Kozu-ura

Historical Footprints

The modern-day characters used to write ‘Kozu’ differ from both those of ancient times and from the characters used in the Kunibiki (Land-Pulling) legend. Most likely, the latter two were used purely for phonetic purposes, and the characters used today are closest to the original meaning. Although the current character signifies ‘small’, it is thought that it instead conveys the nuance of something ‘beloved’.

The Kozu area has many Shinto shrines, and even in ancient times there were five “Kozusha” in the area. ‘Ichinomiya Daimyojin’ in Kozu-ura, one of the Forty-Two Bays and also known as ‘Omiya Daimyojin’, is one of the five “Kozusha” mentioned in the Izumo no kuni fudoki, and is believed to correspond to what is now known as ‘South Kozu-jinja’.

The deities Shinatsu-biko and Shinatsu-hime-no-kami are wind gods. Winds blow from the northwest into what is now Uppurui Bay, and the shrine is located on a small hill in Kozu village facing northeast, as if to receive the wind. When visiting the shrine, it is worth paying attention to the orientation of the shrine building.

Pilgrimage Route Guide

The ‘Salt Gongen’ is enshrined in Ebisu-jinja on the south side of Kozu village. The Salt Gongen is an ancient burial tomb, consisting of a box-shaped stone coffin made from sandstone, with its base covered in rounded stones. It is affectionately known by locals as ‘O-Imi-Sama’ (The Loathsome One).

Upon the death of a family member, after observing the traditional mourning rites on the 49th day, the following morning a ritual is held to ‘end the mourning’. All members of the deceased’s bloodline gather at the nearest beach. This is said to take place early in the morning before daybreak so as not to encounter anyone along the way.

At the beach, seaweed is collected and offered to the Salt Gongen, after which one must immediately worship at the family’s patron shrine.

It is then said that all family members gather for breakfast in the deceased’s family chapel as part of the ritual to conclude the mourning period. The sea water collected for this rite is placed in a bamboo cylinder; however, instead of being offered at the local shrine, it is taken to Ichibata Temple. This is one example of the distinctive forms of worship practiced in this area.

The Kozu seashore marks the beginning of an impressive sheer rocky cliff, rivaled only by that of Koizu. The cliff appears as though it is constantly collapsing into the sea, making it a remarkable geological feature. It is especially worth viewing from a boat out at sea.

English Translation: [ Louisa Morris ]