What is the Kojiki?
The Kojiki is an ancient Japanese text that encompasses the mythology, legends, and genealogy of ancient Japan. Compiled in 712 CE, it holds significant importance in Japanese literature with its three scrolls.
To address the question, the answer is twofold — a resounding yes to the historical aspects that trace back to the establishment of the imperial family, led by Emperor Jimmu, who is believed to be a descendant of Amaterasu, the revered sun goddess from the mythological section.
However, this article focuses on the intriguing realm of the mythological sections, exploring the realm of the Kamiyo (神代) or the era of the Gods.
The tales within the Kojiki exhibit various versions depending on the source, yet they all share ONE common element that strongly suggests the existence of the Kami — the specific locations where they interacted with mortals. In some instances, these divine encounters left behind relics as evidence of their presence. Among the most renowned examples are the three Imperial Regalia of Japan: the Kusanagi no Tsurugi (草薙劍), the Yata no Kagami (八咫鏡), and the Yasakani no Magatama (八尺瓊勾玉).
Remarkably, these locations exist in real-life Japan, with some still hidden away from conventional tourist destinations. They harbour numerous local secrets associated with the tales, #LocalSecrets known only to the residents. Although many of these places are accessible to us humans today, their whereabouts must be known in the first place.
I have had the privilege of visiting numerous power spots where the rich tapestry of mythical tales intertwines with the physical location, emanating an indescribable aura. Truly, these experiences cannot be fully conveyed through words alone. One must personally be present to fully appreciate their essence.
Below, I present a selection of power spots arranged chronologically according to the major events documented in the Kojiki scrolls. While I won’t delve into the intricacies or variations of these sagas here, I look forward to sharing my favourite versions in future articles.
1.The tragic Love saga that separated the 2 creator gods between the land of the living and the land of the dead.
Summary of the tale:
After the creation of the world, Izanagi and Izanami populated it with myriad of Kami. However, tragedy struck when Izanami died during childbirth, giving birth to the fire god Kagutsuchi. Izanami descended to Yomitsukuni, the land of the dead [please see my article on cosmology of ancient Japan], and Izanagi, her husband, ventured into Yomi to find her. Horrified by her decayed form, he ran back to central land and sealed the entrance to Yomi with a massive boulder known as Chigaeshi no Ōkami (道反の大神), the Great God of the Way Back. The boulder is on the slope known as Homotsu Hirasaka
Actual location of the boulder and the slope :
- Yomotsu Hirasaka is a real slope situated on the border between Shimane and Tottori.
- On the end of the slope lies the great boulder.
- It is said that stepping beyond the boulder leads to the land of the dead
- Access: Yomotsu Hirasaka is a 15-minute walk from Iya Shrine or a 30-minute walk from Iya Station. Walk past Iya Shrine, continue along the road, cross the railway, and ascend the hill.
- Click here for access information
2. The cave where Amaterasu hid during the Amaterasu and Susanoo Saga:
Summary of the tale
After Susanoo’s mischievous actions towards Sun Goddess Amaterasu went awry, causing her distress and fear, she retreated herself in a cave which caused a year-long period of darkness. To bring her back, a plan was devised with the aid of other kami and the wit of AmenoUzume. Through a series of clever tactics, they successfully lured Amaterasu out of the cave, restoring light and her rightful place as ruler.
Actual location of the Cave
- Legend has it that the Amanoiwato cave in Takachiho city, Kyushu is the place where Amaterasu hid.
- It is approximately a 15-minute walk from the Amanoiwato Shrine, which is dedicated to Amaterasu-Omikami.
- The Amanoiwato Shrine is known for its connection to the legend and its significance in Japanese mythology. (Click here for more information)
- Additionally, there is a special train called the Amaterasu railway that offers a unique experience with its open-top carriage and partially tempered glass bottom, allowing passengers to enjoy the stunning scenery of the valley and even glimpse below when crossing high points in the gorge. (Click here for more information)
3.Susanoo and the Yamata no Orochi saga
Summary of the tale:
Banished to the central land, Susanoo encountered the fearsome serpent Yamata-no-Orochi. The serpent had eight heads, eight tails, and a colossal body spanning eight valleys, with moss and Japanese cedar trees growing on it. The serpent terrorized a village near to the Hii river, and Susanoo offered to slay it in exchange for marrying Kushinada-hime. He intoxicated the Orochi with 8 jars of strong sake and defeated it, discovering the legendary sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi when he severed one of its tails. The sword became one of the Imperial Regalia of Japan.
Various actual locations of the saga
- The area where Susanoo met Kushi-nada-hime is known as Torikami, located near the headwaters of the Hii River in Oku Izumo Town, southern Shimane.
- Orochi Shrine, a small shrine within Iwatsubo Shrine in Oku Izumo, enshrines a piece of the Yamata-no-Orochi’s tail.
- Ama-ga-fuchi, a deep pool in the Kisuki area of Un-nan City, is believed to be the dwelling place of Yamata-no-Orochi.
- Happon-sugi, eight cedar trees at Hii Shrine in Un-nan, mark the spot where Susanoo buried the eight heads of Yamata-no-Orochi.
- Tsubogami, a pit at Yaguchi Shrine, is said to be the location of one of the eight vats for the sake. Legend says that touching the stone would cause lightning and rumbling.
- Suga Shrine in the Daito area of Un-nan, dedicated to Susanoo, is associated with the palace where Susanoo and Kushi-nada-hime resided after the defeat of Yamata-no-Orochi. Click here for more information
- Click here for access information
4. The Onamuchi and the White Hare of Inaba Saga
Summary of the tale:
Onamuchi and his 80 brothers embarked on a journey to in attempt to marry Yagami-hime, the ruler of Inaba. During their travels, they came across an injured skinned rabbit. While his brothers offered cruel advice, Onamuchi showed compassion and healed the rabbit. In gratitude, the hare predicted that only Onamuchi would be loved and chosen by the princess, and this prediction proved to be true.
Actual locations of the saga
- The hare originated from Oki Island, a hidden gem and UNESCO global geopark located about 50 kilometers off the coast of Shimane in the Sea of Japan. (Click here for more information)
- Inaba, the land of Yagami-hime, is located in the eastern part of Tottori Prefecture.
- Cape Keta, where Okuninushi and the rabbit met, is now identified with the Hakuto Coast in the present-day city of Tottori.
- Hakuto Shrine is believed to house the tricky hare that once lost its fur. The shrine’s pond is associated with the hare’s bathing, and the hill is connected to its drying process. People with skin wounds and burns often visit the shrine to pray for a speedy recovery. (Click here for more information)
- During Yagami-hime’s journey to Izumo to find Okuninushi, it is said that she stopped and bathed in the waters of a hot spring located in a valley. This hot spring is known as Yunokawa Hot Spring in the Hikawa area of Izumo City. It is renowned for its beauty-enhancing properties and is one of the three “Bijin no Yu” (hot springs famous for promoting beauty) in Japan. (Click here for more information)
5.Okuninushi and sacred Izumo saga
Summary of tales:
Onamuchi decided to seek help from Susanoo in the Yomi land after discovering his 80 jealous and envious brothers plotting his death following his marriage to Yagami-hime. In Yomi, Onamuchi met Suseri-hime, the daughter of Susanoo, and they fell in love. Suseri took him to meet her father. Susanoo decided to test Onamuchi, and with Suseri’s assistance, he successfully passed through numerous trials. However, realizing the never-ending nature of the tests, Onamuchi decided to escape with Suseri. The duo managed to escape back to the central land through Yomotsu Hirasaka, with Susanoo pursuing them. Eventually, Susanoo gave up and gave his approval, proclaiming Onamuchi as Okuninushi, the great ruler of the land. Okuninushi ruled the land until he handed over control to Ninigi, Amaterasu’s grandson, in exchange for the construction of Izumo Taisha, a grand shrine dedicated to him. Okuninushi is still enshrined there today.
Actual locations of the saga
- Izumo Taisha is located in the Taisha area of Izumo City, on the western end of the Shimane Peninsula. It can be easily accessed by car, bus, or train. (Click here for more access information)
- Inasa-no-Hama beach, which is reached by following the road in front of the shrine grounds, plays a significant role in the Kunibiki legend. It is also where Takemikazuchi presented his demands to Okuninushi and where Takeminakata challenged him to a test of strength.
- The Izumo Taisha Kamiari Festival takes place annually from the 10th to the 17th day of the 10th lunar month (usually in November).
During this festival, all of Shinto’s deities from across the land gather at Izumo Taisha for a meeting. This period is known as Kamiarizuki (“month with deities”) in Izumo and Kannazuki (“month without deities”) elsewhere in Japan. The Kamiari Festival is a significant event held at the shrine during this time. (Click here for more information)
6.Tenson Korin — The descent of the Heavenly Grandchild
Summary of the tale:
When Amenooshihomimi refused to assume rulership of the central land, so Amaterasu ordered Ninigi no Mikoto to take on the responsibility instead, after Okuninushi failed to rule properly. Accompanied by AmenoUzume and various Amatsukami, Ninigi descended the heavenly bridge.Ninigi was bestowed with the sacred treasures of Japan: the sword Kusanagi, the mirror Yata no Kagami, and the jewel Yasakani no Magatama. The popular variation states that Ninigi and his entourage landed in Takachiho Gorge, where they met Sarutahiko as their guide. Ninigi built his palace there. Ninigi embarked on various adventures to gain recognition from humans and Kunitsukami. He met his wife Konohanasakuya-hime, and their love story led to his loss of immortality but led to his role as the great-grandfather of Japan’s first emperor, Emperor Jimmu.
Actual location of saga
- Kushifuru Shrine was built to honor Ninigi no Mikoto. The shrine also reveres other kami, including Takemikazuchi, the martial kami associated with the origin of sumo, Japan’s national sport.
- Nature trails around Kushifuru Shrine lead to sacred and mythological landmarks in the surrounding area, including the Far Precinct of the Heavenly Realm (Takamagahara). This area is considered a spiritual spot connecting heaven and earth, where visitors can pay homage to the kami at the small shrine located there. (Click here for more information)
- Aratate Shrine is famous as the place where Sarutahiko-no-mikoto and Ame-Uzume-no-mikoto lived after their marriage. It is known as a shrine for match-making. ( Click here for more information)
- The Kunimigaoka viewing platform in Miyazaki Prefecture, located 513m above sea level, offers breathtaking views of the region, particularly the splendid Unkai (sea of clouds) panoramic scenery. The best time to witness the sea of clouds is in autumn during the early morning when the weather is cold and calm. (Click here for more information)
Confusions within the Kojiki
Many of the Kojiki tales are layered onto real places in Japan, and because of the stories attached to them it turned these places into power spots, adding intangible values on top of just the tourism level.
However what really buffered me whenever I explore such places is trying to figure out how these spots are linked together to the different Kojiki events.
In my future articles, i will touch on these confusing points, attempt to fill in the missing arc, and hopefully be able to shed some lights on what could have really happen in between the various events.
If you are keen on this journey as well, Follow me @0x8tails on twitter and IG, hashtag #touriitourism #JapaneseFolklore #KojikiLostArc, and turn on the notification bell, as I release articles periodically.
Disclaimer:
I would like to emphasize that my intention is not to distort or alter the original tales documented in the Kojiki records, nor do I seek to promote any particular religious belief. Instead, my objective is to engage in a speculative exploration of the potential events that may have occurred between the major sagas, while overlaying them onto a plausible route that aligns with present-day geographical contexts. This endeavor is purely speculative and aims to offer an imaginative interpretation of the stories, while incorporating the real elements of travel and adventure.
