Shikinen Grand Festival (periodic ceremonial festival)

Dedication of a Hyakudo Stone (Donated by Koji Iwakami) -MAP No.22-

Hyakudo-ishi are stone pillars or stones placed within the precincts of Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples. They serve as markers for hyakudo-mairi, a devotional practice in which worshippers walk back and forth 100 times between the main hall and the entrance (or other designated points) while earnestly praying to the deity or Buddha.

Reconstructed of the torii gate at the Kami-Iwata entrance -MAP No.29-

Shikinen Grand Festival (1690th Anniversary)

・Construction of the shrine name monument (designated project by Yamaguchi Prefecture Shrine 　Association). -MAP No.15-

・Reconstruction of the origin plaque. -MAP No.39-

・Yamaguchi Prefecture Shrine Register (Origins of Iwato Hachimangū),edited by the Yamaguchi 　Prefectural Association of Shinto Shrines

・Publication of the commemorative booklet for the Shikinen Grand Festival, including a list of 　dedicators.

・Commemorative tree planting and renovation of the otabisho(Ogatama tree) and 　precincts(Sakaki).

　Otabisho:temporary resting place for the portable shrine during a festival

・Renovation of stone pavement and retaining walls within the precincts.

Dedication of a newly made mikoshi for the summer festival

Repair of a chozuya (ritual hand-washing pavilion) Roof

・Replacement of copper roofing.

Repair of Chikamasa Inari Shrine

Reconstruction of the Otabisho pedestal

In Commemoration of the Accession of His Majesty the Emperor (Heisei)

・Dedication of national flag raising -MAP No.21-

　By Guji（宮司：Chief Shinto Priest) and all the Sodai(shrine reprensentatives）

・Dedication of shrine name monuments for Uryu Kojin Shrine, Inari Shrine, and Hitomaru Shrine.

Repairing and repainting a mikoshi

Installation of Iwato Archaeological Site Guideboard

Reconstruction of Shrine Office and Performance Hall

Shikinen Grand Festival (1675th Anniversary)

・Replacement of copper roofing on the main hall.

・Repainting of guardian statues.

・Flood prevention works within the precincts.

Installation of a historical information plaque

Appointment of Guji:Mitsuaki Kaita

Construction of the First Torii Gate of Uryu Inari Shrine

Donated by Shigeo Tagawa.

Survey of the Iwatō Archaeological Site

Yamaguchi Prefectural Board of Education -MAP No.40-

The Yamaguchi Prefecture Shrine Gazetteer was published, including the shrine’s origins.

Guji:Tomoaki Kaita

Shikinen Grand Festival (1660th Anniversary)

Dedication of Komainu Statues to Uryu Shrine

by Kisaku Matsuoka -In commemoration of his Koki (70th birthday)ー

Reconstruction of Worship and Offering Halls -MAP No.25-

Sengu(Ceremonial Relocation) of Utachi Inari Shrine

Reconstruction of Koike Chinju Shrine

Shikinen Grand Festival (1645th Anniversary)

Registered as a Religious Corporation

Under Guji:Tomoaki Kaita

Shikinen Grand Festival (1630th Anniversary)

Reconstruction of Chikamasa Inari Shrine

Giji:Tomoaki Kaita

Dedication of a Well / Conducting a Rain-Prayer Ceremony -MAP No.03-

Historical records state that the well was located in front of the former shrine office; however, the existing well bears an inscription from the Meiji period. This raises the question of whether the well was originally constructed in the Meiji era and later refurbished during the Shōwa period, or whether it refers to a different well altogether. The fact that a rain-prayer ritual was performed suggests that the year may have been marked by severe drought.

Construction of a Stone Lantern at Uryu Kasuga Shrine(Kami-Uryu)

Construction of a Stone Lantern at Uryu Kojin Shrine

Construction of a Commemorative Monument for the Enthronement of Emperor Shōwa

Sacred Rice Fields for the Daijōsai Offering

The Daijōsai is the most important Shinto ritual associated with the imperial enthronement. It is held only once in an emperor’s lifetime, during which the emperor offers newly harvested rice and other agricultural products from designated sacred rice fields and farmlands across Japan to the deities, praying for abundant harvests and the prosperity of the nation.(Dedication of Chestnuts by Goro Kunimitsu)

The dedication monument was personally erected by Kunimitsu Gorō at Shimo-Ōtsuka in commemoration of the 2600th year of the Imperial Era (1940, Shōwa 15).

Shikinen Grand Festival (1615th Anniversary)

・Appointment as Shashō(社掌：Chief priest): Tomoaki Kaita(April 21)

・Dedication of Shimebashira Pillars by Goro Kunimitsu -MAP No.01-

・Commemorative Monument for the Pine Hand-Planted by His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince -MAP No.24-

Following the shock of the Toranomon Incident involving Daisuke Nanba, Yamaguchi Prefecture was branded as a "land of traitors." During Prince Regent Hirohito’s visit to Yamaguchi in 1926, security was exceptionally tight around Iwata, near Suo Village. Driven by a profound sense of collective guilt for producing a rebel, the crowds lining the streets were said to be more grief-stricken and somber than in any other region.

The Toranomon Incident involving Taisuke Nanba from Suo Village.

Construction of Shimo Iwata Entrance Torii -MAP No.30-

Peace commemoration.

Dedication of a Stone lantern -MAP No.31-

Construction of a Hōju Lantern -MAP No.32-

Dedication of an Ema Painting, “The Taiheiraku Scene”

Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Tsuya-kō Association. The Tsuya-kō is a traditional community gathering in which local residents come together for overnight vigils and mutual support, playing an important role in preserving local customs and supporting shrine events.

Enthronement Commemorative Tree-Planting Monument(Hinoki:cypress, Sugi:cedar) -MAP No.34-

The Taiten refers collectively to the Imperial Enthronement Ceremony (Sokui no Rei) and the Great Thanksgiving Festival (Daijōsai)

Dedication of a Hyakudo-ishi (Donated by Chiyozō Iwakami) -MAP No.22-

Jijin-sai / Kōjin-sai / Inari-sai

Source:Shimo-Ōtsuka Sho-sōchō.(下大塚諸奏帳), a record book of various petitions and reports

The shrine celebrates several traditional festivals: the Jijin Festival honoring the local earth deity, the Kōjin Festival honoring the deity of fire, and the Inari Festival honoring the deity of rice, business, and prosperity.

Kōjin-sai – Fire Deity Festival

Chikamasa Inari Shrine Restoration

Afforestation of 5 tan 7 se (approximately 0.57 hectares) of cypress trees within the shrine precincts

Millennial Festival (1000th Anniversary)

Commemorative Lantern Erected (donated by Yohei Kawamura, who went to the United States) -MAP No.05-

Summer Festival expense record(Nishihata District)

Re-roofing of Uryu Kojin Shrine

Russo-Japanese War memorial cherry tree

Planted by veterans from Iwata Village -MAP No.12-

Revision of the festival regulations in the Nishibata district

Jishinsai, Otoshisai, Inarisai, Summer Kojinsai

Reconstruction of Haragasako Gion Shrine

Dedication of stone lanterns(donated by Ichinosuke Yoshitaka) -MAP No.11-

Erection of the torii gate at the Kami-Iwata entrance -MAP No.29-

A wood night lantern (Uryu Jōyatō) was constructed, and the practice of circulating the lantern among households to keep the lamp lit began.

Since it was not practical in everyday life to keep a light burning continuously in the stone night lantern, a portable wooden lantern was made instead. It was passed from household to household in turn, and each family kept the flame lit during their assigned period.

The dedication of one shrine hall and three curtain hangings

Donated by Shishō (祠掌：chief priest):Ento? Kaita

Record of Shimo-Otsuka Jishinsai festival

The recording of entries in the Shrine Register begins.

Compilation of the Uryu Shrine Record Book.

The keeping of perpetual records begins.

Dedication of stone lanterns

Donated by Tsunejiro & Suesaburo Horiguchi -MAP No.04-

The framework-raising (jōtō) of the Tsuri-ya(connecting corridor) and the entrance of the worship hall.

Dedication of a Stone lanterns -MAP No.27-

Appointment of Kaita Ento? as Shishō（社掌：chief priest）

Dedication of a Stone lanterns

Donated by Kamejiro Nakamura -MAP No.10-

Dedication of stone lanterns

Donated by Shichibe & Heisuke Moriyama -MAP No.16-

Ema（絵馬）:donated by Kihe Kunimitsu

Votive picture tablet (ema) depicting a Chinese warrior on horseback

Relocation of Ayukaeri Kojin Shrine

Principal patron: Takeuemon Ichikawa

Shrine priest: Namie Kaita(Masahiro Fujiwara)

Establishment of Chikimasa Inari Shrine

Ritual officiant: Kitaro Kaita(Hayamitsu Fujiwara)

Implementation of the Shinto–Buddhist Separation Order in Chōshū Domain.

Ema（絵馬）:donated by Kogenta Kunimitsu

Votive picture tablet (ema) depicting a Chinese warrior on horseback

Re-dedication of a Large Stone Lantern (replacing the former bronze lantern) -MAP No.14-

Shrine priests Namie Kaita and Chikae Kaita were suspended from their priestly duties.

Record Book of the Kōjin-kō at Nishihata Kōjin Shrine

Recorded by all parishioners and the shrine priest, Namiye Kaita.

Regulations governing shrine status and ritual practice

With Umemoto Iezo playing a central role, regulations governing shrine status and ritual practice were compiled, and a ritual organization was formed.

Reconstruction of Uryu Shrine.

Dedication of a Perpetual Night Lantern -MAP No.18-

Donated by Sadashichi Matsuda Yoshinao and Daibee Matsuda Tsunenao)

Nishihata Ōtoshi Daimyōjin was enshrined.

Appointment of Chikae Kaita as Shashoku(社職：Chief Priest)

The Iwato Hachimangū Disturbance Incident

Reconstruction of Utate Shrine

Amakuwa Hachimangū and the Ninomiya Shrine on Mt. Shinsho were consolidated and enshrined at Iwato Hachimangū

The compilation of the Bōchō Fūdō Chūshinan was completed

A stone night lantern (jōyatō) was erected at Yoshiida Hachimangū Shrine

A stone lantern was dedicated to Ayukaeri Ko Shrine.

Bronze lantern donated to Iwato Hachimangū

A chrysanthemum crest was dedicated to Ayukaeri Ko Shrine.

Arakami Shrine was established

Ritual officiant: Namie Kaita

A stone purification basin (Chozu-bachi) for the Gion Shrine

Donated by the parishioners of Shimo-Amaguwa

Ema:donated by Jūrōzaemon Kunimitsu

Votive picture tablet (ema) depicting a Chinese warrior on horseback

Reconstruction of the Mizoroi Gion Shrine

Ritual officiant: Namie Kaita

A stone night lantern (jōyatō) was erected at Ietsune

Completion of the mikoshi.

crafted at Ōnoya

Dedication of a Stone lantern -MAP No.20-

donated by Nobuoki? Kunimitsu & Tominobu? Kunimitsu

The Tsūyakō began

The Tsūyakō is a regularly held overnight communal observance carried out by village residents who care deeply for the Hachimangū.

Dedication of a Stone lantern -MAP No.08-

Donated by Toshiharu Kunimitsu

Construction of a tamagaki (sacred fence). -MAP No.17-

Donors’ names are engraved on the tamagaki

Dedication of a Stone lantern -MAP No.28-

Donated by Tobee Jo Taira-no Takahuku

Shajin(社人）Chief Priest:Namie Kaita received a Yoshida Shintō licensing certificate.

Dedication of a Stone lantern -MAP No.10-

Donated by Heisuke Umemoto

Jijin-Sama in Suetsune

Jijin (local guardian deity): a deity traditionally believed to have protected the land since ancient times, revered for safeguarding the land, its cultivation, and agriculture.

Dedicated to Koike Chinjusha Shrine

Komainu donated by Shigezaemon Kunimitsu Takemasa Fujiwara

Uryu Ko shrine

According to a report on temples and shrines submitted to Chōshū Domain by Kanzaemon, the headman of the Kyuryo in Miwa Village, Although the exact date of their founding is unclear, it is evident that Ko Shrines existed in Uryu, Mihara, and Ayukaeri within the village.

Reconstruction of Iwato Hachimangū

Confirmed by ridge tag inscription.

Stone lantern donated to Uritsu Inari Shrine by Mr. Kiyohiro.

Torii gate erected at Sadanobu Ko Shrine

A record book of Nishihata Otoshi Shrine events was compiled

by the parishioners

Torii gate erected at Koike Chinju Shrine

Torii gate erected at Uryu Shrine

Dedication of a Stone lantern donated to Naka-Iwata Kou Shrine -MAP No.26- -MAP No.36-

Donated by Tshiharu Kunimitsu, Takemasa Kunimitsu

Dedication of a Stone lantern donated to Iwato Hachimangū -MAP No.23-

Donated by Tshiharu Kunimitsu, Takemasa Kunimitsu

Dedication of a Torii gate donated to Naka-Iwata Kou Shrine -MAP No.35-

Donated by Tshiharu Kunimitsu, Takemasa Kunimitsu

Establishment of Chikamasa Inari Shrine

Deity statue dedicated in the Tenmei era – still extant

Torii donated to Haragasako Gion Shrine by parishioners

Establishment of Ko Shrine

Rituals conducted by Priest Yukie Kaita Masanobu

Chief Priest Yukie Kaita received a Yoshida Shintō licensing certificate.

Reconstruction of Iwato Hachimangū

Rituals conducted by Priest Iyo Kaita

Record of the Origins of Iwata Village Hachimangū

・Origins of Temples and Shrines in Bōchō: Reports to the Domain from Temples and Shrines of Suō and Nagato Provinces

・Nishihata Otoshi Shrine(Report by District Magistrate)

Compilation of Bōchō Jige Jōshin

Reports Submitted to the Domain in Bōchō

Chief Priest Iyo Kaita Masaie Fujiwara received a Yoshida Shintō licensing certificate.

Donation of a Stone Lantern to Sadamune Shrine

Reconstruction of Iwato Hachimangū

Confirmed by ridge tag inscription.

Chief Priest Kaita Kii no kami Masaharu received a Yoshida Shintō licensing certificate.

Court titles such as ‘○○ no kami’ or ‘○○ no suke’ often had little to do with actual land holdings. According to On the Appointment Procedures for Military Court Ranks in the Early Modern Period (Nihon Rekishi, No. 586), these ranks were usually selected and applied for based on family customs or personal preference, and the shogunate would grant approval.
As part of the ceremonial exchange, a formal gift of gratitude was presented to the shogun, and offerings (monetary or material) were submitted to the Imperial Court.

Dedicated of a Torii(Main approach) -MAP No.02-

Donated by All Parishioners

Erection of a Night Lantern at Chikamasa Inari Shrine

Genroku Aratame Onechō

Bōshū Regional Shrines and Temples Listing: Iwata Village Shō Hachiman – Chief Priest Gon-no-kami Kaita Masatsugu(Yamaguchi Prefectural Archives)

The Genroku Aratame Onechō was a register compiled in the early Edo period, particularly during the Genroku era (1688–1704), as part of the shūmon jinbetsu aratame (religious affiliation surveys) conducted by the shogunate and local domains to enforce the ban on Christianity and manage the population. It recorded the temples and shrines of villages and their parishioners (danka).
The register served not only as a religious survey but also as a tool for household and social status registration, and was also called the Onechō.

Chief Priest Kaita Sagami no kami Masatoshi received a Yoshida Shintō licensing certificate.

Reconstruction of Iwato Hachimangū

Chief Priest Kaita Gon no kami Masatsugu received a Yoshida Shintō licensing certificate.

Suetsune Kō Shrine in Iwata Village was transferred (kanjō) from Yamaguchi Takakura Kō Shrine

Battle of Sekigahara

Motomasa Iida made Iwata Village in Miwa-shō his fief

Iwato Hachimangū was granted six tan of tax-exempt land and three tan of shrine-owned land for shrine construction.

Reconstruction of Iwato Hachimangu Shrine Buildings

Principal Votary: Sugihara Unshū Takenaga

Great Patron: Sue bi-shū O-kami Okifusa

Master Carpenter: Fujiwara Sukezaemon

Blacksmith: Ishida Ribezaemon

Fund-Raising Monk: Yūshin

Ashikaga Takauji appointed Buzen Kurando Saburō (Tahara Naosada) to the position of jito of Iwata-ho

Bungo Irie Documents -資料参照-

Raising Ceremony of Iwato Hachimangū

Great Votary: Ryōke Hōin, Dai-oshō-i, Inshū Ajari Shōken

Master Carpenter (Shrine Carpenter Monk): Enshō

Assistant Carpenter: Kūen

Chief Shrine Priest: Munetoki Soejima

General Master Carpenter: Saemon-no-jo Mitsukiyo

Relocation to Present Site

Moved from Mount Iwato to Dainichi-men.

Enshrinement from Usa Hachimangū

Divine spirit invited to Iwato Rock.

Founding of Usa Hachimangū