Tajihayahime Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Miyayamadai, Minami Ward, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture. Listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, a 10th-century record of important shrines in Japan, it is one of the historic shrines of the former Otori District of Izumi Province.
The shrine formerly held the rank of a Village Shrine (Gosha) under Japan’s prewar shrine ranking system. It is also known as Kozen-no-Miya. Today, the surrounding grounds have been developed as Kozen Park, creating a pleasant green space visited by worshippers and local residents as well as travelers.
The shrine is traditionally said to have been founded around 530, during the reign of Emperor Senka. It is counted among the 24 shrines of the former Otori District of Izumi Province recorded in the Engishiki shrine register.
Until the early Meiji period, the shrine existed alongside Sofukuji Temple as part of a Buddhist-Shinto religious complex. Following the Meiji government’s policy of separating Shinto and Buddhism, only the shrine continued as an independent religious institution. It was later designated as a Village Shrine.
The shrine’s Main Sanctuary was built during the Muromachi period and is now designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
Thirteen subsidiary shrines are also enshrined within the grounds, including Sakagami Shrine and Kamoda Shrine. Together, these shrines are known collectively as Kozen-no-Miya.
The present Main Sanctuary was reconstructed between 1539 and 1543, during the Muromachi period. Its architectural style is known as three-bay nagare-zukuri with an irimoya-style roof, combining several characteristic features of traditional Japanese shrine architecture.
The front of the building features a chidori-hafu gabled decoration and a large kōhai projecting porch. Its detailed wooden carvings include motifs such as dragons, peonies, and Chinese guardian lions.
One of the most unusual decorative features can be found on the wooden brackets beneath the projecting porch. Openwork carvings appear on both sides.
On the right side, the decoration depicts a banana plant and a praying mantis, while the left side features water and lotus flowers.
The carving of a praying mantis on a banana plant is considered particularly unusual among traditional Japanese architectural decorations, making it one of the distinctive details to look for when viewing the Main Sanctuary.
Several subsidiary shrines are located throughout the grounds.
Located to the right when facing the Main Sanctuary, Kamoda Shrine is another Shikinaisha shrine. It was merged into the grounds in 1908 from Kitakamigami Village in Semboku District.
Located to the left of the Main Sanctuary, Sakagami Shrine is also a Shikinaisha. It was merged into the shrine grounds in 1910 from Kuze Village in Semboku District. It is traditionally associated with the Ikebe Nao clan, said to have descended from Prince Achi.
Kuzu Shrine enshrines Hitokotonushi-no-Kami and was also transferred from Kuze Village.
Kinmine Shrine enshrines Kanayamahiko-no-Mikoto and Kanayamahime-no-Mikoto.
The grounds also contain Amaterasu Shrine, Okami Shrine, Sumiyoshi Shrine, Hakusan Shrine, Kumano Shrine, Kasuga Shrine, and Benten Shrine (Itsukushima Shrine).
Benten Shrine enshrines Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto and was merged into the grounds in 1907 from Kitakamigami Village in Semboku District.
Other subsidiary shrines include Fukuishi Shrine, dedicated to Fukuishi Okami, and Kanetaka Inari Shrine, dedicated to Inari-no-Mitama-no-Mikoto.
The Main Sanctuary of Tajihayahime Shrine is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Its elaborate carvings and sophisticated construction techniques provide an insight into the craftsmanship and religious culture of the Muromachi period.
Among the architectural details worth observing are the decorative carvings on the nokikarahafu and kaerumata brackets. These elements demonstrate the artistic character of traditional Japanese shrine architecture.
In addition to the Main Sanctuary, the shrine grounds include a Worship Hall, shrine office, and ceremonial hall, providing facilities for religious ceremonies and visitors.
Tajihayahime Shrine holds various religious ceremonies throughout the year.
The Saitansai is held at 8:00 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
A traditional martial arts demonstration and offering is held at 10:00 a.m.
The Setsubun Festival begins at 10:00 a.m.
A special fire ceremony for protection from misfortune is held at 7:00 p.m.
The Nagoshi no Oharai purification ceremony is held at 4:00 p.m. This traditional ritual marks the passing of the first half of the year.
The shrine’s Reitaisai is held on the Sunday closest to October 5, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
The Toshi-koshi no Oharai purification ceremony is held on the final day of the year.
During these festivals, danjiri floats and portable shrines from local parish communities enter the shrine grounds. The events attract local residents as well as visitors. The annual grand festival is especially lively, with numerous food stalls adding to the festive atmosphere.
From Izumigaoka Station on the Semboku Rapid Railway, take a Nankai Bus bound for Miyayamadai Loop, Sakai-Higashi Station, or Tsukuno Station. Get off at the Miyayamadai 2-chome bus stop.
Tajihayahime Shrine (Kozen-no-Miya) offers visitors an opportunity to experience a place of worship with traditions stretching back to ancient Japan. Its long history as a Shikinaisha, historic Muromachi-period Main Sanctuary, and collection of subsidiary shrines reflect the religious heritage of the Sakai area.
Surrounded by the greenery of Kozen Park, the shrine provides a peaceful setting where visitors can appreciate both traditional Japanese architecture and the sacred atmosphere of an ancient shrine. The detailed carvings of the Main Sanctuary, particularly the unusual praying mantis and banana motif, are among the features worth seeking out during a visit.