Cultural Assets－Temples and Shrines

This ancient shrine enshrines the deity Hitokotonushi, who according to the mythology described in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki (ancient historical records of Japan) appeared while Emperor Yuryaku was hunting on Mount Katsuragi. The deity is said to have had an ugly face, for which he was so ashamed he worked only at night and disappeared before dawn while helping En no Gyoja build a bridge between Mount Katsuragi and Mount Kimpusen in Yoshino. According to the Kojiki, Hitokotonushi had the power to make any wish that could be expressed in a word or two (hitokoto or ichigon) come true. The locals affectionately call this shrine “Ichigon-san.” It has also attracted reverence nationwide.