Hitokotonushi-no-Okami is a deity mentioned in Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. According to the legend, during the reign of Emperor Yūryaku, the 21st Emperor of Japan, the emperor went hunting in Mount Katsuragi when he encountered someone who looked identical to him.
The emperor, puzzled and stern, declared,
“There is no other king in this land but me. Who dares to appear in my likeness? Let us exchange names first, and afterward, test our skill with arrows.”
The mysterious figure responded,
“Since I have been asked first, I shall declare my name. I am Hitokotonushi-no-Okami, the god of Katsuragi, who can grant both good and evil with a single word.”
Upon hearing this, the emperor was struck with awe and reverence, exclaiming,
“Forgive my ignorance, great deity. I did not realize that the one before me, bearing my appearance, was none other than a divine being.”
This story highlights the deity’s extraordinary power and the emperor’s humble recognition of his presence.
There is a parking lot located next to the torii gate.
The approach from the torii gate to the shrine is called the sando.
The Legend of the Spider Mound (Kumo-zuka)
According to legend, a monstrous spider (tsuchigumo) disguised itself as a monk and visited Minamoto no Yorimitsu (Raikō) under the pretense of caring for his illness. However, Yorimitsu saw through the deception. When discovered, the spider threw a thousand threads, attempting to ensnare and strangle Yorimitsu.
Yorimitsu, using his famed sword Hizamaru, struck the spider and inflicted a fatal wound. The creature fled, but Yorimitsu’s loyal retainers, the Four Heavenly Kings (Shitennō), tracked its trail of blood to its lair and ultimately vanquished the tsuchigumo.
This tale is a well-known example of Yorimitsu’s heroism and the supernatural battles of ancient Japan.
You climb the stairs.
An ancient Soapberry tree (Mukuroji), estimated to be 650 years old.
The sacred ginkgo tree (Goshinboku), known as the “Leaf-Bearing Ginkgo,” is estimated to be 1,200 years old.
Unique features of this tree include numerous growths resembling breasts extending from its trunk, earning it the nickname “Chichi-Icho” (Breast Ginkgo). It is believed that praying to this tree can bless individuals with children and ensure abundant breast milk for nursing mothers.
The worship hall (haiden) of Hitokotonushi Shrine
Hitokotonushi-no-Okami is said to have had an unattractive appearance. According to legend, when assisting En no Gyōja—a renowned ascetic monk—in building a bridge between Mount Katsuragi and Mount Kinpu in Yoshino, the deity was so self-conscious about his appearance that he worked only at night and hid during the day.
Despite this tale, the deity is affectionately referred to as Ichigon-san by locals, highlighting the community’s deep respect and connection to Hitokotonushi-no-Okami.
The dragon is holding a golden orb.
Emperor Yūryaku depicted in his hunting attire.
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