Virtual Old Akita 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #20 Hoshoku Shrine

 

     There are 48 Ukemochi Shrines in Japan.  Ukemochi is a goddess of food and one of the oldest deities of the Shinto religion.  Inari is more popular although the development of Inari shrines began in the 9th century.  There are 2970 Inari Shrines with Inari as their main deity.  There are over 32,000 branches in the shrines with the other main deities.  Inari is basically the god of rice.

     Japanese industrial structure changed and rice cultivation became its primary industry.  Ukemochi was later confused with Inari, which is often thought to take the shape of a fox.  Its name has often been misread Hoshoku.  Life has its ups and downs.

     Ukemochi Shrine or Hoshoku Shrine in Akita was definitely brought either directly from the central part of Japan or indirectly from somewhere between the central and Ideha Province presumably before the prosperity of Inari Shrine in the 9th century.  Later, Kannon-in Temple was founded as its shrine temple, but was abolished presumably after the Meiji restoration.  The image of Arya Avalokitesvara, who is the human-figure prototype of the other 6 metamorphoses, was enshrined in the temple.  For your information, Inari was regarded as the manifestation of Dakini in the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism, so the locals didn't confuse Ukemochi with Inari.

Address: Dogashita-136 Shimokitatetakarakawa, Akita, 010-0054

Phone: 018-836-9666