- Watatsu Shrine
Watatsu Shrine
Facility Basic Information
- Address
- 550-4 Hamochi Iioka, Sado, Niigata 952-0503
- For inquiries
- 0259-88-2030
- Transport Access
- Ogi Port Approx 15 minutes by car
- Parking
- 20
Nearby Spots
-
Shrines and Buddhist Temples Noh StagesKusakari Shrine
Impressive stone light towers stand along the front path leading to the worship hall. Kusakari Shrine was called "Hachioji Gozutenno" around the middle of the Edo Period (early 19th century), and worshipped as a god of agriculture. It was later called Gion Hamochi Shrine for a time, and then renamed after the old name of the village "Kusakari no Sato," in 1870. Kusakari Shrine is known for offerings of bonfire Noh performances, and a kind of kagura (dance and music dedicated to gods) called "Onimai Tsuburosashi," (designated a Niigata Prefecture Intangible Folk Cultural Asset) performed at Hamochi Festival held annually on the 15th of June. The Noh stage (also one of Niigata Prefecture's Designated Tangible Folk Cultural Assets), which is considered to have been built before the Meiji Period, has a hip-and-gable thatched roof in front and a hipped roof at the back. The structure blends well with the idyllic landscape, whilst projecting a stately ambience.
-
PlantsCherry Tree of Hojobo
The cherry tree of Hojobo sits in Hamochi Osaki, a place known for the Osaki Soba (buckwheat noodles) Festival. Branches stretch out as if they are cuddling up to the thatched roof house on the site where Hojobo Temple used to be. The tree is said to be 250–260 years old, measuring 21 meters tall and 6.9 meters in circumference at its base. The crown stretches 26 meters both east-to-west and north-to-south. The tree marks the timeline of farmwork, and locals affectionately call it "Hojobo's sowing cherry."
-
Shrines and Buddhist Temples Noh StagesOsaki Hakusan Shrine Noh Stage
The Osaki community is located up the Hamochi River, which runs through the mountains. Here, the tutelary Hakusan Shrine stands side by side with Miyamotodera Temple. The neatly-built stone walls are beautiful, and after passing through the torii gate, the worship hall encased in the protective forest comes into view. This serene place symbolizes the Osaki area, where sophisticated nonmaterial culture is being nurtured. Inhabitants in Osaki hand down various performing arts such as Chobokuri (the phallus dance) and Bunya puppet theatre, and are thought to be particularly enthusiastic about Noh performances compared to others in Sado. Comprised of a main stage area and a rear stage area, the Noh stage within the compound has a thatched hipped roof and a main entrance on the gabled side. The wall at the back has the traditional painting of a pine tree, and there is a space to hang the big temple bell that appears in "Dojoji," one of the great Noh plays. In recognition of its role in handing down Noh culture, as well as the value of its architecture, this stage has been designated a City Cultural Property.
-
Shrines and Buddhist TemplesDairenji Temple
Dairenji Temple is a temple of the Soto Zen school of Buddhism established in 1421 as a temple to take care of ancestors of the Honma clan, Lords of Hamochi Castle. The sanmon main gate is the east gate of the castle (Niigata Prefecture's Historic Site), which survived destruction in a siege by Kagekatsu Uesugi (lord of Echigo), and was later relocated. This temple served as accommodations for successive Deputies for Sado and officials in the Edo Period (1603-1867). Within the precinct, there are the 500 Arhats Hall, created by a sculptor of Buddha statues in the Edo Period; Kannondo Hall, enshrining a secret Buddhist icon, Maria-Kannon (Mary statue in Kannon disguise); and Hotei (god of good fortune) Hall worshipped for wealth and happiness. Mahori Hogan Yoshitaka, a master painter, donated his painting, entitled "Amazawa Hoteison." Dairenji Temple is one of the temples on Sado's Seven Gods of Fortune pilgrimage route. Referred to as a temple of camellia flowers, Dairenji Temple is familiar to locals,
Stores where you can eat and drink nearby
-
Casual Eatery Soba (buckwheat) and Udon NoodlesChobokuri
In Hamochi, "Osaki Soba no Kai" takes place several times a year, where you can enjoy local specialty dishes and hand-kneaded soba (buckwheat noodles), as well as traditional performing arts, attracting many fans throughout Japan. Chobokuri was opened in 2007 by the organising group of Osaki Soba no Kai. Here you can have a simple, but delightful treat of soba noodles made from 100% stone-ground buckwheat all year round. Seeking soba noodles soaked in flying fish based broth, soba lovers visit Chobokuri both from within and beyond Sado. The interior of a quaint Japanese-style house is also a highlight of Chobokuri. The restaurant's name derives from a traditional performing art in the Osaki area, which is performed at Osaki Soba no Kai.
-
Casual Eatery Izakaya (Japanese-style pub) Grilled Skewers/Yakitori/Chargrill Chinese Ramen NoodlesChargrilled Skewers Enman
The Enman restaurant specialises in chargrilled skewers, expressing their passion and determination towards handmade dishes. Using the brand-name chicken "Koshi no Tori" sourced from Niigata, the chef threads the chicken onto skewers one by one. Grilled at a high temperature over charcoal, the skewers are flavourful and taste excellent even when cold, making them a popular takeaway meal. Their Chinese ramen noodles are served with housemade chicken bone broth. Enman also serves à la carte dishes and chef's choice menus.
-
Tea House/Coffee ShopGakko Kura Café
Gakko-gura" is a former Nishimikawa elementary school on Sado Island that has been reconstructed as a sake brewery. A café has opened in this corner. The view of the sky and the sea is spectacular. The main point of the menu is to make the most of by-products of sake, such as koji and sake lees, as well as local ingredients. Please spend your time in the nostalgic atmosphere.
-
Casual Eatery Soba (buckwheat) and Udon Noodles Tempura/Deep-Fried DishesKinchan Honten
Kinchan Honten aims to vitalize the local community and create employment through agricultural diversification by making full use of local produce blessed with nature's bounty. Kinchan Honten utilizes local abandoned fields to grow rice for rice powder and other products, including noodles. (A great alternate of wheat flour, rice powder inhibits a rise in blood sugar levels after meals.) Kinchan Honten also produces and sells processed products made using locally-sourced fruit. At Kinchan Honten, you can enjoy local dishes prepared with the bounties of the sea and mountains. Kinchan Honten aspires to provide a place for communication and exchange.