About shrines
Kango Shrine was founded in the first year of Empress Suiko's reign (593).
By imperial decree, Ōmiwa no Kimi Shiratsutsumi enshrined Ōmononushi no Mikoto, and later, in the first year of the Yōrō era (717), Fujiwara no Fuhito enshrined Ōnamuchi no Mikoto and Sukunahikona no Mikoto together.
It was formerly known as Kasugai Sagawa Sakaoka Shrine.
The main hall is a three-bay nagare-zukuri style building with a cypress bark roof, a Momoyama period structure, and a designated cultural property of Nara Prefecture.
Within the temple grounds is the Hayashi Shrine, which enshrines Hayashi Jōin, who came from China at the beginning of the Muromachi period and introduced manju (steamed buns) to Japan for the first time.
*Divine Blessings*
National land management, abundant harvests, good fortune, matchmaking, safe childbirth and child-rearing, family safety, marital harmony, business prosperity, academic success, traffic safety, recovery from illness, and improvement in various arts.
honorable history
<Three deities enshrined at Kango Shrine>
Son-no-kami, Ōmononushi-no-Mikoto, Kara-no-kami, Ōnamuchi-no-Mikoto, Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto
1. Origin of the Shrine This shrine was founded on the third day of the second month of the first year of Empress Suiko's reign (approximately 1,400 years ago) by a person named Ogami no Kimi Shiratsutsumi.
An imperial decree was granted to enshrine the spirit of the garden god, and thereafter, on the 28th day of the 11th month of the first year of the Yōrō era under Emperor Genshō,
Fujiwara no Fuhito further enshrined two Korean deities in the same sanctuary, which is how the Kango Shrine came to be.
It was formerly known as Kasuga-Itsukawa Sakaoka Shrine.
1. Invitation to the Imperial Household Ministry in Heian-kyo
On the 27th day of the first month of the first year of the Jōgan era, during the reign of Emperor Seiwa,
The deity enshrined at our shrine was invited to the Imperial Household Ministry in Heian-kyo and made the guardian deity of the Imperial Family.
1. Tokugawa Ieyasu's armor and armor storage
On November 15th, 1614, during the Siege of Osaka, Tokugawa Ieyasu was defeated in the Battle of Kizu and fled to a cooper's shop on the grounds of this shrine, narrowly escaping death.
Therefore, in order to express his gratitude and prayers, he visited our shrine on the 16th of the following month and dedicated a suit of armor to us.
Afterward, an armory was built, and successive shoguns sent messengers to it every year. (The armor is currently on display at the Nara National Museum.)
1. Divine Virtues The enshrined deities are, firstly, the most revered gods who carried out the great task of managing the nation, and secondly, who established the foundations of clothing, food, and shelter for the people.
In particular, he is considered the ancestral deity of medicine and sake brewing. Furthermore, he is revered for his miraculous powers of bringing good fortune and prosperity, in connection with Lord Ieyasu.
1. Rin Shrine Rin Shrine is the only "manju shrine" in Japan, where Lin Jingyin no Mikoto is enshrined as the main deity.
Lin Jingyin was from Zhejiang Province in China, a descendant of Lin Hejing, and came to Japan in the fifth year of the Jōwa era. He took up residence in the Kango Shrine.
They were the first in our country to make manju (steamed buns), which were very well received.
After passing through the Ashikaga shogunate, it was eventually presented to the imperial court, and today it enjoys the adoration of the confectionery industry nationwide.
Furthermore, from the late Muromachi period to the early Momoyama period, the Rin family had a great scholar named Hayashi Soji,
He authored the "Manjuya-bon Setsuyoshu," one of the earliest Japanese dictionaries, and is known as a pioneer of printing and publishing.
1. White Pheasant Mound
Empress Gensho held our shrine in high esteem, and in April of the fifth year of the Yōrō era, she presented a white pheasant that had been presented by the King of Baekje to our shrine.
Later, on the 18th day of the 9th month of the first year of the Jinki era, the pheasant was buried and a mound was built.
<References>
Kasuga Saegusa Shrine is dedicated to Himetataraisuzuhime no Mikoto. According to shrine tradition, during the reign of Emperor Oharida,
Upon receiving the imperial decree, Lord Omiwa Shiratsutsumi erected shrines at both Ikukawa and Sakaoka in Kasuga village. (The rest is omitted.)
"The Establishment of the Three Shrines of Ōmiwa" (Newly Revised Classified Documents, Volume 18)
Sonokan Shrine (3 deities)
According to the Ōgami clan's family records, during the Yōrō era, Fujiwara no Fumi also built and worshipped at the Sonohara Shrine.
The register of deities states: The three deities enshrined in the Ministry of the Imperial Household are named deities and are listed as "Great Monthly Deities".
There is one deity at Niiname-en Shrine and two at Kan Shrine. According to old records, these deities are descendants of Susanoo-no-Mikoto and are gods who protect against plagues.
It is said that the garden god is the gentle spirit of Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto, Ōmononushi-no-Kami. (omitted)
The Korean deities are Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto and Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto. (The rest is omitted.)
"Daiwa Shrine Commentary," Shinko Gunsho Ruijū, Volume 18
The Ikugawa-ni-imasu Oogami Miko Shrine is located in Komori, Soekami-gun, Yamato Province. During the reign of Empress Suiko, Oomiwa-no-kimi Shiratsutsumi, following an imperial decree, built a shrine in Ikugawa village.
Isuzu-no-Mikoto is enshrined here. The same is true for Isugawa Sakaoka Shrine, during the Yōrō era, the Minister of the Right Fujiwara no Fuhito,
Furthermore, a shrine was built for them.
"A Compendium of Shrines Descending from the Deities of Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto"
Kango Shrine
The 33rd generation of human emperors, the sixth year of Emperor Suushun, the second month of the spring of the ox, and the first day of the first day of the rooster.
At the former garden of Kasuga-ritsugawa, a shrine was erected with pillars and enshrined. This is the divine body.
On the first day of the first year of Yōrō (718 AD), the first day of the year of Dingsi (fire snake), the Kankoku Shrine was established inside the north side of the Ikugawa Gate, towards the northeast of Ranrinbō.
Sanshonomiya Katsura Taishiki Tate Anchinshi Bōru. Shrine bowl was built by Fujiwara Koreko, the great-grandson of Akami (Kamatari).
During the reign of Emperor Seiwa, the 56th emperor of Japan, on the 27th day of the first month of the first year of the Jōgan era, one deity of Sono Shrine and two deities of Karakami Shrine were invited to the Imperial Household Ministry in Heian-jō.
Therefore, the Han shrine of this country was moved to the Imperial Palace. His original rank was Senior Fourth Rank, and at this time, one rank was added to his rank.
“Genyoki”
1. Grand Festivals: Prayer Festival (February 23rd), Annual Festival (October 17th), Harvest Thanksgiving Festival (December 12th)
1. Historical Festivals: Iris Festival (June 5th), Saegusa Festival (June 17th)
1. Shrines within the temple grounds: Inari Shrine, Hachioji Shrine, Aoi Shrine, Jinseki Shrine, Hayashi Shrine (the originator of manju).
1. Treasures: Tokugawa Ieyasu's armor, a tachi sword made by Shizu Saburo, a tanto sword made by Hiromitsu, a divine seal, and others.
1. Buildings: Main shrine, worship hall, offering hall, Kagura hall, armor hall, purification fountain, shrine office
1. Nearby historical sites: Emperor Kaika's tomb, Ikukawa Shrine, Denkoji Temple
Rin Shrine
The Shrine of Manju and Confectionery
Located within the grounds of Kangou Shrine in Nara, Rin Shrine is dedicated to Rin Jōin no Mikoto, who is traditionally credited with introducing manju (Japanese steamed buns) to Japan.
Originally from China, Rin Jōin settled in Nara in the 14th century and began making manju using techniques he had learned in his homeland. His sweet buns, filled with sweet bean paste, quickly became popular among the people of Nara.
According to tradition, his manju eventually gained recognition from the Ashikaga shogunate and were presented to the Imperial Court.
The Rin family's confectionery-making tradition continued for generations under the name Shiose, becoming an important part of Japan's confectionery history.
Rin Shrine is revered as Japan's only shrine dedicated specifically to the origins of manju. In 1978, Tajimamori no Mikoto, traditionally worshipped as a deity of confectionery, was also enshrined here.
Today, the shrine is cherished by confectioners, those involved in printing and publishing, and visitors from across Japan.
The shrine's annual festival is held on April 19, offering prayers of gratitude and prosperity.
Afterward, he paid his respects to Zen Master Ryuzan and frequently traveled to Kyoto to check on his well-being, never forgetting to bring him specially made steamed buns each time. He happened to present one to the Ashikaga Shogun, who tasted it and was very pleased.
I had the honor of presenting it to the Imperial Court via the Shogun's family.
The Emperor was exceptionally pleased and bestowed upon them court ladies. Furthermore, Lord Ashikaga Yoshimasa granted them permission to display a sign bearing the inscription "Japan's No. 1 Manju Shop," bringing great honor to the family.
Later, the Hayashi family split into the North branch in Karasuma Sanjo, Kyoto, and the South branch in Hayashi-koji, Nara.
They both prospered as manju (sweet bun) shops. From then on, the family used Shiose as their family name for generations, and after moving to Edo, they served the Shogun's family.
Since the beginning of the Meiji era, Shiose Sohonten in Tokyo has been a purveyor to the Imperial Household Ministry and has flourished continuously since its founding.
From the late Muromachi period to the early Momoyama period, the Hayashi family, who ran this manju (sweet bun) shop, produced the great scholar Hayashi Soji.
The "Manjuya-bon Setsuyoshu," an early Japanese dictionary, was written by this person, and Soji's other name was Hoseisai.
He is famous as the scribe of numerous other works besides the Setsuyōshū (a collection of Japanese dictionaries).
In addition to this, Soji also has the Nara transmission. This involves the oral transmission of the profound secrets of the Kokin Wakashū.
Along with the Sakai and Nara transmissions, this is a place of great interest to those who aspire to this path.
I received this from Peony Flower Shōhaku.
Hayashi Shrine is the only shrine in Japan that sells manju (sweet buns).
To all confectioners nationwide, please remember the virtues of our ancestral deity,
I sincerely hope that you will show deep reverence and pray for the prosperity of your family business.
We hold our annual grand festival on April 19th every year. We would be delighted if you could visit us during your trip to Nara.
On September 20, 1978, coinciding with the expansion of the shrine grounds, we received a sacred image from Tachibanamoto Shrine in Kishu.
We have enshrined Kanda Michimamori no Mikoto, the founder of confectionery.
Thus, the shrine came to be widely revered as the ancestral shrine of manju and confectionery.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that, in connection with the publication of the Hayashi family's book on manju (sweet buns), in order to commemorate the achievements of printing and publishing,
The commemorative association was established in 1976.
We hold a commemorative ceremony on September 15th, during National Printing Month, to pray for the prosperity of arts and culture.
He is now deeply revered as the god of all sweets and books.
"Nara Manju"
Those delicious-looking steamed buns, taken out from the fluffy steam rising from the steamer, are not something that have existed since ancient times.
It is said to have originated with "dim sum," one of the lifestyles introduced from China by Zen monks during the Kamakura period.
Dim sum refers to sweets eaten when you're tired; it's a type of snack.
Around that time in Nara, a young monk named Hayashi Jōin, who had naturalized from China, made a steamed dish by wrapping bean paste in wheat flour, which he had learned to make in his homeland.
They named it "manju" and began selling it. This is said to be the origin of manju in Japan.
This steamed bun suited the tastes of the people at the time and earned the name of Nara Manju.
It spread throughout the entire country, and today there is no remote area where you won't find a manju shop.
In China, there seems to have been a type of mantou (a type of sweet) used in ancestral rites and served at banquets since ancient times.
The character "曼" likely derives from the meaning of covering something with filling, and "頭" probably refers to the dish served first at a banquet. (Shuowen Jiezi) Meat is wrapped in noodles and steamed. This is called mantou. (Shogakuki)
Thus, the name Mantou has existed since ancient times. Man means supreme or the best, and Tou means first, the best, or the first.
In our country, in a book called "Kumo no Itomaki" (Spider's Thread Winding), there is a section describing the customs of Edo during the Tenmei era,
The text states, "Manju, yokan, and senbei are considered the finest," placing manju at the top of the list of sweets.