Rokusho Shrine stands at the base of Mt. Kinugasa in the northern area of Kyoto.

It is believed that the shrine was originally built to enshrine the spirits of pioneering ancestors

and great deities from ancient times—possibly dating back to the Asuka period.

 

The shrine is dedicated to six major deities:

 

Amaterasu Omikami (Sun Goddess of Ise)

Iwashimizu Okami

Kami of Kamo Shrine

Kami of Matsuo Shrine

Inari Okami

Kasuga Okami

Rokusho Jinja is also known as a remote worship site (yorishiro) of Matsuo Taisha.

 

In the year 1341 (Kōkoku 2), the Ashikaga clan built Tōji-in Temple,

and enshrined Rokusho Shrine within its grounds as a guardian deity.

Later, the shrine also became the guardian of surrounding temples such as Shinnyo-ji,

as well as the regional Ubusuna-gami (protector of birthplace), respected by the local community.

 

During the Meiji period, following the separation of Shinto and Buddhism,

the shrine was relocated to its current place in Kinugasa.

It has remained a spiritual center for the locals, known for its deep-rooted traditions.

 

The name “Rokusho” ("Six Invocations") comes from the blend of the six enshrined deities

and a connection to the belief in Rokujizō, the six guardians of the afterlife.

Thus, the shrine also holds historical ties as a spiritual protector of burial grounds since medieval times.

 

To this day,

Rokusho Jinja continues to be beloved by the local community as their "Chinju-sama"

— the guardian deity of Kinugasa.

 

Rokusho Shrine enshrines the deities of six major shrines in Japan:

Ise,

Iwashimizu,

Kamo,

Matsuo,

Inari,

and

Kasuga.

 

It is regarded as an ancient place of worship,

originally established to the south of Rokuen-in Temple,

nestled on the foothills of Mount Kinugasa,

during the Enryaku era (781–805) of Emperor Kanmu’s reign.

 

Annual shrine rituals were formally held in November of 858 (Jōgan 1) and again in November of 863 (Jōgan 6),

each on “Ueno-Saru Day,” as recorded in historical documents from the time of Emperor Seiwa.

 

Later, in the 4th year of the Ōei era (1395),

Emperor Go-Komatsu and Shōgun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu of Rokuen-in are said to have solemnly welcomed the six deities to be enshrined near Tōji-in Temple, expressing deep piety.

 

Rokusho Shrine is also known as a place of remote worship for Matsuo Taisha, and for centuries,

has served as the guardian deity (Ubusuna-gami) of the Komatsubara area surrounding Tōji-in.

The local worshippers have continually shown profound reverence toward this sacred site.

 

Recorded in April, Showa 54 (1979)

Sources referenced:

Shinmeikan Publications / "Imperial Records of Destiny" / Historical Era Charts

 

September 7, 2024 – Rokusho Shrine Mikoshi Practice Report

We’ve published a new article about today’s mikoshi (portable shrine) practice at Rokusho Shrine!

Check out scenes from the event on our official social media platforms:

 

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