Anashiniimasu Hyozu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. It has ancient origins and is listed among Japan’s traditional shrines recorded in the Engishiki, a compilation of laws and rituals from the Heian period. The shrine was formerly classified as a prefectural shrine.
The shrine as it exists today was formed through the merger of three separate shrines: Anashiniimasu Hyozu Shrine, formerly a Myojin Taisha, a shrine of the highest rank; Makimukuniimasu Wakamitama Shrine, formerly an Engishiki Taisha; and Anashi Daihyozu Shrine, formerly an Engishiki Shosha. These three shrines were combined during the Muromachi period. The present shrine grounds occupy the former site of Anashi Daihyozu Shrine.
Several traditions explain the founding of Anashiniimasu Hyozu Shrine. According to one account, in the second year of Emperor Suinin’s reign, Princess Yamatohime enshrined a deity to protect the emperor’s meals. Another tradition states that Emperor Keiko enshrined Yachihoko-no-Kami, another name associated with Okuninushi, as Hyozu-no-Okami.
The shrine’s original location is said to have been Mount Yuzuki, although its precise identification remains uncertain. Three mountains have been proposed: Mount Ryuo, Mount Anashi, and Mount Makimuku. These differing traditions reflect the shrine’s deep connections with the ancient religious landscape of the Sakurai area.
Hyozu-no-Kami, the principal deity, is enshrined in the central sanctuary, where a mirror serves as the sacred object. The shrine traditionally reveres this deity as Mitsuke-no-Kami, a deity associated with food. However, other interpretations identify the deity with figures such as Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Ame-no-Fuki-no-Mikoto, Takeminakata-no-Mikoto, Izutoko-no-Mikoto—regarded in one tradition as a manifestation of Okuninushi—and Yamato-no-Okunitama-no-Kami.
The identity and divine attributes of Hyozu-no-Kami have therefore been understood in different ways across historical periods and regions, making the shrine an intriguing destination for visitors interested in the diversity of ancient Japanese religious beliefs.
Makimukuniimasu Wakamitama Shrine once stood in the mountains of Mount Makimuku. Today, its deity is enshrined in the right-hand sanctuary at Anashiniimasu Hyozu Shrine.
Wakamitama-no-Kami is commonly identified with Inadahime-no-Mikoto, and the sacred objects associated with the deity are a magatama comma-shaped bead and a bell. Another interpretation identifies Wakamitama-no-Kami as Wakumusubi-no-Kami. The deity’s origins have been the subject of discussion and differing theories since ancient times.
The founding date of Anashi Daihyozu Shrine, whose former grounds now form the present shrine site, is unknown. Its deity, Daihyozu-no-Kami, is enshrined in the left-hand sanctuary, with a sword serving as the sacred object.
Various traditions identify Daihyozu-no-Kami with Yachihoko-no-Mikoto, another name associated with Okuninushi; Susanoo-no-Mikoto; Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto; or Ame-no-Hiboko-no-Mikoto. The deity has long been revered as a symbol of strength and protection.
During the medieval period, Anashiniimasu Hyozu Shrine became known as Anashi Kamisha, or the Upper Anashi Shrine, while Anashi Daihyozu Shrine was called Anashi Shimosha, or the Lower Anashi Shrine.
During the Onin War (1467–1477), fire destroyed the buildings of Wakamitama Shrine and Anashi Kamisha. The two shrines were subsequently merged into Anashi Shimosha, the shrine dedicated to Daihyozu-no-Kami.
In 1873, the shrine was designated a gosha, a local shrine ranking, and in 1928 it was elevated to the status of a prefectural shrine. Its long history reflects the changes in religious institutions and local traditions over many centuries.
The shrine grounds also contain Sumo Shrine, a subordinate shrine dedicated to Nomi-no-Sukune, a legendary ancient wrestler widely revered as a founding figure of Japanese sumo. Sumo holds a special place in Japanese culture, combining physical strength, technique, ritual, and tradition.
Sumo competitions are held here annually, attracting worshippers and sumo enthusiasts who come to celebrate the sport’s ancient heritage.
By train: From Makimuku Station on the JR West Sakurai Line, walk approximately 30 minutes east to the shrine.
By car: Parking is available in the surrounding area.
Surrounded by tranquil natural scenery, Anashiniimasu Hyozu Shrine offers a peaceful setting in which to explore the history of ancient Shinto worship. Its layered origins, diverse interpretations of the deities, and connection with the traditions of sumo make it a rewarding stop for visitors interested in Japan’s early religious and cultural history.