Iitoyo Shrine in Kami Town, Miyagi Prefecture, is an old shrine with a history of over 1300 years. Its origin is not cleat but it is said that Kosemaro, shogun to conquer the Emishi, transferred Ukemochi no Kami to this place in 705. As the shrine had no halls in those days and a huge stone was enshrined, it was called “Ishigami-sama (Stone God).”

Later in 737, Ono Azumabito, who was appointed Chinjufu Shogun (Commander-in-Chief of the Defense of the North) and Azechi (inspector), built a shrine building. In the Heian period (794-1192), it was listed in Jinmyocho (the official list of deityies) in Engishiki (the codes and procedures on natinal rites and prayers).

Through periods of ebb and flow, the shrine building was rebuilt in around 1,300 by Utsumi Nagashige, the castellan of Asahi Castle in Onoda in present Kami Town. He faithfully revered the shrine.

In the precinct is an old cedar tree with a circumference of 6 m, about which some say it was planted by Sakanoue Tamuramaro, while others say Minamoto no Yoritomo. A huge stone, which is worshipped by people as the god of safe delivery, is enshrined beside the tree. From the shrine precinct, a panoramic view including Mt. Kurikoma can be enjoyed on fine days.

Surrounded with unchanging landscapes, the shrine stands quietly with the everlasting lapse of time.