Inohanayama Hachiman Shrine

Nishinomiya Inohanayama Hachiman Shrine in the former Ariki village (Hitani township) was established in 1501. The main patrons were Ariki Hisachika, lord of Okubi castle in Nishiariki village, and Takao Chikanobu, lord of Tamaizumi castle in Nishiariki. Details of the shrine are unknown as no old documents were burned or destroyed. The shrine building has been restored many times, and the main hall's roof was recently replaced with copper sheets in 1996, and remains as it is today. Following the promulgation of the education system in 1872, the Inohana Keimo Gakusha was established in the shrine grounds in April of the following year, teaching reading and abacus, and offering night classes. The school's existence lasted for 35 years until it was moved to Nigo in 1908 due to deterioration, and it became known as the "birthplace of local culture." The cypress tree in the shrine grounds was designated a natural monument of the town in 2003. Cypress (tree height: 31m, trunk circumference at chest height: 4.5m)