Muge Hachimangu Shrine is a historic shrine with a long and distinguished history, founded in 717 by the Buddhist monk Taichō Daishi. It was revered by successive military commanders, including Oda Nobunaga, and continues to attract many worshippers today.
Muge Hachimangu Shrine traces its origins to 717, when Taichō Daishi enshrined Ōusu-no-Mikoto. According to tradition, Ōusu-no-Mikoto governed this region under the orders of his father, Emperor Keikō, and took a beautiful woman from Mino as his wife. After his death, he was buried on Mount Hachiman.
In later years, Emperor Ōjin was also enshrined here, establishing the foundation of the shrine as it is known today. In 1351, Mori Matatarō Minamoto no Yasutomo, an ancestor of the famous Mori Ranmaru, restored the shrine buildings.
In 1567, Oda Nobunaga captured Inabayama Castle, now known as Gifu Castle, and renamed the surrounding settlement Inokuchi as Gifu. He introduced the rakuichi-rakuza system, which encouraged free markets and commerce, helping to promote economic prosperity and strengthen his rule.
Nobunaga also issued protective decrees and guarantees of rights to Muge Hachimangu Shrine. Located to the northeast of Gifu Castle, the shrine occupied an important position associated with protection against the direction traditionally considered inauspicious, known as the kimon.
Nobunaga’s eldest son, Nobutada, and his third son, Nobutaka, likewise issued documents guaranteeing the shrine’s rights and privileges, demonstrating its importance to the Oda family.
In 1582, Nobunaga and Nobutada died during the Honnō-ji Incident. Nobutaka subsequently took control of Gifu Castle. Even after the Oda family’s decline, the shrine preserved documents issued by Nobunaga, Nobutada, and Nobutaka.
The approach from the First Torii Gate to the main sanctuary extends approximately 1,300 meters. Along the way, visitors will find several historic religious buildings, including a Jizō Hall, Fudō-in, and Daishō-ji Temple.
Two notable highlights are the shrine’s enormous Japanese cedar tree, approximately 38 meters tall and around 1,000 years old, and a traditional signpost known as the Gebahyō, which is said to have been erected by Oda Nobunaga.
Held annually in mid-April, the Hanau ma Festival is a colorful traditional celebration accompanied by the sounds of flutes and drums. Decorated horses adorned with artificial cherry blossoms appear alongside an elegant structure used for sacred music and dance performances.
One of the festival’s most striking moments occurs when the flower-decorated horses rush from the shrine approach into the festival grounds, where participants compete to take the artificial cherry blossoms from their decorations.
According to local belief, placing one of these artificial cherry blossoms on the roof of a house brings protection against lightning and blessings for prosperity and good fortune for the family.
Located in the center of the Hachiman settlement, this gate marks the starting point of the Hanau ma Festival procession.
Situated beside the temporary resting place for the shrine’s sacred object, this gate is passed by the portable shrine during festival processions.
During the Hanau ma Festival, the shrine’s sacred object is carried in procession to this location.
This bridge is reserved for the portable shrine carrying the sacred object during the procession.
This traditional signpost is said to have been erected by Oda Nobunaga.
This gate marks the entrance to the approach leading toward the main sanctuary.
This magnificent cedar tree stands approximately 38 meters tall and is estimated to be around 1,000 years old.
Designated as a tangible cultural property by Seki City, the bell tower is considered the oldest surviving architectural structure in the Mugegawa area.
Quietly nestled within a dense grove of trees, the worship hall offers a peaceful setting for prayer.
The main sanctuary is the spiritual center of Muge Hachimangu Shrine.