A Brief Overview

Takemikumari Shrine, also known as Suibun Shrine, is a historic Shinto shrine located in Suibun, Chihaya Akasaka Village, Minamikawachi District, Osaka Prefecture. It is an ancient shrine listed in the Engishiki, an ancient book of laws and regulations, and its old shrine rank is a prefectural shrine.

The Deities

The shrine venerates several deities. The main deity enshrined in the central hall is Ameno Minakanushi no Kami, while the left hall enshrines Amenomizuho no Kami and Nunoshihime no Kami, and the right hall enshrines Kunimizuho no Kami and Seoritsu Hime no Kami. All of these deities, except for Ameno Minakanushi no Kami, are water deities.

Historical Significance

According to the shrine's tradition, it was established in 92 BC when Emperor Sujin encouraged the construction of reservoirs and canals across the country during a famine. The shrine was originally located about 100 meters north of its current location, but it was relocated and rebuilt by Kusunoki Masashige in 1334 under the orders of Emperor Godaigo.

Unique Architectural Style

The shrine's main hall is a unique structure known as "Suibun-zukuri," which consists of three halls connected by a corridor. This is the only example of such a style in Japan. The details of the structure are highly refined and considered a model in architecture.

Cultural Assets

The three halls of the main shrine are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The shrine also houses other registered tangible cultural properties, including the treasure house and the main hall, prayer hall, and stone wall of the subsidiary Nanaki Shrine.

Festivals

The shrine holds a spring festival on April 25, which is also considered the birthday of Kusunoki Masashige, and an autumn festival on the third Saturday of October. The autumn festival features a parade of 19 floats, making it one of the largest festivals in Kawachi.

Location and Access

Takemikumari Shrine is located at 357 Suibun, Chihaya Akasaka Village, Minamikawachi District, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. It is accessible by public transportation and is open to visitors year-round.