Towatari Shrine, also commonly known as Noborito Shrine, is located in Noborito, Chuo Ward, Chiba City. It is known as one of the shrines associated with the historic Chiba clan and serves as the principal guardian shrine of the western Chiba area.
The shrine is closely connected with the history of the Chiba clan and was founded by a descendant of the family. Today, it remains an important place of worship for local residents and is affectionately known as “Noborito Shrine.”
Towatari Shrine enshrines four principal deities:
The first three deities are collectively known as the Three Creation Deities (Zōka Sanshin). They are among the primordial kami in Japanese creation mythology and are traditionally associated with the creation and formation of the universe.
Together with Ame-no-Hiwashi-no-Mikoto, these deities are associated with blessings related to creation, life, growth, prosperity, and the flourishing of communities.
The origins of Towatari Shrine can be traced to Noborito Gon-no-Suke Taira no Sadatane, a descendant of the Chiba clan. According to tradition, Sadatane established a branch shrine of Chiba Myoken Shrine, the predecessor of present-day Chiba Shrine, in order to pray for the spirits of his ancestors.
On September 5, 1644, during the early Edo period, he established the shrine on a hill approximately 15 meters above sea level. The location was known as “Enbōdai,” meaning a high place offering a distant view.
A monk named Jōben, who came from a branch family of the Chiba clan, was appointed as the religious guardian. The temple-shrine complex known as Hakujasan Shinkoin Jōdenji is regarded as the historical origin of today’s Towatari Shrine.
On December 26, 1867, shortly before the beginning of the Meiji period, the institution was formally renamed Towatari Shrine as a Shinto shrine.
At the same time, Ame-no-Minakanushi-no-Mikoto and two other deities were established as its principal kami. This reflected the historical association between the Buddhist figure Myoken Bosatsu and Ame-no-Minakanushi-no-Mikoto.
In 1908, Washi Shrine, which had stood in what is now Shin-Chiba 3-chome in Chuo Ward, Chiba City, was merged with Towatari Shrine. As a result, Ame-no-Hiwashi-no-Mikoto, the deity of Washi Shrine, was added to the group of enshrined deities.
This merger established the four-deity configuration that continues today.
In 1990, a major renovation and redevelopment project was carried out at Towatari Shrine. The main sanctuary was relocated to the rear of the grounds, while a new worship hall and connecting hall were constructed in front of it.
In 1994, renovations were carried out on the main approach and front staircase to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the shrine’s establishment. A new torii gate was also erected.
These improvements created a more welcoming approach to the shrine while preserving its historic character and making the grounds easier for visitors to explore.
Towatari Shrine’s annual festival is held over three days, from September 4 to 6.
One of the highlights is the Mikoshi Togyo, or portable shrine procession, held on September 5. During this event, the mikoshi is carried through the local community, creating a lively atmosphere as residents and visitors gather to watch the traditional celebration.
The main sanctuary is constructed entirely of Japanese zelkova wood and has a square, three-bay layout with an irimoya-style hipped-and-gabled roof covered with copper plates.
Because the site originally developed from a Buddhist temple-shrine complex, the building retains architectural characteristics associated with traditional Buddhist temple compounds.
The main structure was built by Monjiro, a master carpenter from Yagi Village in Katsushika District of Shimōsa Province. Its elaborate carvings were created by Tachikawa Takumi-no-Sho, also known as Wakoshiro Tomomasa, a sculptor from Kamisuwa in present-day Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture.
The main sanctuary was completed in June 1860, funded by approximately 500 ryō donated by worshippers. It was subsequently relocated to its present position during the 1990 redevelopment.
The worship hall measures six bays wide by three bays deep. It is constructed of Japanese cypress and features an irimoya-style roof with copper-sheet roofing.
Completed in 1990, the hall serves as the principal space where visitors offer prayers to the enshrined deities. Its dignified appearance forms an important part of the present-day shrine complex.
The connecting hall, sacred food preparation area, and festival equipment storehouse form another part of the shrine complex. These buildings measure approximately five bays wide by two and a half bays deep and have simple gabled roofs.
They were also completed in 1990, providing the facilities needed for ceremonies and the shrine’s religious activities.
The carved decorative panels from the main sanctuary are designated as a Chiba City Tangible Cultural Property in the category of sculpture.
Designated in 1968, these finely detailed carvings demonstrate the high level of craftsmanship associated with traditional Japanese shrine architecture. Their intricate designs provide visitors with an opportunity to appreciate the artistic character of the historic sanctuary.
Noborito Kagura Hayashi is a traditional form of festival music associated with the local community. It was registered as a Chiba City Regional Cultural Property in the category of intangible folk cultural heritage in 2008.
Performed during festivals, its traditional musical sounds add to the atmosphere of Towatari Shrine and help preserve the area’s local performing arts traditions.
“Noborito Bay”, one of the famous landscapes in Katsushika Hokusai’s Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, is associated with the Noborito area where Towatari Shrine stands.
The work is known for its depiction of the area’s scenery and provides an interesting connection between the local landscape and one of Japan’s best-known ukiyo-e artists.
At the top of the hill beside the main sanctuary stands a stone pillar erected by the Sansui-kō group of Fuji worshippers. Dating from 1882, the pillar is a reminder of the traditional religious practice of worshipping Mount Fuji.
A first-order leveling benchmark is located beside the main torii gate at the front of the shrine. This surveying marker is an interesting feature for visitors who are interested in geography, surveying, and the physical landscape of the area.
Towatari Shrine is approximately a 5-minute walk from Shin-Chiba Station on the Keisei Chiba Line.
From the station, head toward National Route 14, also known as Chiba Kaido, to reach the shrine. Its location in central Chiba City makes it convenient to combine with sightseeing and other cultural attractions in the city.
Towatari Shrine is a fascinating place where the history of the Chiba clan, Myoken worship, Japanese mythology, traditional architecture, and local festival culture come together.
From its origins as a branch shrine of Chiba Myoken Shrine to its transformation into a Shinto shrine during the Meiji period, the site reflects the religious changes that took place in Japan over the centuries.
The historic main sanctuary, intricate carvings, traditional festival music, and annual mikoshi procession all add to its cultural appeal. Combined with the shrine’s connection to Hokusai’s depiction of Noborito and its peaceful elevated setting, Towatari Shrine offers visitors an opportunity to discover a lesser-known part of Chiba City’s history and traditions.