The Ancient Origins of the Name “Ikaho”
A Place Name Recorded in the Man’yoshu
The name “Ikaho” has extremely ancient roots. It appears in the Man’yoshu, Japan’s oldest surviving anthology of poetry, in poems belonging to the eastern Japanese tradition known as Azuma Uta.
In ancient times, the area was associated with names such as “Ikatsuho,” meaning a rugged or powerful peak, and “Ikatsuchi-no-ho,” meaning the peak of thunder. These names are thought to have referred to the mountains of the present-day Haruna Mountain range, particularly Mt. Mizusawa.
This connection suggests that Ikaho Shrine originally had a strong relationship with ancient mountain worship. Rather than being established solely as a shrine associated with hot springs, it may originally have been connected to the worship of sacred mountains in the surrounding area.
Deities Enshrined at Ikaho Shrine
Ōnamuchi-no-Mikoto
The principal deity Ōnamuchi-no-Mikoto is a major figure in Japanese mythology and is traditionally associated with the creation and development of the land of Japan.
He is worshipped for a wide range of blessings, including marriage and good relationships, health, medicine, agriculture, and prosperity.
Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto
Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto is said to have assisted Ōnamuchi-no-Mikoto in the work of creating and developing the land. He is particularly associated with medicine, healing, pharmaceuticals, and hot springs.
The two deities are closely connected with the character of Ikaho Onsen and are revered as its guardian deities. The shrine is therefore associated with blessings related to hot springs, health, medical care, business prosperity, relationships, and childbirth.
These two deities are thought to have become the principal objects of worship after the shrine was moved to the hot-spring area.
The September 19 Grand Festival
According to historical records, Ikaho Shrine was elevated to the rank of Myōjin Taisha on September 19, 835. Because of this historical connection, the shrine’s annual grand festival is traditionally held on September 19.
Ancient Deities and Mountain Worship
Before the shrine became established in the present hot-spring district, it is thought to have been associated with a mountain deity known as the “God of Ikatsuho”, reflecting the ancient tradition of worshipping the mountains around Mt. Haruna.
Another theory suggests that Jūichimen Kannon, the Eleven-Headed Kannon, may once have been worshipped in connection with the deity enshrined at Sannomiya Shrine.
These differing traditions reflect the complex history of Japanese religious practice, in which ancient mountain worship, Shinto traditions, and Buddhist beliefs often developed alongside one another.
The History of Ikaho Shrine
Traditional Foundation Dates
According to the shrine’s tradition, the shrine in the present hot-spring district was founded in 825. Meanwhile, Sannomiya Shrine, which is regarded in some traditions as the former main sanctuary of Ikaho Shrine, is said to have been established in 750.
The First Written Record
The earliest known written reference to Ikaho Shrine appears in the Shoku Nihon Koki, one of Japan’s six official historical chronicles. An entry dated September 835 records the shrine’s elevation to the prestigious rank of Myōjin Taisha.
The shrine’s divine rank was subsequently raised several times. In 839, it received the rank of Junior Fifth Rank, Lower Grade, and in 880, it was elevated to Junior Fourth Rank, Upper Grade, alongside Akagi Shrine.
The Engishiki and the Third Shrine of Kozuke
The Engishiki, a major collection of laws and regulations compiled during the Heian period, records “Ikaho Shrine of Gunma District, Myōjin Taisha.” This confirms the shrine’s high status in ancient Japan.
The Ueno Province Record of Provincial Administration also records Ikaho Shrine as having been granted the exceptionally high Senior First Rank. The shrine was regarded as the Third Shrine of Kozuke Province, reflecting its importance within the religious landscape of the ancient province.
However, from the medieval period onward, the local warrior families and powerful clans who had supported the shrine gradually lost their influence. As a result, the shrine’s status and influence also declined over time.
From Mountain Worship to Guardian of the Hot Springs
The Shrine’s Possible Earlier Locations
Research by historian Kisao Ozaki suggests that Ikaho Shrine may not originally have been located where it stands today. Instead, its earliest form may have been a place of mountain worship.
In this interpretation, the present-day Sannomiya Shrine served as a satomiya, or village shrine associated with a sacred mountain sanctuary. The local Arima clan, also referred to historically as the Arima-no-Kimi, is believed to have been involved in the religious rites of the area.
Another theory places an early sanctuary near Waka-Ikaho Shrine in Arima, Shibukawa. This shrine may preserve traces of an earlier stage in the development of the Ikaho religious tradition.
Becoming the Guardian of Ikaho Onsen
At some point after the Heian period, the shrine is thought to have been moved to the Ikaho hot-spring district. As the hot-spring resort developed, Ikaho Shrine gradually came to be worshipped as the guardian of the hot springs.
During the Edo period, the shrine was at times known as Onsen Shrine. It was administered by Onsenji Temple, reflecting the traditional combination of Buddhist and Shinto religious practices that was common in Japan before the Meiji period.
Following the Meiji Restoration, the shrine’s name was restored to Ikaho Shrine in 1873. In September of the same year, it was designated a prefectural and district shrine under the new shrine-ranking system.
Reconstruction of the Shrine Buildings
Fire and Rebuilding
The shrine buildings were completely destroyed by a fire in 1878. They were subsequently rebuilt, and the present main sanctuary was completed in 1884.
During the reconstruction, the nearby Onsen Shrine, formerly associated with the Yakushido Hall of Iōji Temple, which had also been destroyed by the fire, was incorporated into Ikaho Shrine. The present shrine buildings were constructed on the former site of that sanctuary.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
At the Top of the Stone-Step Street
Ikaho Shrine stands at the highest point of Ikaho Stone Steps, the most recognizable landmark of Ikaho Onsen.
The stone staircase extends for approximately 300 meters and contains around 360 steps. It forms the central pedestrian route through the historic hot-spring town, lined with shops, restaurants, inns, and traditional establishments.
Reaching the top of the steps brings visitors to the peaceful grounds of Ikaho Shrine. The contrast between the lively hot-spring street below and the quiet sanctuary above makes the shrine a particularly memorable stop during a visit to Ikaho.
Historic Pine Trees Connected with the Imperial Family
In July 1889, Imperial Princess Masako Tsunomiya visited Ikaho Shrine and personally planted two pine trees in front of the shrine buildings.
A monument commemorating the planting remains within the shrine grounds and provides a glimpse into another chapter of the shrine’s modern history.
The shrine also preserves several objects traditionally associated with the imperial family, including a silver bell and Kyoto-style dolls presented by Princess Masako. A shrine plaque bearing calligraphy by Prince Arisugawa Takehito is also preserved as a cultural treasure.
Shrines Related to the Ikaho Tradition
Sannomiya Shrine
Sannomiya Shrine is regarded in some traditions as the satomiya, or village shrine, of Ikaho Shrine. It is also said to have been the main sanctuary during the period when the area’s religious traditions were closely associated with mountain worship.
The shrine is still known as the Third Shrine of Kozuke Province, preserving an important connection with the ancient religious geography of the region.
Waka-Ikaho Shrine
Waka-Ikaho Shrine is associated with the theory that it remained at an earlier site after the main Ikaho Shrine was moved to the hot-spring district.
The research of Kisao Ozaki also discusses this shrine as a possible surviving expression of the older form of Ikaho worship.
A Historic Shrine at the Heart of Ikaho Onsen
Ikaho Shrine has a long and complex history that reaches from ancient mountain worship to the religious traditions surrounding Ikaho’s famous hot springs.
Its position at the top of the stone-step street makes it one of the most distinctive landmarks in Ikaho Onsen. The shrine seems to stand quietly above the town, continuing its traditional role as a spiritual guardian of the hot springs.
Visiting the shrine together with Ikaho’s historic hot-spring town offers travelers more than a sightseeing experience. It provides an opportunity to discover the history, religious traditions, mountain culture, and hot-spring heritage that have shaped Ikaho for centuries.
For visitors exploring Gunma Prefecture, a walk up the famous stone steps followed by a visit to Ikaho Shrine is a memorable way to experience the cultural landscape of one of Japan’s best-known historic hot-spring towns.