First, we'll introduce Yato Shrine!
Yato Shrine
Yato Shrine is located in Tamatsukurikō, Namegata City. Turn at the corner of Namegata City Izumi Water Treatment Plant, and you will immediately see a sign for "Atago Shrine Yato Shrine" (Yato Shrine is a subordinate shrine of Atago Shrine).
Please be careful as the road is narrow.
There is ample parking space available!
Yatogami appears in the section on Namegata County in the "Hitachi-no-kuni Fudoki" (ancient record of Hitachi Province), but it is a deity of curses, said to "destroy the home and sever the lineage of anyone who sees it." It is described as having the body of a snake and horns on its head.
In the early 6th century, humans attempting to cultivate land fought against Yatogami, who hindered their efforts. Humans succeeded in driving the deity away, and a shrine was built to prevent future curses.
In the mid-7th century, Yatogami once again hindered humans attempting to build a dike in a pond. As soon as Mibu no Muraji Maro, the first governor of Namegata County, commanded to "slay them all," the deity retreated. The pond, which was successfully completed, was named Shiī Pond, and water still springs forth from it today.
Statue of Mibu no Muraji Maro
The approach to the shrine is a steep slope + stairs (71 steps). Please wear comfortable, non-slip shoes when visiting.
At the top of the climb, you'll find the shrine!
Yato Shrine is a sub-shrine managed by Soga Shrine in Omitama City. Please obtain your Goshuin at Soga Shrine's shrine office.
*The Goshuin is "proof of your visit to the deity." Please be sure to visit Yato Shrine first, and then go to Soga Shrine on the same day.
Text and Photos: Sakurai (Community Collaboration Team)
Soga Shrine
1658-1 Ogawafurujo, Omitama City, Ibaraki Prefecture (30 minutes by car from Yato Shrine)
TEL 0299-58-0846
Shrine office hours: 10:00 - 16:00
https://www.sogajinja.com/
[Yato Shrine Basic Information]
3451-1 Tamatsukurikō, Namegata City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Shrine office: None