SONE SHRINE

The politician and scholar known as Sugawara Michizane, on his way to Dazaifu, a town in Kyushu, stopped at Mt. Hikasa and planted a pine tree within the confines of Sone shrine. Around the year 1350, the shrine became known for its "sacred pine tree" and came to be called " Tenmangu" by the many people who credited it for their prosperity. Although Tenmangu shrine was burnt down in a battle, it was re-erected in 1590 by order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and continues to be maintained.

Today, Tenmangu shrine is most notable for three things. Firstly, it holds pictures, which are designated as cultural assets by the city. Secondly, it is the sight of the annual autumn festival held on October 13th and 14th in which people from the surrounding area come for the time-honored tradition of gazing at the portable shrine as well as admiring the many beautiful floats on display. Thirdly, Tenmangu has a sacred pine tree.