Founded to Commemorate 700 Years Since Emperor Go-Toba’s Death
Oki Shrine was established in 1939 to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the death of Emperor Go-Toba. A memorial ceremony known as the 700th Anniversary Festival of Emperor Go-Toba was held that year, and the shrine was established by Shimane Prefecture to honor his legacy and continue the veneration associated with him.
In 1943, the shrine was designated as a Ken-sha, a former prewar shrine rank equivalent to a prefectural shrine. This further established its position as a central place of worship in the Oki Islands.
Today, Oki Shrine continues to be an important place of worship for local residents while also welcoming visitors interested in the history and culture of the Oki Islands.
Emperor Go-Toba and His Years in Exile on Oki
The Shrine’s Principal Deity: Emperor Go-Toba
The principal deity of Oki Shrine is Emperor Go-Toba, who ruled Japan during the Kamakura period. In 1221, after the failure of the Jokyu Disturbance, a conflict between the imperial court and the Kamakura shogunate, Emperor Go-Toba was exiled to the Oki Islands.
He spent approximately 19 years on Nakanoshima. Although far from the political center of Japan, he continued to write poetry and live a relatively quiet life on the island.
His Final Years and the Cremation Mound
During his years on Oki, Emperor Go-Toba used Genpuku-ji Temple as his residence. He spent his time composing poetry and living in seclusion until his death in February 1239.
After his death, he was cremated on the hill behind Genpuku-ji, and his ashes were placed at what is now known as the Go-Toba Cremation Mound. Oki Shrine was later established near this historic site.
Several remains and historical landmarks connected with Emperor Go-Toba can still be found in the surrounding area, allowing visitors to explore the landscape associated with the final years of one of Japan’s emperors.
A Tradition of Worship Across the Centuries
During the Edo period, the lords of the Matsue domain maintained and improved the imperial mausoleum, while local residents continued to hold religious ceremonies in his honor.
During the Meiji period, the movement known as Haibutsu Kishaku led to the destruction or removal of many Buddhist institutions and objects across Japan. The religious traditions surrounding Emperor Go-Toba were temporarily disrupted, but local reverence for him continued and was eventually given a new form through the establishment of Oki Shrine.
The Beauty of Oki-zukuri Architecture
The buildings of Oki Shrine were constructed in the distinctive Oki-zukuri architectural style found in the Oki Islands. At the heart of the complex is the copper-roofed main sanctuary, accompanied by the worship hall, prayer hall, sacred food preparation building, ritual equipment storehouse, treasure hall, gate and corridor structures, and shrine office.
The buildings are arranged in an orderly and dignified complex, creating a strong sense of formality. Their appearance preserves the character of the shrine when it was established in the early Showa period.
The shrine buildings themselves are also recognized for their cultural value. For visitors interested in traditional Japanese architecture, Oki Shrine provides an opportunity to see a regional architectural style that reflects the distinctive heritage of the islands.
Cherry Blossoms and a Peaceful Shrine Grounds
A Beautiful Cherry Tree Avenue
The shrine grounds cover approximately 56,000 square meters and include a beautiful avenue of cherry trees regarded as one of the finest in the Oki Islands.
In spring, the trees burst into bloom along the approach to the shrine, transforming the grounds into a colorful and atmospheric setting. The cherry blossoms attract both local residents and visitors who come to enjoy the seasonal scenery.
Where History and Nature Meet
Surrounded by abundant greenery, the shrine grounds have a calm and contemplative atmosphere. Walking slowly through the grounds allows visitors to appreciate both the beauty of nature and the historical significance of the site.
The combination of woodland, traditional buildings, and quiet paths makes Oki Shrine an especially peaceful place to pause during a journey around Nakanoshima.
Festivals and Traditional Performing Arts
The Annual Festivals and Jokyu-gaku
Oki Shrine holds its major annual festivals on April 14 and October 14. One of the highlights of these occasions is Jokyu-gaku, a traditional performance combining music and dance with poems composed by Emperor Go-Toba.
Jokyu-gaku is a rare traditional performing art preserved specifically at Oki Shrine. Experiencing this performance provides a valuable glimpse into how the history of Emperor Go-Toba has been transformed into a living cultural tradition passed down by the local community.
Historical Sites Around Oki Shrine
Ama Town Go-Toba-in Museum
Located directly in front of Oki Shrine, the Ama Town Go-Toba-in Museum introduces the life and history of Emperor Go-Toba on the Oki Islands. Historical materials and artifacts associated with the emperor and Oki Shrine are displayed inside.
A visit to the museum before or after visiting the shrine can help overseas travelers understand the historical background of the site and appreciate the significance of Emperor Go-Toba’s connection with Nakanoshima.
Katsuta Pond and the Remains of Genpuku-ji
The surrounding area contains several locations associated with Emperor Go-Toba. Katsuta Pond is traditionally associated with poems composed by the emperor, while the remains of Genpuku-ji mark the place where he once lived.
Walking between these sites offers a different perspective on the emperor’s years in exile. Rather than experiencing his history only through museum exhibits, visitors can explore the actual landscape in which he spent his final years.
Local Shops and Island Culture
Around the approach to the shrine are shops offering local products and crafts. These provide an opportunity to discover the distinctive culture and everyday life of Ama Town while exploring the historical area surrounding Oki Shrine.
Access to Oki Shrine
Oki Shrine can be reached from Hishiura Port, the main gateway to Ama Town. By bus, get off at the Oki Shrine-mae stop. By car, the shrine is approximately 15 minutes from Hishiura Port.
Because the shrine is close to several historical sites associated with Emperor Go-Toba, it is an ideal destination to include in a wider sightseeing route around Nakanoshima.
A Place Where History and Prayer Continue to Live
Oki Shrine is a special place where the history of Emperor Go-Toba, the faith of the island community, and the natural beauty of Nakanoshima come together. The shrine’s peaceful surroundings make it easy to imagine the centuries of history connected with this remote island.
From its distinctive Oki-zukuri architecture and beautiful cherry trees to the traditional Jokyu-gaku performance and nearby historical remains, the shrine offers many ways to discover the cultural heritage of the Oki Islands.
For travelers visiting Ama Town, a visit to Oki Shrine is an opportunity to slow down and explore an important chapter of Japanese history in the very landscape where that history unfolded. Surrounded by nature and quiet paths, the shrine offers a memorable encounter with the history and spiritual traditions of the Oki Islands.