Honmoku Shrine

What it is

• Guardian shrine of the Honmoku region.
• Founded by Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1192.
• Formerly known as Honmoku Junisha.
• Separated from Tamon-in temple in 1868.

What to see

• Vermilion zushi dedicated by Minamoto no Yoritomo.
• Statue of Ohirume-no-Mikoto, washed ashore in 1263.

When to go

• Uma-nagashi ritual, performed since 1566.
• Ritual involves floating horse-headed turtle figures.
• Ritual is a designated folk cultural asset.
• Ritual takes place in Negishi Bay.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.