Tenhinamenokami Shrine Heihaiden

Introduction to Amenohinatori-no-mikoto Shrine Hei-Haiden

Perched atop a wooded hillock in the Ohata district of Tottori City, the Hei-Haiden (offertory and worship hall) of Amenohinatori-no-mikoto Shrine is a remarkable example of early 20th-century Shinto shrine architecture. Registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property in October 2022, this Taisho-era building stands as a vital component of one of the San'in region's most historically significant shrines—a shrine whose roots stretch back over a thousand years to the Engishiki, the ancient compilation of Shinto rites and rituals completed in 927 CE.

The shrine is nestled along the old road connecting the castle towns of Shikano and Tottori, set on a hilltop surrounded by a lush sacred grove of chinquapin, Japanese bay laurel, sakaki, and cedar trees. For visitors seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path cultural experience in Tottori Prefecture, this tranquil hilltop sanctuary offers a rare glimpse into both ancient mythology and Taisho-period craftsmanship.

Historical Background

The founding date of Amenohinatori-no-mikoto Shrine is unknown, though it is documented as a shrine listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho (the register of deities in the Engishiki), establishing its significance as a place of worship since at least the early 10th century. The shrine's primary deity, Amenohinatori-no-mikoto, is considered a child god of Amenohohi-no-mikoto, the tutelary deity of the Inaba no Kuni no Miyatsuko (the provincial governors of ancient Inaba Province). This divine lineage connects the shrine to the powerful local clans of Japan's pre-Taika Reform era.

In ancient times, three separate shrines stood at this location, each dedicated to one of three deities: Amenohinatori-no-mikoto, Amenohohi-no-mikoto, and Amenohiwashi-no-mikoto. When these shrines were destroyed by fire during wartime, the three deities were enshrined together, and the complex became known as Amasagi-no-miya (Heavenly Heron Shrine) or Ama-sangi-no-miya, meaning "Shrine of Three Heavenly Deities." During the Meiji Restoration in the early 1870s, the shrine was officially renamed Amenohinatori-no-mikoto Shrine.

In 1913 (Taisho 2), the shrine was relocated from its former position midway up the hillside to the summit of the hill. At the same time, Fukutani Shrine (formerly dedicated to Susanoo-no-mikoto) from the nearby Mura-no-naka district was merged into the shrine.

Why It Was Designated as a Cultural Property

The Hei-Haiden of Amenohinatori-no-mikoto Shrine was registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property (Registered Tangible Cultural Property — Architecture) on October 31, 2022. This registration acknowledges the building's importance as an exemplary piece of Taisho-era shrine architecture that contributes to the historical landscape of the precinct.

Several factors contributed to its designation. The structure preserves original-scale drawings (gensunzu) for its ornamental bargeboard carvings (gegyo), a rare survival that provides invaluable documentation of early modern shrine construction practices. The bargeboard designs in the Hei-Haiden display a more traditional aesthetic compared to the more modernized decorative carvings found on the main hall (honden), offering an instructive contrast in artistic approaches within a single shrine complex. Together with the honden, which was registered on the same date, the Hei-Haiden forms an integral part of the shrine's historic architectural ensemble.

Architectural Highlights

The Hei-Haiden is a single-story wooden structure with a total building area of 28 square meters. Its main worship hall section features an irimoya-zukuri (hipped-gable roof) design with a tsuma-iri (gable-end) entrance, covered in san-kawara-buki (pantile) roofing. The front facade is adorned with an impressive irimoya-style mukuri-hafu (swelling cusped gable) porch canopy, creating a dignified entrance for worshippers.

Notable architectural details include a coffered ceiling (gou-tenjou) in the porch area and a veranda (en) that wraps around three sides of the building. The interior consists of a single room, while the rear of the structure extends into a kirizuma-zukuri (gable-roofed) offertory hall (heiden) that connects to the main sanctuary.

The ornamental bargeboard carvings (gegyo) are a highlight, displaying layered decorative motifs in a traditional style that deliberately contrasts with the more contemporary sculptural elements found on the main hall. The survival of full-scale construction drawings for these carvings is exceptionally rare and provides researchers with direct evidence of Taisho-era shrine-building techniques.

Legends and Folklore

The shrine and its surroundings are steeped in fascinating legends. Near the torii gate, there once existed a purification pond (misogi-ike) containing two large stones known as kaname-ishi (keystone rocks). According to local lore, these stones held down the head and tail of a giant catfish that dwelled deep beneath the earth, preventing earthquakes—an echo of the famous Kashima mythology found across Japan.

At the foot of the hill lies the Koshikake-iwa (Sitting Rock), where the deity Amenohinatori-no-mikoto is said to have sat and fished. This charming legend adds a personal, almost whimsical dimension to the shrine's mythology, connecting the divine with the everyday act of fishing in this rural landscape.

Visitor Information

Amenohinatori-no-mikoto Shrine is located on a small hilltop in the Ohata district of Tottori City, approximately 2 kilometers south of Amenohohi-no-mikoto Shrine, which enshrines the parent deity. The shrine is accessed by climbing over 100 stone steps through a dense sacred forest, creating a truly atmospheric approach to the summit sanctuary. The shrine grounds cover approximately 2,673 square meters.

The annual festival (reisai) is held on the Sunday closest to April 15, featuring a traditional kirin-jishi (kirin lion dance) performance. The autumn festival takes place on October 1. Pre-written goshuin (shrine seals) are available at the worship hall for a donation of 300 yen, placed in the offering box. Additional goshuin may also be obtained at the nearby Nagae Shrine.

The shrine is part of the Inaba-Hoki Kaiun Jinja Meguri (Inaba-Hoki Fortune Shrine Pilgrimage), a popular pilgrimage route connecting shrines associated with the twelve zodiac animals. Amenohinatori-no-mikoto Shrine represents the rooster year (tori-doshi) and is associated with bountiful harvests.

Surrounding Attractions

The shrine's location in western Tottori City places it near several appealing destinations for visitors:

• Yoshioka Onsen: Just a short distance away, this thousand-year-old hot spring town offers authentic, family-run ryokan inns and a rejuvenating public bathhouse called Ichinoyu. Famous for its "beauty legend" waters, the town also features free foot baths and a charming retro atmosphere.
• Lake Koyama (Koyama-ike): One of the largest natural lakes in the San'in region and a designated geopark site, located just north of the shrine area. The lake is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.
• Hakuto Shrine and Hakuto Beach: The legendary White Rabbit of Inaba shrine and its beautiful adjacent beach lie approximately 5 kilometers to the north, connected to one of Japan's most beloved mythological tales.
• Tottori Sand Dunes: Japan's most famous sand dune landscape is approximately 20 minutes by car from the Yoshioka Onsen area.
• Amenohohi-no-mikoto Shrine: The shrine dedicated to the parent deity of Amenohinatori-no-mikoto, located about 2 kilometers to the north, creating a natural paired pilgrimage route.