Japanese mythology, he was sent from Takamagahara, the heavenly realm, to Izumo as an envoy when Okuninushi was asked to surrender control of the land.
He is also regarded as an ancestral deity of the Izumo Kuni no Miyatsuko, the traditional ruling and religious lineage of Izumo. For this reason, Ame-no-Hohi-no-Mikoto has a particularly strong connection with the history, religious traditions, and political culture of the Izumo region.
The Deities Worshipped at Noki Shrine Today
Today, Noki Shrine enshrines three principal deities:
Ame-no-Hohi-no-Mikoto
Onamuchi-no-Mikoto
Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto
Onamuchi-no-Mikoto is another name for Okuninushi-no-Okami, one of the best-known deities in Izumo mythology and a deity associated with the creation and development of the land.
Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto is regarded as a son of Okuninushi and is also worshipped as a deity associated with the sea and commerce.
The presence of these deities reflects Noki Shrine’s deep connection with the mythology and religious traditions of ancient Izumo.
A Shrine Rebuilt After a Major Fire
Noki Shrine is said to have originally featured magnificent buildings in the Taisha-zukuri architectural style. This is one of Japan’s oldest forms of Shinto shrine architecture and is particularly associated with Izumo Taisha.
However, a major fire in 1563 destroyed all of the shrine buildings. Historical records and sacred objects, as well as equipment used for religious ceremonies, were also lost in the disaster. As a result, many valuable materials that could have revealed more about the shrine’s early history disappeared.
The shrine was later rebuilt in 1613 by the Horio clan, who governed the Izumo region at the time. The reconstructed shrine was reportedly built slightly lower than its original location.
Further renovations and repairs were carried out over the centuries, allowing the shrine and its traditions to survive into the present day.
Historical Records and the Shrine’s Ancient Status
The Nihon Sandai Jitsuroku, a major historical chronicle from the Heian period, records that a deity known as Noki no Kami was granted official court ranks.
In 867, the deity was granted the rank of Junior Fifth Rank, Upper Grade, and in 871, a higher rank of Senior Fifth Rank, Lower Grade. Such records indicate that the deity was regarded as an important figure within the religious system of the time.
However, there is still scholarly debate over whether these ranks were granted specifically to the deity worshipped at today’s Noki Shrine or to another shrine known as Ame-no-Hohi-no-Mikoto Shrine. This uncertainty adds another intriguing layer to the shrine’s long history.
Ancient Archaeological Remains on Sacred Ground
The grounds of Noki Shrine contain the Noki Shrine Archaeological Site, which includes remains believed to be associated with dwellings dating from the Yayoi to Kofun periods.
These archaeological remains suggest that people lived in this area from ancient times and that the site may have developed as an important center of both daily life and religious activity.
Several ancient burial mounds can also be found around the shrine, including the Noki Shrine Okunoin Kofun. These circular tombs indicate the presence of influential individuals in the ancient community and suggest that the surrounding area may once have been an important center of ancient society.
Traditional Festivals Held Throughout the Year
Noki Shrine continues to hold traditional Shinto ceremonies throughout the year. These festivals are important events for the local community and offer a glimpse into the continuing relationship between the shrine and the people of the region.
Main Annual Festivals
February – Kinen-sai: A ceremony praying for abundant harvests.
June 5 – Otaue-sai: A traditional rice-planting ceremony held to pray for a successful agricultural season.
June 30 – Oharai: A purification ceremony intended to cleanse away accumulated spiritual impurities from the first half of the year.
July 31 – Summer Festival: A festival held to pray for the safety and well-being of the local community.
October 19 – Annual Grand Festival: The most important annual festival at Noki Shrine.
November 23 – Niiname-sai: A ceremony expressing gratitude for the year’s harvest.
A Peaceful Shrine Surrounded by Nature and History
Noki Shrine stands in a quiet, green setting where visitors can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere while exploring its long history. Some sections of the stone steps leading into the shrine grounds are covered with moss, creating an especially atmospheric setting that reflects the age of this historic shrine.
The stone steps can become slippery in rainy weather, so visitors should take care when walking through the grounds.
With ancient archaeological remains and burial mounds scattered around the area, the shrine is particularly interesting for travelers fascinated by Japanese history and archaeology. Here, mythology, ancient history, and nature come together in a serene sacred landscape.
How to Get to Noki Shrine
Noki Shrine is relatively easy to reach from central Yasugi. From JR Yasugi Station, take a local bus and get off at the Noki Shrine-mae bus stop. The shrine is approximately a five-minute walk from the bus stop.
The shrine can also be included in a sightseeing itinerary around Yasugi City, making it a worthwhile stop for travelers interested in the ancient history and mythology of the Izumo region.
Discover the Ancient Spirit of Izumo
Noki Shrine preserves the memory of an ancient religious tradition that reaches back to the world described in the Izumo no Kuni Fudoki. Its connection with one of the Four Great Deities of ancient Izumo, its historic buildings, archaeological remains, and continuing festivals offer visitors an opportunity to experience a deeper side of Shimane’s cultural heritage.
For travelers interested in Japanese mythology, Shinto traditions, archaeology, and ancient history, a visit to Noki Shrine provides a peaceful opportunity to explore the cultural landscape of ancient Izumo while enjoying the natural beauty of Yasugi.