The Legend Behind the Name “Ninomiya”
A local legend explains why Akagi Shrine came to be known as Ninomiya, or the “Second Shrine.”
According to the story, the deity of Akagi was weaving silk but lacked an essential tool known as a kuda, a small tube used in traditional weaving. The deity borrowed one from the deity of Nukisaki Shrine, who was renowned for superior weaving skills, and successfully completed the work.
To prevent this talented deity from being transferred to another province, Akagi Shrine is said to have given up the position of Ichinomiya and accepted the status of Ninomiya instead. Although this is a traditional legend rather than a documented historical event, it reflects the close relationship between Akagi and Nukisaki traditions and the importance of weaving and silk culture in the region.
Enshrined Deities
Toyoki-iri-hiko-no-Mikoto: A legendary imperial prince traditionally associated with the ancient Kōzuke region.
Ōnamuchi-no-Mikoto: Also known as Ōkuninushi, one of the most important deities in Japanese mythology.
Several other deities are also enshrined at the shrine.
History
Origins and Ancient History
The foothills of Mount Akagi are traditionally associated with the Kamitsukeno clan, a powerful ancient lineage said to have descended from Toyoki-iri-hiko-no-Mikoto. The clan is believed to have played an important role in the early history of this region, and its connection with the area is thought to be related to the development of Akagi worship.
Records in Japan’s ancient official histories document the granting of ranks to the Akagi deity. The Engishiki Jinmyōchō, compiled in the early 10th century, lists an “Akagi Shrine” in Seta District of Kōzuke Province as a Myōjin Taisha, indicating its high religious status.
Several shrines have been proposed as candidates for this ancient Akagi Shrine, including Ninomiya Akagi Shrine at the foot of Mount Akagi, Miyosawa Akagi Shrine on the mountain slopes, and Ōdōri Akagi Shrine near the summit.
The Warring States Period
During the late Warring States period, the shrine fell into decline under the influence of the Hōjō clan. After the Makino family entered Ōgo Castle, however, they undertook efforts to restore and maintain the shrine buildings.
Through these developments, Akagi Shrine continued to serve as an important center of religious life for the surrounding communities.
Shrine Restoration During the Edo Period
During the Edo period, the shrine received protection from local feudal authorities, including the Maebashi and Ōgo domains, and its buildings were repeatedly repaired and reconstructed.
Akagi worship was also closely connected with the protection of nearby castles. Ōdōri Akagi Shrine, in particular, was revered as a deity protecting Maebashi Castle from the northeast, a direction traditionally associated with the kimon, or “demon gate.” In 1601, Sakai Shigetada ordered the shrine buildings to be reconstructed.
After the buildings were destroyed by fire in 1642, they were rebuilt under the patronage of Sakai Tadakiyo. Successive feudal lords also participated in the shrine’s annual festivals.
Changes from the Meiji Period to the Present
Under the modern shrine-ranking system established during the Meiji period, Ninomiya Akagi Shrine was classified as a Gōsha, or village-level shrine.
The Haibutsu-kishaku movement led to the removal of Buddhist elements from the shrine’s religious practices. There were also discussions about integrating the shrine with Miyosawa Akagi Shrine and efforts to have it promoted to the status of an Imperial Government Shrine. These plans, however, were not realized before the shrine-ranking system was abolished after World War II.
Since the war, the shrine has continued to undergo repairs and the revival of traditional ceremonies, remaining an important center of local religious and cultural life.
Ninomiya Akagi Shrine and the Akagi Faith
Ninomiya Akagi Shrine stands at the foot of Mount Akagi in an area where numerous ancient archaeological sites remain. The Ōmuro Kofun Cluster lies to the northeast, and the surrounding area is thought to have been an important center of the Kamitsukeno clan, which had a close relationship with the worship of Akagi.
One distinctive feature of the shrine is that it is the only Akagi Shrine to officially use the name “Ninomiya”. It is thought to have functioned as an important satomiya, or lowland shrine associated with a mountain sanctuary, and may have served as a major center of Akagi worship by the medieval period.
The relationship between Ninomiya Akagi Shrine and Miyosawa Akagi Shrine remains particularly significant. In April and November, ritual processions involving the shrine’s sacred palanquin take place between the two shrines.
The ancient ritual site of Hitsuishi at Miyosawa is located almost directly north of Ninomiya Akagi Shrine. This geographical relationship has led researchers to point out a possible connection between the two sites in the history of Akagi religious practices.
The shrine grounds are surrounded by a moat and earthen embankments. These remains preserve the form of the shrine precincts during the medieval period and were designated a Maebashi City Historic Site in 1984.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
Main Sanctuary, Worship Hall, and Kagura Hall: These traditional shrine buildings form the center of religious ceremonies and festivals. Their historic architecture provides a strong sense of the shrine’s long cultural tradition.
Hōtō Pagoda: This stone pagoda dates from the Nanboku-chō period of the medieval era and is one of the group of stone monuments known as Akagi-tō, which are widely distributed around the foothills of Mount Akagi. It is designated as a Maebashi City Important Cultural Property.
Zuishinmon Gate and Bell Tower: The shrine’s traditional gate and bell tower are notable features of the grounds. The bronze bell bears an inscription dating to 1623 and is traditionally rung only during the shrine’s ceremonial processions.
Foundation Stone of a Former Pagoda: This stone foundation is believed to be the remains of a medieval Buddhist pagoda, providing evidence of the religious landscape that existed before the separation of Shinto and Buddhism in the Meiji period.
Festivals and Cultural Heritage
Major Religious Events
Goshinkō Procession: Held on the first Tatsunohi day of April and December, this important ritual involves the transfer of the sacred object toward Miyosawa Akagi Shrine. The procession is designated as a Maebashi City Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Goshinji Ceremonies: Held on the final Umanohi day of March and November.
Annual Grand Festival: Held on April 15 and featuring important traditional ceremonies and performances.
Cultural Properties
Nasori Mask: A Bugaku dance mask created in 1453, designated as a Gunma Prefecture cultural property.
Bronze Bell: A bell dating from 1623, designated as a Maebashi City cultural property.
Votive Tablets: Ema paintings donated by Sakai Masauemon, lord of the Maebashi domain, and Makino Tadanari, lord of the Ōgo domain, and designated as Maebashi City cultural properties.
Hōtō Pagoda: A stone pagoda from the Nanboku-chō period, designated as a Maebashi City cultural property.
Ninomiya Akagi Shrine Goshinkō Procession: Designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1993.
Ninomiya Akagi Shrine Daidaikagura: Designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 2009.
Ninomiya Shikisanbasō: A traditional theatrical performance designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1970.
Ninomiya Akagi Shrine Daidaikagura
The Daidaikagura preserved at Ninomiya Akagi Shrine is believed to have originated around the end of the Genroku era or during the Hōei era, around 1704.
Today, the tradition consists of 24 performances: 15 main dances and nine supplementary performances. Some of the dances incorporate elegant movements and theatrical elements influenced by kabuki, giving the performance a distinctive character.
The tradition is also being passed on to younger generations. Local children participate in children’s kagura practice, helping maintain the performing arts as part of the community’s cultural heritage.
Daidaikagura is performed every year on New Year’s Day and April 15, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience a traditional form of Japanese sacred performing arts.
Access and Visitor Information
Address: 886 Ninomiya-machi, Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, Japan.
By public transportation: From JR Maebashi Station on the Ryōmō Line, take a local bus and get off at the Ninomiya-machi Jinja-ura bus stop. The shrine is approximately a 7-minute walk from the stop.
A Historic Shrine at the Foot of Mount Akagi
Ninomiya Akagi Shrine is a fascinating destination for exploring the ancient religious history of Mount Akagi and the cultural heritage of southern Gunma.
Its thatched-roof shrine buildings, medieval stone monuments, historic bell, traditional festivals, and connections with Miyosawa Akagi Shrine reveal layers of religious history extending from ancient times through the medieval and Edo periods to the present day.
Visitors interested in Shinto, Japanese history, traditional performing arts, ancient mountain worship, and historic architecture can explore the shrine grounds while discovering the traditions that have shaped the Akagi region for centuries.