Kokoshimizu Hachiman Shrine

【A thousand-year story told by the pure waters, the spirit of the samurai】 The 'Kokoshimizu Hachiman Shrine' conveys this tale.

In Aizubakushita Town, quietly standing in the land of Tōji, is the 'Kokoshimizu Hachiman Shrine.' Once you step into the precincts, you are enveloped in a tranquility that makes you forget the surrounding noise, filled with a dignified atmosphere. This place, which has continued since the Heian period, is the 'original landscape of prayer' where once-mighty warriors prayed for victory and the hearts of the people were nourished.

■ A legend told by the everlasting 'Kokoshimizu'

The 'Kokoshimizu,' which is the origin of the shrine's name, holds a beautiful legend.

• Rest of the Genji: During the Zenkunen War, it is said that Minamoto no Yoriyoshi and his son Yoshie quenched their thirst here and were so impressed by its purity that they felt 'even the stains of the heart were washed away,' hence the name.
• The eternal sacred spring: This spring water, said to never dry up regardless of drought, still calms the hearts of visitors and can be considered the soul of this shrine.

■ 'Heavy elegance' carved across the ages

This shrine, once deeply revered by the Oshu Fujiwara clan, holds treasures of high historical value.

• A famous building standing in silence: The shrine's hall towering against the backdrop of the trees in the precincts exudes dignity that has transcended many years.
• Inheritance of culture: The donated ema and various rituals demonstrate how deeply the land of Aizu was connected to central culture and the samurai society.

The transparent sky and the brilliance of the water that the ancient samurai gazed upon. In this tranquil grove that seems to stop time, why not purify your heart?