Yokohama｜Has Yokohama's Port Opening Led to Rapid Westernization?

Yokohama, a modern port city, has only been open for 166 years. During the Ansei era, this sandbank, originally surrounded by water on three sides, was transformed into a residential and commercial area for foreigners. This not only brought prosperity but also quickly gave the city a Westernized flair.

In 1870, Kanagawa Prefecture Governor Moriyoshi Izeki, concerned that Yokohama's rapid Westernization might cause its residents to forget their roots, decided to enshrine Amaterasu Omikami. He relocated the Kotai Jingu from another location to Nogeyama. With the arrival of Iseyama Kotai Jingu, the mountain was officially renamed Iseyama.

As the main guardian shrine of Yokohama, Iseyama Kotai Jingu is said to be a branch of the Ise Jingu, both dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami. Due to the similarity in names, it has gradually been referred to as the "Ise Jingu of Kanto." However, in terms of land area and status within Shintoism, there are still significant differences.

Having visited Ise Jingu, I found the atmosphere here, surrounded by architecture and trees, to have a similar vibe. In addition to the first and second torii gates, the area in front of the worship hall is marked by a shimenawa pillar, which delineates the sacred domain. According to Japanese visitors, this is the largest shimenawa pillar in the Kanto region, measuring 30 cm in diameter and 4 meters in length.

In fact, the Great Kanto Earthquake caused severe damage to this site. The main hall and worship hall you see today were rebuilt afterward. Notably, there is a 6-meter-tall "Shishikai" lighthouse, which perhaps symbolizes the wish to watch over this bay city.

📍Address: 〒220-0031 Kanagawa, Yokohama, Nishi Ward, Miyazakicho, 64, Japan
🚗 A 11-minute walk from JR Sakuragicho Station.

Post by 旅行中的野馬 | Sep 22, 2025