Koyasu Shrine in Hachioji offers a special limited goshuin on Inu-no-Hi (the Day of the Dog).
This goshuin features motifs of the traditional papier-mâché dog (inu hariko) and the “bottomless” bamboo ladle, both symbols connected to safe childbirth and child-rearing. It also includes the haiku by the modern poet Seishi Yamaguchi (1901–1994): “Clear spring water wells up, bringing peace to childbirth.”
This verse is recited at our prayers for safe delivery, when a shrine maiden performs a sacred dance before the deity, expressing prayers for the health and peace of mother and child.
Please note that a goshuin is not the same as an ofuda or omamori (amulet). It is a record of your visit to the shrine, and can be received by anyone, not only those who come for safe delivery prayers.
【Dates of Special Goshuin】 ・August 21 ・September 2 ・September 14 ・September 26
Inu-no-Hi has long been regarded as an auspicious day for safe childbirth prayers in Japan. Many visitors come to Koyasu Shrine for prayers such as safe delivery and hatsumiyamairi (baby’s first shrine visit), and more people are now receiving this special goshuin on Inu-no-Hi.
We warmly welcome you to visit Koyasu Shrine and receive this goshuin as a memory of your Inu-no-Hi worship.
Nakisumo, or the “Crying Sumo,” is a traditional event in which babies are encouraged to cry loudly in order to pray for their healthy growth. At Hachioji Koyasu Shrine in Tokyo, this event is held every autumn and is loved by many families.
The deity enshrined at Koyasu Shrine is Konohanasakuya-hime, a female kami known as the goddess of safe childbirth and child-rearing. During Nakisumo, the cries of the babies are offered to her, as families pray for their children to grow up healthy and strong.
The origins of Nakisumo go back centuries. In Japan, people have long believed that a baby’s cry has the power to drive away evil spirits. There is also a saying, “Crying babies grow strong,” meaning that a loud cry is a sign of vitality. The louder the cry, the healthier and stronger the child is expected to grow.
Therefore, Nakisumo is not simply about making babies cry—it is an important life ritual in which families pray for the safe and healthy growth of their children.
At Hachioji Koyasu Shrine, Nakisumo continues to be celebrated each year with these wishes in mind, watching over the growth of many babies.
―――― Coming next: Why people say that babies grow big and strong when they are held by sumo wrestlers.
At Koyasu Shrine in Hachioji, Tokyo, we usually offer goshuin (red seal stamps) written in advance on paper. However, only once or twice a month, we hold a special day when we write the goshuin directly into visitors’ goshuin books. Today is one of those special “direct writing” days.
Having the goshuin written directly in your book offers a unique charm and authenticity that is different from receiving it on paper. Whether you are visiting for prayers for a safe delivery, a baby’s first shrine visit, or as part of your goshuin pilgrimage, please take this opportunity to visit us.
[Today’s Direct Writing Hours] 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
[Upcoming Direct Writing Schedule] • Next Direct Writing Day: Saturday, September 7, 2025 (Reiwa 7) After September 7, there will be no direct writing days until March due to our busy season.
[Access] Koyasu Shrine is a 5-minute walk from JR Hachioji Station. Please note that there is no parking within the shrine grounds, but paid parking is available nearby (fees are the responsibility of visitors).
We write each goshuin with sincerity, as a token of your visit. We look forward to welcoming you to Koyasu Shrine in Hachioji, Tokyo.
