Virtual Akata 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #1 Kumano Shrine

 

     There used to be Kumano Shrine on the top of Mount Toko-san in Oyabadai Akata, Yurihonjo, Akita 015-0023, as the oldest shrine in Akata.  It was moved to its present place for the convenience of worshippers.  In 1900, the Shrine Bureau, which implemented Shrine Consolidation Policy, was created as a branch of the Home Ministry.  Kumano Shrine was merged to Shinmei Shrine sometime between 1910 and 1918.  Kumano Shrine became independent again as Futamata Shrine in 1945 after World War II ended.

     Futamata Shrine has a stone monument which says Number 11 Kumanosan.  Why #11?  Wasn't Kumano Shrine the 1st of the Akata 33 Kannon Pilgrimage?  Carefully examining the monument,  I find it reads rather "1,1" not 11.  Then, what does "1," mean?  Ver. 1.1?  No way!  Solving one mystery leads to another.

Futamata Shrine

Address: Juniyanagi-96 Akata, Yurihonjo, Akita 015-0023

Shinmei-sha Shrine

Address: Hasuike-124 Akata, Yurihonjo, Akita 015-0023

Phone: 0184-22-1972