About Umi Shrine
ABOUT THE SHRINE
Umi Shrine is a historic and prestigious shrine listed in the Engishiki Shinmeicho (list of deities in the Engishiki).
At the end of the Sengoku period, Hirataya Sadonokami, who laid out the town of Hirata, enshrined seven shrines – Kumano Gongen, Mawari Daimyojin, Hirata Tenmangu, Kasuga Taisha, Wakamiya Shrine, Otoshi Shrine, and Isemiya – at the current location.
It is said that the “Umi Shrine” mentioned in the Engishiki Shinmeicho was originally Ishigami Shrine in Shiotsu Town, a fishing village along the Sea of Japan in Hirata. It seems that the “Umi Shrine” was transferred from Ishigami Shrine to Mawari Daimyojin, and then from Mawari Daimyojin to the current Umi Shrine.
In the main hall of Umi Shrine, Kotosakano-no-Mikoto is enshrined as a secondary deity. Kotosakano-no-Mikoto was born at the place where Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto said their eternal farewell at Yomihirasaka, and is a deity that symbolizes the severing of ties and each person walking a new path.
Enmusubi Shrine
Additionally, one of the shrines outside the precincts is Enmusubi Shrine.
Izanagi no Mikoto and Izanami no Mikoto, enshrined at Enmusubi Shrine, are the gods of marital harmony.
The origins of Enmusubi Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have existed since the Edo period. The Funatama Shrine, which is located next to it, is recorded as having been enshrined in 1775, so it is believed to have been enshrined for a long time.
Due to the bond between Izanami and Izanagi during their lifetimes, the shrine is enshrined as a “marriage-matching shrine,” and those who visit the shrine are said to receive the divine blessings of finding a good match, having a happy family, and continuing prosperity.
Pilgrimage for breaking off and making relationships
Kotosakao-no-Mikoto, who is enshrined at our shrine, is a god who symbolizes separation and rebirth. He
is said to have the power to cut off bad ties that are holding you and your family back, and to make it easier to find a good match.
This is a shrine that you should definitely stop by before praying for a good match at Izumo Taisha Shrine.
How to visit
- Write your name (watashi) and the ties you want to cut (kiri) on the front of the wooden tablet, and the ties you want to form (musubi) on the back.
- A wooden tablet is offered to the altar and a prayer is made to cut off ties (2 bows, 2 claps, 1 bow).
- Break the wooden tag, blow onto the tag with the relationship you want to cut off written on it, and place it in the ikiri box.
- Take the remaining wooden tablet and go around the main hall in a counterclockwise direction to the Enmusubi Shrine.
Be careful, going in the opposite direction will mean your luck will return. - Offer the wooden plaque at Enmusubi Shrine and pray for a happy marriage. (2 bows, 2 claps, 1 bow) Take the wooden plaque home with you.
Please take good care of the wooden plaque when you go home.
If you want to watch the video, please click here.
KOTOSAKANOMIKOTO
Kotosaka no O-mikoto
Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto are a loving couple who gave birth to many of the gods of Japan. However, his wife, Izanami-no-Mikoto, was burned while giving birth to the god of fire, and died early and went to the underworld.
“Izanagi” goes to the underworld to bring his beloved wife back to the world of the living. Reunited with “Izanami” in the underworld, she prepares to return to the world of the living. However, despite her promise not to look at her during this time, the husband can no longer wait and peeks at his wife. There is no longer the beautiful wife he once had.
The husband, frightened by his wife’s filthy and ugly appearance after eating food from the underworld, panics and flees the scene, while the wife chases after her husband in a rage. Finally, the two part forever at the border between the world of the living and the underworld. This place is called “Yomotsu Hirasaka.”
At this time, Kotosakano-no-Mikoto, who was born from the place that had been swept and purified, represents “Kotosaka” (to separate relationships), and symbolizes isolation and purification.
There are many ties that we want to cut, including ties between men and women, as well as our own or our family’s personality, illness, debt, gambling, problems at work, etc. By visiting Kotosakano-no-Mikoto and purifying ourselves, we can cut these ties and move forward with a positive attitude in a new life.
Momen-KaidoExploration Journal
MOMENKAIDOU TANBOCHOU
Umi Shrine, the shrine of severing ties
Umi Shrine Pilgrimage Guide
Umi Shrine is a shrine famous for severing ties, and enshrines Kotosaka-no-O-Mikoto, a god who symbolizes the elimination of bad ties. Severing ties is not only for breakups between men and women or workplace relationships, but also for giving you the determination and courage to forge a new path, and is also effective in purifying your mind from illness, bad habits, grudges, etc.
During the experience, your guide will provide a detailed explanation of the origins of good luck and severing ties, as well as how to visit the shrine. After praying for severing ties, you can pray for a good relationship at Enmusubi Shrine on the grounds, and experience the process of cutting off bad ties and then forming a new one. We also recommend planning to pray for a good relationship at Izumo Taisha Shrine or Yaegaki Shrine after severing ties at this shrine.
| Travel time | 40 minutes |
| Fee | 1,000 yen |
| Experience | Your guide will explain the history of Umi Shrine, the origins of the word “enkiri” (severing ties), and how to visit the shrine for either severing or making a connection. |
| Capacity | 1~20 people |
| Implementation time | 10:00～16:00 |
| inquiry | 0853-62-2631 (Momen Kaido Communication Center) |
Umi Shrine
Address: 688-1 Hirata-cho, Izumo City, 691-0001
TEL: 0853-62-3028
*Please park at the back of the large parking lot opposite Izumo Enmusubi Onsen Yurari. (3 minute walk to Momen Kaido) Please refrain from
parking in the parking lots reserved for each store on the road and walking around town for long periods of time.
