Tako-ura

Historical Footprints

At present, aside from Hachimangu Shrine in Aza Kobayashi, there are no other shrines in the Tako area. This suggests that Hachimangu may originally have functioned as a Sansho Kojin shrine.

However, in the 1717 publication “Unyoushi”, within the section on Tako-ura in Shimane-gun, there is no mention of a shrine named Sansho Kojin. Kanezaki Junpei, who visited the area toward the end of the Edo period, recorded the shrine as ‘Sanpo Kojin’, written with a different character meaning “Three Treasures.”

The term ‘Sanpo’ derives from ‘Buppo-so’, referring to Buddhist guardian deities. In everyday belief, these were often associated with the elemental forces of fire, earth, and water.

Although Hachimangu, dedicated to Emperor Ojin, may seem unrelated to Sansho or Sanpo Kojin, it is quite possible that these forms of worship coexisted naturally during the period of Shinto–Buddhist syncretism in the Edo era. This is supported by the presence of a Sanpo Kojin shrine within the grounds of Hachimangu.

According to the 1946 publication “Izumo-gun Detailed Shrine Accounts”, Hachimangu Shrine was established through the ceremonial transfer of a divided tutelary deity by Tako Geki Saemon, a chief retainer of the Tsuwano Domain. The same source also records the presence of smaller shrines within the precincts dedicated to Yasaka (Susanoo-no-mikoto), Ebisu (Kotoshironushi-no-kami), and Konpira (Okuninushi-no-kami). These three shrines may have connections to the concept of Sansho Kojin.

Notably, the Konpira shrine is also known locally as the ‘Okuninushi no Kami Aramitama Shrine’. The term ‘aramitama’ refers to the fierce or active aspect of a kami’s spirit, and the character for ‘ara’ is the same as that used in ‘Kojin’. Susanoo of Yasaka Shrine is likewise known for his tempestuous nature, making the connection between these deities particularly intriguing.

Pilgrimage Route Guide

Tako Hachimangu Shrine is located on a mountainside to the right of the harbor. Visitors should take care when climbing the long stone stairway leading up to the shrine, although an alternative paved road is available from the square behind the shrine.

Overlooking the waters of Tako Bay, Hachimangu serves as a site of offering for those practicing the shiokumi faith, in which seawater is collected in bamboo tubes and dedicated as part of purification rituals, including those marking the end of mourning.

New Year celebrations in Tako-ura begin with the ‘Miyaneri’ procession of the Toshitokugami deity. Prayers are then offered for abundant catches and maritime safety. On January 5, fishermen gather to construct a straw boat, which is launched into Tako Bay at night on the 7th. The cargo—five grains, silkworm cocoons, and mica—likely serves as an offering to the sea god Ryujin.

Further north lies Marine Park Takobana, a cape resort situated approximately 100 meters above sea level. This location is said to have served as a lookout point for soldiers stationed at Sezaki Fortress, which is mentioned in the Izumo Fudoki.

The site offers expansive 270-degree views of the Sea of Japan, including the silhouette of the Oki Islands and the stretch of the Shimane Peninsula. At night, the fishing lights glowing across the water create a particularly memorable scene.

Marine Park Takobana also features sixteen rental cabins, each accommodating up to six people, as well as a campsite. Reservations can be made up to two days in advance, although bookings for July are accepted from January 1 of the same year—making midwinter the ideal time to begin planning a summer visit.