Deities Enshrined at Wake Shrine
Main Deity
Nudesh iwake no Mikoto is regarded as the remote ancestor of the Wake clan and is the principal deity enshrined here.
Associated Deities
Otohiko no Ō was the great-grandson of Nudesh iwake no Mikoto and an ancestor of Wake no Kiyomaro.
Wake no Kiyomaro was a prominent government official during the Nara period (710–794). He is particularly remembered for his role in the historical incident involving the Buddhist monk Dōkyō, when he helped prevent Dōkyō from ascending to the imperial throne.
Wake no Hiromushi-hime was Kiyomaro’s elder sister. She is revered for her compassion and for raising numerous orphaned children.
The shrine also enshrines several other ancestors of the Wake clan: Sawara no Mikoto, Kihazu no Mikoto, Sukuna no Mikoto, and Omaro no Mikoto, who was Wake no Kiyomaro’s father.
Deity Enshrined Alongside the Main Deities
Emperor Ōjin, an important figure in Japanese history, is enshrined alongside the shrine’s principal and associated deities.
History and Development of the Shrine
The origins of Wake Shrine lie in the worship of Nudesh iwake no Mikoto, the ancestral deity of the Wake clan. Although the exact date of its foundation is unknown, historical records indicate that the shrine buildings suffered flood damage in 1591. The shrine was subsequently relocated to its present site.
In 1909, Otohiko no Ō, Wake no Kiyomaro, and Wake no Hiromushi-hime were added to the list of enshrined deities. In 1914, the shrine restored the name Wake Shrine. In 1919, Emperor Ōjin was enshrined alongside the other deities, and the shrine was elevated to the status of a prefectural shrine.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
Main Hall and Other Shrine Buildings
The main sanctuary, offering hall, connecting hall, worship hall, and Zuishinmon Gate were rebuilt in stages beginning in 1885. The work was carried out by Katsuyoshi Tabuchi, a master shrine carpenter. These buildings are designated cultural properties by Wake Town and preserve the craftsmanship of traditional Japanese shrine architecture.
Komai — Guardian Boars
One of Wake Shrine’s most unusual features is its pair of guardian boars, known as komai, standing in front of the worship hall instead of the more familiar guardian dogs.
The boars are associated with a legend about Wake no Kiyomaro’s journey to Usa Jingu Shrine. According to tradition, a group of boars protected him along the way. The animals are also said to have guided him to a sacred spring when he suffered from a leg ailment. As a result, boars are revered at Wake Shrine as protectors of Kiyomaro.
Zuishinmon Gate
Built in 1895, Zuishinmon Gate marks an important entrance to the shrine grounds. Guardian figures dressed as ancient court attendants stand on either side, symbolically protecting the shrine.
Stone Statue of Hiromushi-hime
This statue was erected in 1998 to commemorate the 1,200th anniversary of Hiromushi-hime’s death. It honors her compassion and her efforts to raise orphaned children, a legacy that has made her an enduring symbol of kindness.
Stone Statue of Wake no Kiyomaro
Dedicated in 1990 by the shrine’s worshippers’ association, the statue pays tribute to Wake no Kiyomaro and his achievements in Japanese history.
Tea House Hōwatei
Built in 1962, this traditional tea house hosts tea gatherings during events such as the autumn Maple Festival. It offers visitors an opportunity to experience Japanese tea culture in a peaceful setting.
Wisteria Park and Shūkōen Garden
Adjacent to Wake Shrine, Wisteria Park is celebrated as one of Japan’s finest wisteria-viewing destinations. When the flowers bloom in spring, the park attracts many visitors who come to enjoy the cascading blossoms and colorful seasonal scenery.
The surrounding mountains are also home to approximately 2,000 maple trees. Every November, the area hosts a Maple Festival, when the hillsides are transformed by brilliant autumn foliage. Together, the wisteria in spring and the maple leaves in autumn make the shrine a rewarding destination in different seasons.
The Wake Clan and Its Historical Legacy
The Wake clan was a powerful local family based in the area now known as Wake District, historically associated with Fujino District in Okayama Prefecture. The clan traced its ancestry to Nudesh iwake no Mikoto, a son of Emperor Suinin.
During the Nara period, Wake no Hiromushi and her younger brother, Wake no Kiyomaro, rose to prominence at the imperial court, bringing national recognition to their family. Kiyomaro’s descendant, Hiromiyo, served the court as a scholar. The clan’s emphasis on learning and public service contributed to its cultural influence over the generations.
Traditions of the Komori Family
The Komori family, which serves as the shrine’s hereditary priestly family, is traditionally said to be descended from Wake no Kiyomaro. According to family tradition, Hiromushi-hime’s care for orphaned children led Emperor Kōmei to grant the family the surname Komori, a name associated with the Japanese word for caring for or looking after children.
Access and Nearby Attractions
By train: Wake Shrine is approximately 15 minutes by taxi from JR Wake Station on the Sanyo Main Line.
Nearby attractions include Wisteria Park and Hōran-en Garden, both of which offer opportunities to enjoy the area’s seasonal scenery. The local history and folklore museum is also nearby, providing further insight into the history and culture of Wake Town.
With its distinctive guardian boars, historic shrine buildings, and close connections to Wake no Kiyomaro and the Wake clan, Wake Shrine offers a fascinating combination of Japanese religious tradition, local history, and natural beauty.