matsusaka-jinja

This ancient shrine is nestled in the sacred Yoiho Forest near the ruins of Matsusaka Castle. The sanctuary honors Hondawake-no-mikoto and Ukamitama-no-kami as its principal deities. According to shrine tradition, it originates from the historic Ihi Shrine listed in the Engishiki records, and became known as "Oshiro Hachiman" (Castle Hachiman) when Gamo Ujisato built the castle, boasting over 1,000 years of distinguished history.