Hayachine Shrine is said to have been founded in the year 807 by Narifusa, a descendant of Fujiwara no Kamatari, who established a sacred structure atop Mount Hayachine.
During the Edo period, the shrine received the protection of Nanbu Toshinao, the local feudal lord, and its current main hall was constructed.
The existing main shrine retains architectural elements from the early 17th century, including intricate carvings and detailed framing techniques. It is officially designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Iwate Prefecture.
The Zashiki-warashi Spirit of Hayachine Shrine
Hayachine Shrine is also famous for stories involving *zashiki-warashi*—childlike guardian spirits said to bring fortune.
According to local legend, a visitor once attracted the favor of a zashiki-warashi during a pilgrimage to the shrine. Strangely, the spirit followed them home and stayed there!
Though it’s unclear how the person knew the spirit had followed them, they may have had a heightened spiritual sensitivity—and perhaps that’s why the zashiki-warashi felt drawn to them.
After that, the visitor’s business began to thrive, and it's said they later made a generous donation to the shrine in gratitude for the blessing.
Within the shrine grounds stands a large sacred tree, believed to be a gathering spot for zashiki-warashi spirits.
Seoritsuhime: The Enigmatic Goddess of Hayachine Shrine
The enshrined deity at Hayachine Shrine is Seoritsuhime, a mysterious goddess often associated with dragons and Benzaiten.
Despite her recurring role in purification prayers, she is absent from major Japanese chronicles like the *Kojiki* and *Nihon Shoki*, making her one of the most enigmatic deities in Shinto mythology.
Some believe she inspired elements of the popular anime film *Your Name* (*Kimi no Na wa*).
Seoritsuhime appears in the *Great Purification Prayer* (*Oharai Norito*) as a water deity who resides in rivers and washes away all sins and impurities into the sea.
Blessings of Seoritsuhime
As a divine force of purification, Seoritsuhime is known to offer blessings such as:
・Good fortune
・Success in competitions and exams
・Career advancement
・Spiritual cleansing and emotional clarity
If you’re feeling stuck, unlucky, or spiritually weighed down, Seoritsuhime is the goddess to visit.
Access: 50 minutes by car from Shin-Hanamaki Station
※ Seasonal weekend/holiday shuttle buses available during summer