Cultural assets

Shiraishi Jinja Shrine and the Unose Area

Monuments (historical sites) / Obama / 【Collective term of cultural properties】Temples and shrines of ancient times and medieval ages in Onyu district

Shiraishi Jinja Shrine is located near the Onyu River that flows through the Unose area in the Negorizaka district. Legend says that the deity Hikohohodemi no Mikoto (also known as Wakasahikogami) first descended to earth in the form of a man in elegant robes at the location where Shiraishi Shrine now stands. The shrine founded there was the original site of worship for the deity before he was enshrined at Wakasa Province’s ichinomiya, the most important shrine in the region. The ichinomiya was later split into Wakasahiko Jinja Shrine and Wakasahime Jinja Shrine.

The precincts of Shiraishi Shrine contain a grove of camellia bushes connected to the legend of Happyakubikuni, the “800-year-old nun”. The story claims that she was a woman from the Obama area who became immortal by eating the flesh of a mermaid. In the version of the story passed down in the Wakasa region, she planted camellias on her journey wandering the world as a nun. Another legend claims that this area was the birthplace of the monk Roben (689–774), the founder of the famous Todaiji Temple in Nara. Many legends in this area relate to the history of cultural exchange between Nara and mainland Asia, as well as the trade connection between Kyoto and the sea.

The Unose area is also famous for the Omizu Okuri (“water-sending”) ritual held by Wakasa Jinguji Temple. Sacred water “sent” from Unose is said to reach the Wakasa Well at the Nigatsudo Hall of Todaiji Temple in Nara ten days later, just in time for the Omizutori (“water-drawing”) ritual. These traditions reflect the culture and reputation of the ancient Wakasa Province, which was known for its pure water and offerings of food to the imperial court.

The Unose Archives Center and Unose Water Supply Station are also located in Unose, just in front of Shiraishi Shrine.

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Japan Heritage Utilization Promotion Council of Obama City and Wakasa townFukui Prefecture, Obama City, Wakasa town

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