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Ichinomiya Shrine

一宮神社

Ichinomiya Jinja

Kochi

Ichinomiya Shrine is the principal shrine of Tosa Province (modern-day Kochi Prefecture), holding the highest rank among the region's Shinto shrines. As the ichinomiya, it served as the spiritual center for the province and was closely associated with the provincial government during the classical period.

Denomination
Ichinomiya
Religion
shinto
Enshrined kami
Provincial protective deities of Tosa
Kami enshrined
Amenohohi-no-mikoto, Ajisukitakahikone-no-mikoto, Kotoshironushi-no-mikoto
Founding
Heian period
Shrine rank
Ichinomiya (First Shrine of Tosa Province)
Coordinates
33.4405369, 132.79256

Visitor tip

Visit during the annual spring festival when traditional Tosa kagura performances are held on the shrine grounds.

Cultural notes

As an ichinomiya, this shrine represents the pinnacle of the ancient Japanese shrine ranking system, where each province designated its most important shrine to serve both religious and governmental functions.

Historical note

Established during the early Heian period, this shrine gained prominence as the first-ranked shrine of Tosa Province under the ancient provincial shrine ranking system. It played a crucial role in the religious and administrative life of the region, receiving patronage from provincial governors and local aristocracy throughout its history.

More shrines in Kochi