Tachiki Shrine

Since ancient times, Tachiki Shrine has been located facing Kusatsu-juku on the Tokaido Highway, and is widely worshipped as a god of traffic safety and protection from bad luck, with a history of over 1,200 years.

Within the shrine grounds stands the oldest stone Oiwake-guji (guidepost) in the prefecture, which dates back to November 1680 (Enpo 8).

Also inside the shrine is a sacred tree called urajiro-gashi. This huge tree is estimated to be 400 years old and has a solemn presence.

Various prayers for good luck, traffic safety, family safety, prosperous business, safe delivery, and first shrine visit are available by advance reservation. We also accept external ceremonies and prayers such as ground-breaking ceremonies.

Founding

According to legend, in 767, Takemikazuchi no Mikoto arrived at the shrine on his way to Kasuga Shrine from Kashima Shrine. Takemikazuchi no Mikoto pricked the ground with a persimmon whip and said, “If this tree grows, I will settle down in the mountain of Mikasa in Yamato Province (present Kasuga Taisha Shrine) for a long time.

Seeing this, the villagers revered the tree, built a shrine, enshrined Takemikazuchi no Mikoto, and named it Tachiki Shrine.

History

It is said that in 777, there was a drought and Emperor Kounin prayed for rain at the shrine, which resulted in a heavy rainfall. In gratitude, Emperor Mitsuhito built a new shrine building and conferred the rank of Shoichi (the first rank in the Shinto hierarchy) on the shrine.

There is also a record that Emperor Kammu conferred the rank of Shoichi no Kami on him in 786, and some say that the divine name began after that time.

In 801, the great barbarian general Sakagami Tamuramaro stopped by the shrine on his way to conquer the Emishi, praying for safety on the road and good luck to ward off bad luck, and donated a portion of the Great Hannya Sutra.

In 1487, during the Muromachi period (1336-1573), Ashikaga Yoshinao set up camp in Kagari, Kurita-gun, to conquer Rokkaku Takayori. At that time, Yoshinaga prayed to Tachiki Shrine for the longevity of his military fortunes and donated the Shikyakumon (present-day Shinmon Gate).

In 1645, during the Edo period (1603-1867), Ishikawa Tadaso, the lord of the Zesho domain, donated 23 koku of the shrine’s territory to Tachiki Shrine.

Tachiki Shrine was located at Kusatsu-juku, the junction of the Tokaido Highway and the Nakasendo Highway. Therefore, many people visited Tachiki Shrine, making it a bustling place. It is also said that when the lords of the Tokaido passed through Kusatsu-juku, they always prayed at Tachiki Shrine for safety on the way, and as a result, no accidents or mishaps occurred.

Rituals

Setsubun Festival (February 3): To pray for good luck and to ward off bad luck, Kagura (Shinto music and dance) is dedicated, lucky arrows are awarded, sake and sweet sake are served, lucky beans and rice cakes are thrown by the New Year’s men and women, and a lottery is held to determine the number of prizes to be awarded.
Regular festival (May 3): Mikoshi (portable shrines) from each town and village parade around the shrine, and the dedication of the San’nai Odori dance (held every other year).
Shichi-Go-San Pilgrimage (mid-November): A visit to the shrine to pray for the healthy growth of children. Chitoseame, good luck charms, sacred arrows, and souvenirs are also given.
Tachiki Shrine has an old history and a sacred atmosphere, making it a special place for many people.