[Yamagata, Higashine City] The Quietly Standing “Niwatashi Jizo-son” – 1,500 Years of History and Blessings

2025/11/21 2026/01/04 This site contains advertisements.　Category: visit to a shrine or temple

The “Niwatashi Jizo-son located in Higashine City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a venerable Jizo statue said to have been erected about 1,500 years ago at a place where the exchange of goods was once bustling. In the past, many worshippers visited from distant places, and it has long watched over the lives of the local people. I myself remember hearing about the history of this Jizo from my teacher during an elementary school field trip, and I truly felt how deeply it is rooted in the community.

TOC

The Origin of “Niwatashi Jizo-son = 荷渡地蔵尊”

荷渡地蔵尊の由来 — The Origin of Niwatashi Jizo-son

Long ago, the area centered around what is now the Mogami River was a lake called “Mogaumi” (Lake of Algae).
The east side of the lake was called ‘Higashine,’ and the west side ‘Nishine.’ The road along the eastern mountains was an important transportation route at the time.

Particularly, this area, which forms the boundary between Higashine and Tateoka, was a key point for the transfer of goods.
Because it was a crucial transportation hub, it is said that the “Niwatashi Jizo-son” was established to pray for the safety of transport operations.

Numerous perforated stones dedicated by worshippers hang on the outer walls of the hall.

Another Name: “Sai Shrine = 幸神社”

荷渡地蔵尊の本堂 — Main Hall of the “Niwatashi Jizo-son”

In the “Family Religious Teachings” published in 1937 (Showa 12), the Niwatashi Jizo-son is said to also be called “Saijin Shrine = 幸神社” and enshrines “Sarutahiko no Mikoto.” Festivals were reportedly held every year on March 24th and June 24th.

The “Sai no Kami = 幸の神” is also called “Sae no Kami = 塞神,” a deity who stands at the boundaries of a village to prevent the intrusion of evil spirits and disasters. Additionally, this god has aspects related to matchmaking, agriculture, and fortune, and diverse forms of worship spread throughout Japan. Niwatashi Jizo-son, too, has been worshiped by local people as such a “guardian deity of boundaries.”

Who is “Sarutahiko no Mikoto = 猿田彦命”?

“Sarutahiko no Mikoto” is a deity featured in Japanese mythology, known for guiding the heavenly grandson during his descent to earth. In the “Kojiki,” he is referred to as Sarutahiko Okami, and in the “Nihon Shoki” as Sarutahiko no Mikoto. He is revered as a god of guidance and the opening of pathways.

He is sometimes confused with Tengu due to similarities in appearance and role, but “Tengu” are legendary beings, whereas “Sarutahiko no Mikoto” is recognized as a deity that appears in mythology.

Benefits for Healing Illnesses

The Nawatashi Jizo is said to not only protect traffic safety but also bring blessings for recovery from illness. In particular, in the past, it was believed to help with whooping cough in children, and many parents and children would visit to pray.

Even as times change, people’s wishes for healing and good health remain unchanged. Alongside the lives of the local community, the Niwatashi Jizo-son continues to quietly watch over them.

Next to it is “Yama Shrine = 山神社”

Right next to the Niwatashi Jizo-son is the “Yama Shrine.”
This shrine is dedicated to the mountain deity and has long been a place of worship for people engaged in agriculture and forestry. The quiet space, surrounded by greenery, naturally brings peace to the hearts of visitors.

By visiting both the Jizo and the Yama Shrine together, you may be able to feel even greater blessings.

Spot Name	Niwatashi Jizo-son
Phone Number	–
Business Hours	None
Regular Holiday	None
Address	999-3701 Higashine Ko, Higashine City, Yamagata Prefecture
Access	7 minutes by car from JR Higashine Station, or 37 minutes on foot
Parking	None
Official HP・SNS	None

Summary

Nestled quietly in Higashine City, the “Niwatashi Jizo-son” is a revered Jizo statue with a history of 1,500 years. It is said to grant a variety of blessings, including traffic safety, recovery from illness, and matchmaking, and continues to be venerated by local residents to this day.

There is no parking lot, but if you happen to be nearby, be sure to pay it a visit. Even after many years, it quietly watches over those who come, and its presence is sure to bring a sense of peace to your heart.