Located in the scenic town of Hanawa, Iwate Prefecture, Mizukōka Kōgōjinsha is a small Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of Kōgō, the god of mines and the underworld. Built in 1635 during the Edo period, this temple-style shrine features a distinctive vermilion-colored main hall with a golden tiled roof. The shrine's architecture reflects the region's rich mining history.
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- Kōgō
- Coordinates
- 39.3252678, 141.3848819
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's unique architecture, visit at sunrise when the vermilion-colored main hall is particularly vibrant, making for a memorable photo opportunity.
Cultural notes
Mizukōka Kōgōjinsha is connected to regional folk traditions of Iwate Prefecture, where Kōgō is revered as a powerful kami overseeing the underworld and mineral wealth. Locals often pray at the shrine during festivals like the annual Hanawa Minamoto Shrine Festival for good luck in mining endeavors.
Historical note
Built in 1635 during the Edo period, Mizukōka Kōgōjinsha was constructed as part of the state-sponsored mines development project to extract copper and other valuable minerals from the nearby mines.