Aki-jinja Shrine (阿紀神社)
Aki-jinja is the Shinto Shrine located in Uda City, Nara Prefecture. This shrine was classified as prefectural shrine in the old shrine ranking system (Engishiki). It was formerly known as Akinomiya or Kobe daijingu, and its commom name is Kobe-myojin.
History
This shrine was first built in Kaguraoka in the age of gods, and given the name of Kobe Daijingu at the imperial order by Emperor Suijin.
During the Azuchi-Momoyama period (Tensho era), when this shrine was relocated to its current location on the west bank of Hongo-gawa River, the name of the shrine was changed into the present one.
In early years of the Edo period, a Noh stage was constructed in the precincts of the shrine, and Noh plays began to be performed.
In 1902, this shrine was promoted from Gosha (a village shrine) to Kensha (a prefectural shrine).
Enshrined Deities
Enshrined Deities: Amaterasu-kotaijin, Akita-himenokami, Ninigi no mikoto, and Yagokokoroomoikane no kami. Deities enshrined together: Ameno Mikumari no Kami, SUGAWARA no Michizane, Kanayamahiko-no-kami, and Kanayamahime-no-kami.
Grounds
Main hall: Shinmei tsukuri (style of shrine architecture based on that of Ise-jingu Shrine)
Shinmon (Shrine Gate)
Mizugaki
Shrine office
Noh stage
Shrines in the grounds
The Enshrined deities of the first shrine are Hinoomi no mikoto, Tsukiyomi no mikoto, and Okuninushi no Mikoto
The Enshrined deities of the second shrine are Kotoshironushi no mikoto, Homudawake no mikoto, and Watatsumi no mikoto. The Enshrined deity of the third shrine is Suserihime no mikoto.
Festival dates
Reisai (regular festival) - October 17
Access
From Kintetsu Haibara Station (Osaka line), take the Nara Kotsu bus headed for 'Ouda' and get off at the final stop, then walk about 15 minutes.
The place of enshrinement
252 Hazama, Ouda-ward, Uda City, Nara Prefecture, 633-2166.
Nearby sites of interest
Matabei Zakura
Manyo Park (the hill of Kagiroi)
Akino Hitomero Park
Matsuyama (Uda City) - Conservation Area for Important Historic Buildings