Historic Spot: Ougimori Sumiyoshiguu- Shrine
The Ougimori Sumiyoshiguu enshrines Sumiyoshi-Daimyojin including: Uwazutsunou-no
-Mikoto, Nakazutsuono-no-Mikoto and Sokozutsunou-no-Mikoto. These Gods who
protect people traveling by sea from disasters. It is said that no local people
have ever met with any trouble at sea. On the northern part of the shrine, there
is an inscription entitled, "Ougimori Sumiyoshisya Ki." Carved in the year
Bunka 11 (1814), it tells of the reason for building this shrine and the Shoushi,
a small accompanying shrine.
In August of the year Kane 5 (1852), the shrine was reconstructed, and a fence
with an arched-shaped bridge and highly placed lanterns -symbolizing the unique
style of a Sumiyoshi lighthouse- was added. (Tangible Cultural Properties,
Building)
According to local folklore, names of places like Funaki-mura (meaning Ship Wood
Hamlet) and "Kusunoki-cho (meaning Camphor Tree Town), were inspired by this
shrine. There is also a story that tells of a huge old camphor tree on the
shrine grounds that was cut down by order of the Empress Jinguu to make 48 battle
ships.
On the eastern side of the large stone gate is an inscription of a Matsuo
Bashyo's haiku poem dating to the Meiji Era. Directly translated it reads, "I am
at fields and hills; it's just the 9th day since spring has come."
（Board of Education）