Matsuyama Shrine

In 901, on his way into exile at Dazaifu, Sugawara no Michizane stopped here, was moved by the sight of several thousand young pines, recited a poem on the pines and left a portrait of himself in his own hand. After his death the villagers built a shrine and enshrined him, and that is said to be how Matsuyama Shrine began. It was merged into Osumi Shrine in 1909, but a local campaign to bring it back succeeded in 1944, the shrine was rebuilt, and it continues as the tutelary shrine of Komatsu. The approach that led to its gate remains across the road in a park to the south, and carries the history of the area.

Translated from the Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City tourist listings (観光施設一覧, CC BY 4.0).