A couple of Hōkoku Shrine (豊国神社) enshrines Toyotomi Hideyoshi in Japan, and one of them is in Nagahama. His retainers, Katō Kiyomasa (加藤清正) and Kimura Shigenari (木村重成), are also enshrined here. The citizens of Nagahama erected the shrine to commemorate Hideyoshi’s third anniversary in 1600. But, after the Tokugawa shogunate was established, the shrine was demolished as worshipping Hideyoshi, who was once Tokugawa’s opponent, was forbidden.
However, this couldn’t stop the locals from continuing to worship Hideyoshi. The statue of Hideyoshi was moved to a private residence before it was moved to a newly built Ebisu Shrine (恵比須宮). On the surface, it was a shrine to worship Ebisu, a god who looks after pilgrims’ businesses’ success. But, Hideyoshi’s statue was placed on the other side of the wall behind Ebisu.
After the Tokugawa shogunate was overturned and a new era arrived, the Hōkoku Shrine was revived in the early Meiji period in 1898, the 300th anniversary of Hideyoshi.
One thing that we found really interesting about the shrine is the purification fountain. Not sure if it has anything to do with Hideyoshi being known as a short guy that the fountain’s height is extremely low. This is why the pilgrims usually have a hard time performing the purification ritual at Hōkoku Shrine (´▽｀*).
On the same precinct, there is an Inari Shrine with a God who grants prayers of success in one’s career. The size of the Inari Shrine is as big as the main shrine, Hōkoku Shrine.
The Legend of Tora-ishi Rock
Furthermore, as you stroll around the shrine, you will find a large rock with a white rope wrapped around it. The rock is called “Tora-ishi (虎石)”.
Its legend goes back to when Hideyoshi was still the lord of Nagahama Castle. Katō Kiyomasa (加藤清正), who Hideyoshi raised, loved the rock that was in the castle’s garden a lot.
In the mid-Edo period, when the rock was moved to Daitsū-ji Temple‘s garden, the rock started crying out with the sound of “Iō, iō” (meaning going back, going back). So it was moved back to where it was. Later on, the rock was relocated to Hōkoku Shrine, where Hideyoshi is enshrined.
Since the rock didn’t cry to go back again, it must want to stay somewhere related to Hideyoshi (so we guessed).
Hōkoku Shrine’s Main Festivals
If you happen to be around Nagahama between the 9th the 11th of January each year, head to Hōkoku Shrine for an event called Tōka Ebisu (十日戎). As a participant, you might be able to catch the mochi rice cakes thrown by the shrine’s maiden!
On a Sunday in mid-October, Toyokō Festival (豊公まつり) is another big event of the shrine. This is where a warrior procession imitates the triumphal return of the Battle of Shizugatake. At the end of the event, mochi rice cakes will be thrown to the crowd as a sign of blessing for your personal or business success.
How to Get to Hōkoku Shrine
From JR Nagahama Station (長浜駅), it is less than a 5-minute walk.
Discover Other Exciting Attractions in Nagahama City
Nagahama, the second biggest city in Shiga Prefecture, is rich in history and nature. Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s success in becoming the leader of Japan in the second half of the 16th century is said to have started from here.
Apart from the cultural and historical attractions, the city will also excite shopaholics and figurine manias!
For more information, please refer to our article on Nagahama (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
