Kochi Shrine

Kuchi Shrine, located in Yamaguchi-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, traces its origins to the Kukuchi clan — descendants of Prince Ohiko, son of Emperor Kogen — who enshrined Kukuochi-no-kami, the divine ancestor of trees, as their clan deity. In 647 (Taika 3), when Emperor Kotoku traveled to Arima, timber from this shrine's land was used for imperial purposes; pleased by its quality, the emperor bestowed the mountain name Kochi-san. During the Jogan era (859–877), Takehaya Susanoo-no-mikoto and Kushiinadahime-no-mikoto were co-enshrined, and the shrine came to be called Tenno-gu. Listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho as a shikinaisha (small grade), it was promoted to kensha (prefectural shrine) in 1929.