Ezōkogi Shrine (eh-zoe-koh-gee)

Ezōkogi Shrine is located just outside Okinami, to the north. This is part of the Suwa shrine network dedicated toTakeminakata, a Shinto god of wind, water, agriculture, hunting and warfare.

People have always felt a spiritual presence in the area. The sacred space is a cave hollowed out of a hill, which is covered by a semi-wild thicket of Siberian ginseng (ezōkogi). There is evidence that this space was used for Manchu shamanism and the worship of Han Chinese gods before the Japanese settlers declared its connection to Takeminakata. A small museum dedicated to archeological evidence and the history of Ezōkogi Shrine is on the grounds.

Also located at Ezōkogi Shrine is a dojo dedicated to Chowa-ryu. It was one of the first to adopt the new, Saharinese martial school and to the present day remains a source of great masters. However, the dojo itself is small and unable to expand due to limited land and a wish to preserve the historical shrine. Therefore, public classes are not held and Ezōkogi Shrine masters, instead, tend to visit other dojos to share their experience.

Part of the dojo that is available for public use is the firing range. Hojutsu, the art of firearms, is a historically significant part of Chowa-ryu. Ezōkogi Shrine does hold public classes with recreation matchlocks and gun safety courses for licensed hunters. It is the only dojo in the area licensed to do this. Persons licensed to own firearms may bring them to the Ezōkogi Shrine firing range during public hours to practice marksmanship. The firing range is located in the valley behind the main buildings of the shrine.

Alternative Names

エゾウコギ 神社

Parent Location

Okinami