Deity of shinbutsu shūgō (kami–buddha syncretism)
Kōya Daimyōjin
高野大明神
Kōya Daimyōjin is a name linked to Takano Miko no Ōkami of Niutsuhime Jinja. Takano Miko no Ōkami is said to be the child of Niutsuhime no Ōkami and is also called Kariba Myōjin. At the shrine, this kami is worshipped as a kami who leads people onto the right path and a kami who removes misfortune.
This introduction is based on materials published by shrines, temples, and schools, starting with Shōhōin. It is summarized within the scope of the beliefs and traditions those materials convey, and does not present explanations or customs common to all schools, shrines, and temples.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Takano Miko no Ōkami, who guides the way to go
Kōya Daimyōjin is a name linked to Takano Miko no Ōkami of Niutsuhime Jinja. Takano Miko no Ōkami is said to be the child of Niutsuhime no Ōkami and is also called Kariba Myōjin. At the shrine, this kami is worshipped as a kami who leads people onto the right path and a kami who removes misfortune.
Source: 丹生都比売神社
A hunter with a black dog and a white dog
In the story handed down at Niutsuhime Jinja, Takano Miko no Ōkami appeared before Kūkai as a hunter with a black dog and a white dog, and guided him to Niutsuhime no Ōkami. This encounter became linked with the founding story of Kōyasan. The form accompanied by a bow and arrows and dogs recalls this tradition of guiding the way.
Source: 丹生都比売神社・丹生都比売神社
As a kami of guidance and of opening the way
Niutsuhime Jinja introduces Takano Miko no Ōkami as a kami of guidance and of opening the way (michihiraki). From the tradition that this kami had the black and white dogs guide Kūkai, the work of guiding the path ahead is revered. The shrine's sacred dogs are called "michibiki-inu" (guiding dogs) because of this history.
Source: 丹生都比売神社
Related kami and buddhas
Sources (in Japanese)
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：高野大明神」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：目次」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 丹生都比売神社「ご祭神」（2026-10-15 確認）
- 丹生都比売神社「ご由緒」（2026-10-15 確認）