城山八幡宮のお守り：A Charm from Shiroyama Hachimangu

The wonderful view from atop Shiroyama Hachimangu 

I visited Shiroyama Hachimangu during an temple/shrine-hunting excursion in Momoyama, Nagoya. Originally the site of the shrine was for a castle. Suemori Castle was built by Oda Nobuhite (1510-1551) a main mostly famous for being the father of Oda Nobunaga of Sengoku Jidai fame. The castle was passed on Nobunaga's brother, Nobuyuki, but the castle would not get much use. Ten years after inheriting it, Nobunaga killed Nobuyuki and Suemori Castle was abandoned. I couldn't find any signs of a castle having been there. The location is ideal for a castle — you have a fantastic view of the surrounding city from Shiroyama Shrine, although you have to walk up quite a few stairs.

A 20th century tori gate, the omamori shop, and the area of worship at the main shrine

Given the history of the area, you might naturally assume that Shiroyama Shrine is old. Founded in 1936, Shiroyama Shrine is a relatively modern creation, but still locally popular. There is a famous exorcism festival in the summer, and many people visit the shrine during the New Year. The shrine is also popular during the summer Chinowa-kuguri, an exorcism ritual in which one walks through a looped rope to purify themselves. 

I explored all the grounds beyond the main shrine building, and I found a sacred tree on one of the side roads. Many people had tied ema, a wooden tablet with wishes, on a rack beside the tree. Some visitors had tossed coins between the roots.

As for omamori, Shiroyama had quite a few to choose from, but I selected a yellow arrow to add to my collection. It was only fitting because it was still January, and I felt I ought to get one. 

Hamaya (demon-breaking-arrow) are purchased at temples and shrines during the New Year to ward off misfortunate and attract good luck. I've seen many people buying them during this past January. Some places also sell hamayumi, or the bows, as well. The traditional supposed originally began during the Edo period where parents purchased blessed bows and arrows for their sons. The hamaya I purchased is smaller than the usual type, but it came in a convenient case and was labeled by the shrine. 

My Shiroyama Hachimangu Omamori in front of the shrine.