Kitanoten Shrine, Hokuto

Overview

Kitanoten Shrine stands in Tenjingu, Kobuchisawa, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture. In 1429 it became the ichinomiya, the foremost shrine of the surrounding district, and has since drawn the devotion of the community as its central place of worship. Sitting quietly on the high ground of Kobuchisawa at the southern foot of the Yatsugatake mountains, its venerable history and calm precincts welcome those who come to pray.

Highlights

• ●A shrine of venerable standing that became the district ichinomiya in 1429
• ●The historical weight of designation as a district shrine in 1871 and beyond in 1907
• ●A quiet shrine set on the Kobuchisawa highland at the southern foot of Yatsugatake
• ●Calm precincts where the passage from medieval to modern times can be felt

History

In 1429 the shrine became the ichinomiya of the neighboring district, gaining standing as the representative shrine of the area. In the Meiji era its ranking was formalized: it was designated a gosha (district shrine) in 1871, and in 1907 it was named a shrine eligible to receive government offerings. This progression from medieval to modern times speaks to the depth of the shrine's heritage.

Map

35.8646, 138.3057 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Visit Kobuchisawa at the southern foot of Yatsugatake and enter Kitanoten Shrine via its approach
2. 2Pray quietly while reflecting on its heritage as the district ichinomiya
3. 3Savor the calm atmosphere of the precincts in the clear highland air
4. 4After praying, enjoy the highland scenery around Kobuchisawa as well

Did you know?

💡 The term ichinomiya refers to the shrine considered highest in rank within a given district, and Kitanoten Shrine became the ichinomiya of this area in 1429. Having passed through the stages of a Meiji-era district shrine and then a shrine eligible for government offerings, it clearly has long been honored as a center of local faith.

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