Niigata’s classic tourist spot! A close look at Hakusan Shrine near Niigata Station!

Located in Chuo Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture, Hakusan Shrine has a history of over 1,000 years as the total guardian shrine of Niigata. It has long been cherished by locals for prayers, Shinto weddings, and receiving protective charms. The shrine grounds are filled with notable sights, attracting many visitors from both within and outside the prefecture. This time, we will introduce some recommended spots scattered throughout Hakusan Shrine’s premises.

1. Main Shrine Hall

The deity enshrined at Hakusan Shrine is Kukurihime-no-Okami, a female deity also known as Shirayamahime-no-Okami. She is a goddess worshipped at the summit of the sacred mountain Hakusan in Kaga and was enshrined in Niigata as a guardian deity of agriculture, maritime affairs, and local communities.

The Main Shrine Hall was reconstructed under the plan of Kenson, a resident monk of Hoki-in, in the first year of the Shōhō era. The lord of Nagaoka Domain, Makino, personally supervised the construction. On June 18 of the fourth year of Shōhō, the Sangen-zukuri style shrine hall was completed. Since Lord Makino Tadanari dedicated a Noh performance to the shrine, Noh performances have been offered during festival days.

2. Jakumatsu Myojin

Hakusan Shrine’s Jakumatsu Myojin is widely revered by those seeking blessings for financial prosperity, business success, and career advancement. Since ancient times, snakes have been considered messengers of the gods and are believed to possess strong spiritual power. Worshiping on Mi-no-hi (the Day of the Serpent) is also called Fuku-mairi (Blessing Pilgrimage), as it coincides with the sacred day of Benzaiten, the goddess of fortune.

There is a tradition that writing wishes on ema (wooden prayer plaques) with snake illustrations can bring them to fruition, just as a snake sheds its old scales. Many visitors dedicate these plaques with prayers for their heartfelt desires. If you have financial wishes, such as success in investments or winning the lottery, visiting Jakumatsu Myojin is highly recommended.

3. Koryu Shrine

The deity enshrined at Hakusan Shrine’s Koryu Shrine is Ouryu Hinomoto Bunshin Kinshi Kuyou Takara-fune Daigongen. This deity is said to have existed even before Amaterasu Omikami and is believed to have played a role in land formation. Worshippers regard Koryu Shrine as a guardian against misfortune and directional misalignment, guiding them toward better fortune.

The shrine was built in the northwest direction of Hakusan Shrine as a protective measure against disasters in Niigata. As Koryu Shrine is the deity of construction, land, and industry, it is particularly revered by those seeking safety in construction work, smooth relocations, and protection while traveling or staying in new places. The Koryu Shrine Grand Festival is held on May 3, and the Autumn Festival takes place on October 16.

4. Hakusan Kukuri Stone

Hakusan is one of Japan’s three great sacred mountains, alongside Mount Fuji and Mount Tateyama. It has long been venerated as a divine dwelling place of the gods. The Hakusan Kukuri Stone at Hakusan Shrine is a sacred stone specially brought from Mount Hakusan.

The name Kukuri Stone originates from Kukurihime-no-Okami, the deity of Hakusan Shrine. The word kukuri means "to bind together," symbolizing the act of bringing harmony, strengthening relationships, and fostering good connections in love, family, and work. Just as tangled threads are neatly tied together, this stone is believed to help unite and fortify relationships.

When visiting the Kukuri Stone, it is customary to place your hands directly on it while envisioning Hakusan Okumiya, the sacred shrine located at the summit of Mount Hakusan, approximately 300 km away. Through the Kukuri Stone, worshippers can spiritually connect with Hakusan Okumiya.

5. A wide variety of protective charms

Many visitors to Hakusan Shrine may find it difficult to choose from the vast selection of charms available. With a variety of colors and types, just browsing the charms is an enjoyable experience.

◆ Ofuda (16 types, from 1,000 yen)

In addition to the basic Jingu Taima and Izumo Taima, there are sets that include Hakusan Taima, as well as charm plaques featuring Daikokuten and Ebisu. Other recommended options include Jakumatsu Taima, Koryu Taima, Tairyo Manzoku Taima (for bountiful fishing), Kaijo Anzen Taima (for maritime safety), and charms for business prosperity.

The Household Safety Charm Set includes an ofuda, a mon-fuda (plaque placed at entrances), as well as chopsticks and a rice paddle prayed over to ward off misfortune and invite blessings. For places that involve fire, such as kitchens, it is recommended to enshrine a Hinan-yoke (gohei for fire prevention).

◆ Traffic Safety (11 types, from 800 yen)

Traffic safety charms come in different forms, including ones that can be placed in a bag, suction-cup types that attach to car windows, and sticker types that can be affixed to a vehicle.

◆ Academic Success (6 types, from 800 yen)

Charms for academic success come in standard charm form, as well as card-type and strap-type versions. The Academic Success Charm Set includes an ofuda, a charm, a mon-fuda, and a pentagon-shaped lucky pencil.

◆ Good Fortune and Protection (41 types, from 800 yen)

For those experiencing an unlucky year or facing difficult circumstances, Yakuyoke (warding off misfortune) charms are recommended. These come in white and black varieties, as well as convenient card-type charms. Other unique options include health charms, sports improvement charms, Hakusan Ha-kusan charms (for dental health), and charms for healing illnesses.

◆ Love and Safe Childbirth (8 types, from 800 yen)

Popular options include charms for safe childbirth, fertility, love, and romantic fulfillment.

◆ Character Charms (18 types, from 800 yen)

Hakusan Shrine also offers adorable character-themed charms featuring Sanrio’s Hello Kitty and My Melody, as well as Rilakkuma and Thomas the Tank Engine. These character charms are available for academic success, traffic safety, good health, and safe childbirth, making them a popular choice.

6. Various events held throughout the year

Hakusan Shrine hosts numerous annual festivals and events throughout the four seasons.

■ January… Hatsumode (New Year's Shrine Visit)
■ February… Setsubun Festival
■ April… Spring Festival
■ May… Koryu Shrine Grand Festival, Jakumatsu Myojin Grand Festival
■ June… Half-Year Shrine Visit
■ July… Summer Festival, Annual Grand Festival
■ August… Sumiyoshi Festival, Niigata Festival
■ October… Autumn Festival, Industrial Thanksgiving Festival
■ November… Shichi-Go-San Celebration (for children’s growth)
■ December… New Year's Eve Purification Ceremony, Two-Year Shrine Visit

※ In addition to these, many other events and rituals take place, and monthly festivals are held on the 1st, 15th, and 28th of each month.

◎ Finally: Hakusan shrine’s convenient location!

As Niigata’s guardian shrine, Hakusan Shrine is located in a highly accessible area in central Niigata, close to Niigata Station. The Furumachi district, a historical downtown area dating back to the Edo period, is a recommended sightseeing spot, and visiting Hakusan Shrine as part of a city tour is a great idea. From JR Niigata Station, it takes about 15 minutes by bus and around 10 minutes by taxi. Enjoy your visit to Hakusan Shrine along with a stroll through Niigata City.