Virtual Old Akita 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #28 Shirataki Shrine

 

     Shirataki River runs where Shirakami Mountains meet the Sea of Japan.  It means the area was where the Matagi people, who are traditional winter hunters of northern Japan, met sea people.  As the sea people traded furs and pelts, the area was a good trading spot.  The Matagi are believed to have spread from the Ani area in Akita Prefecture, which is known for the Akita dogs, to the Shirakami Mountains between Akita and Aomori Prefectures.  The flat land is so narrow that Shirataki Waterfall is very close to the sea.  Shirataki literally means White Waterfall.  The waterfall has been a holy place since prehistoric times.  In 853, Tenryu-ji Temple was founded and Acalanatha was enshrined at the foot of the waterfall.

     In August, 944, a big earthquake hit the Shirataki River area, and Tenryu-ji Temple and the surrounding villages were buried under the ground.

     Later, Fudo-sha Shrine was founded to enshrine Acalanatha.  Fudo means Acalanatha.  Presumably, Urabe Yasumasa presented an Avalokitesvara image to the shrine.  After the Meiji Restoration, the shrine was renamed Shirataki Shrine because Acalanatha is a Buddhist deity.

Address: Tate-10 Hachimori, Happo, Yamamoto District, Akita 018-2500

Phone: 0185-77-3056