Kushitama-no-Mikoto Shrine

A listed shrine on the Mayumi hills

This shrine stands among trees on a hill overlooking the village of Mayumi. It is an old shrine, listed as "Kushitama-no-Mikoto Shrine, four deities" in the shrine register of the Engishiki (a code of court procedures compiled in the early 10th century, whose shrine register lists the officially recognised shrines).

The grounds are a broad area of gravel, with a stone torii gate at the front and the worship hall and main sanctuary beyond.

The four deities

The shrine enshrines four deities: Kushitama no Mikoto, Kushitama-hime no Mikoto, Ame-no-Tamakushihiko no Mikoto and Ame-no-Tamakushihime no Mikoto.

One theory holds that Kushitama no Mikoto is the same god as Nigihayahi no Mikoto, regarded as the ancestor of the Mononobe clan. Nigihayahi is also called "Amaterukuniteruhiko Amenohoakari Kushitama Nigihayahi no Mikoto," a name that includes "Kushitama."

There is, however, no firm evidence for this. Nor is it clear whether the Mononobe clan, or people connected with it, had any involvement in this part of Asuka.

The guardian shrine of the village

There is no shrine office and nowhere selling charms, and you will rarely pass another visitor.

Even so, at New Year pine branches are tied to the pillars of the torii and a sacred shimenawa rope is hung across it. The villagers still dress the shrine for each season with their own hands.

The Mayumi hills

Asuka-period kofun such as Marukoyama Kofun and Mayumi Kansuzuka Kofun are scattered across the Mayumi hills around here.

It is a little away from the centre of the village, but close enough to walk to while touring the kofun.

Visiting

About 25 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Asuka Station. You are free to visit.

This is not a tourist site but the guardian shrine of the village. Please visit quietly.