Hine Shrine, located in Hineno, Izumisano City, Osaka Prefecture, is a historic Shinto shrine that was formerly one of the designated shrines of Hine District in Izumi Province. It is also counted among the Five Major Shrines of former Izumi Province.
The shrine’s otabisho, or temporary sacred site used during festivals, is located along the Kumano Kaido in Nagataki, Izumisano City. Hine Shrine is also known as Oisekimyōjin and has long been an important place of local worship.
The exact date of Hine Shrine’s founding is unknown. According to shrine tradition, however, its history is connected with Kamu-Yamato-Iware-Hiko-no-Mikoto, the legendary first emperor of Japan, who is said to have retreated to this area after being defeated in battle by Nagasunehiko during his campaign toward Yamato.
At this location, he is said to have enshrined Amaterasu Omikami, the deity of the sun, and Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the deity associated with the roots or foundation of the land. After eventually achieving victory and pacifying Yamato, the area came to be known as Hineno, while the shrine became known as Hine Shrine.
In 716, Hine Shrine was counted among the Five Shrines of Izumi, and its inclusion in the Engishiki, an ancient record of officially recognized shrines, indicates that it has a history of more than 1,200 years.
In 673, during the reign of Emperor Tenmu, Muhenko-in Temple, now known as Jigen-in Temple, was established next to the shrine. Later, in 742, during the reign of Emperor Shomu, the imperial court granted the shrine 500 koku of rice-producing land during a severe drought, demonstrating its historical connection with the imperial court.
During the Tensho era (1573–1593), the shrine was destroyed by fire during warfare. In 1585, Hashiba Hideyoshi confiscated its shrine lands. The shrine buildings were subsequently rebuilt in 1602 at the orders of Toyotomi Hideyori.
During the Meiji period, the policy of shinbutsu bunri, which separated Shinto and Buddhism, resulted in the shrine being separated from Muhenko-in, now Jigen-in. In 1873, Hine Shrine was designated a village shrine, and in 1924 it was elevated to the status of a prefectural shrine.
The shrine’s Main Sanctuary was designated an Osaka Prefecture Tangible Cultural Property in 1972. The adjacent Oisek Natural Park is also known for its beautiful seasonal scenery, particularly in spring.
The principal deities of Hine Shrine are Ugaya-fukiaezu-no-Mikoto, Tamayori-hime-no-Mikoto, and the Four Princes—Itsuse-no-Mikoto, Inahi-no-Mikoto, Mike-nu-no-Mikoto, and Wakemike-nu-no-Mikoto—along with Okishifutsukaishinushi.
Hime Shrine enshrines Ohirume-no-Muchi-no-Mikoto and Susanoo-no-Mikoto. It is listed as an ancient shrine in the Engishiki and its shrine building is designated an Osaka Prefecture Tangible Cultural Property.
Ni’u Shrine, also known as Nonomiya, enshrines Niutsuhime-no-Okami and Niutakanonomiko-no-Okami. Its head shrine is Niutsuhime Shrine in Wakayama Prefecture. Its annual festival is held on October 10.
Ebisu Shrine enshrines Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto and is said to have been relocated to its present position in 1840.
The Main Sanctuary and Worship Hall of Hine Shrine were both rebuilt in 1602 under the orders of Toyotomi Hideyori. The shrine gate and shrine office are also important structures that convey the site’s long history and traditions.
The shrine office originally served as Shimonobo, a sub-temple of Muhenko-in, now Jigen-in, before being converted for its present use.
Hine Shrine’s otabisho is located along the Kumano Kaido in Nagataki, Izumisano City. It plays an important role in local traditional festivals and ceremonies.
Its location is approximately 34°23′20″ north latitude and 135°18′35″ east longitude. The fact that the sacred site is located away from the main shrine is also part of its historical character.
Every year on May 5, Hine Shrine holds the Makura Festival. This is an important traditional event in the local community and attracts worshippers and visitors.
Other Shinto ceremonies are also held throughout the year, continuing traditions closely connected with the shrine’s natural surroundings and local community.
Hine Shrine forms part of the Hineno Estate Historic Site, which is designated as a National Historic Site.
The shrine’s Main Sanctuary and Hime Shrine building are designated Osaka Prefecture Tangible Cultural Properties. The Hine Shrine Makura Festival is also designated an Osaka City Intangible Folk Cultural Property, reflecting the continuing importance of local traditions and beliefs.
With its long history, traditional festivals, cultural properties, and connection with ancient Japanese legends, Hine Shrine offers visitors an opportunity to experience the history and spiritual traditions of southern Osaka.
The neighboring Oisek Natural Park adds a peaceful natural setting, making the area a pleasant place to explore while learning about the region’s history and culture. Visitors to Izumisano City can combine a visit to the shrine with a walk through the surrounding area and experience the harmony of historic religious traditions and nature.
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Free
Take a Nankai Bus at Hineno Sta. on the JR Hanwa Line and get off at Tojo Bus Stop. 1 min. walk from Tojo Bus Stop.