Virtual Old Akita 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #12 Asahiokayama Shrine

 

     Asahiokoyama Shrine is said to have been founded by Sakanoue Tamuramaro (758-811) in Yokote Basin along the foot of Ou Mountains in 807, when he invaded the territories of northern foreigners.

     In January, 737, Azumabito was appointed as the Inspector of Mutsu Province.  On March 1st in the same year, he left Mutsu Province with 196-strong central cavalry and 499-strong central infantry, 5,000-strong provincial soldiers, and 249 northern foreigners who had surrendered to open an access route to Ideha Province.  He suppressed the northern foreigners around Okachi County and secured the route.  From Spring to Autumn in 759, Okachi Fortress was built, mobilizing 8180 men.  At the same time, Tamano, Saruhashi, Hirahoko, Yokokawa, Okachi, and Sukakawa Stations were installed in Ideha Province with Akita Fortress as its terminal.  The whereabouts of the stations haven't been verified archaeologically.  However, Asahioko Shrine seems to have been founded along the route.  As Yamanobe no Michi in Nara Prefecture does today, prehistoric roads usually ran along the foot of hills and mountains, avoiding running through the wetland in basins.

     In 791, Sakanoue Tamuramaro (758-811) was dispatched to the eastern provinces to prepare for the war against the northern foreigners in the northeastern part of Honshu Island.  In 794, he invaded the region, with the military successes of beheading 457 and taking 150 captive. 

     In 801, Tamuramaro invaded the northeastern region again.  Tamuramaro brought back two enemy chiefs, Aterui and More, to the capital in 802.

     Asahiokayama Shrine is believed to have been founded by Sakanoue Tamuramaro (758-811) in 807.  Strangely many temples and shrines were founded in 807.

     In 806, inspectors were dispatched to Tokaido, Hokurikudo, San'indo, San'yodo, Nankaido, and Saikaido Regions, or to all the regions except Tosando Region.  In 807, Kiyomizu-dera, Hase-dera, and Zentsu-ji Temples were founded.  More than 10 percent of the 88 member temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage are said to have been founded in the same year.  In 810, the Chamberlains' Office was put up.  All in all, the central government strengthened their control over local administration.  However, in 807, Tamuramaro was in Kyoto.

     Yet, Bonden Festival is held annually on February 17th, on which Tamuramaro is believed to have founded the shrine.

     The #12 deity of the Old Akita 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, the image of Arya Avalokitesvara, who is the human-figure prototype of the other 6 metamorphoses, is enshrined in the hollow at the base of a cedar tree near the shrine gate.

Address: Kamiteitoda-123 Osawa, Yokote, Akita 013-0041

Phone: 0182-32-3666