According to shrine legend, in ancient times, when Empress Jingu made her triumphal entry into battle from Korea, she was on her way from Toyoura in Nagato to Naniwaura in Settsu when she learned that King Oshikuma had raised an army. After that, all of his wishes were granted as he wished.

Because of this story, the beautiful peak behind the shrine is called Yugenbadake (archery) or Rokkosan (armor). Also, according to a legend, Empress Jingu copied her image in a spring in this village (Sawanoi, south of Hanshin Mikage Station), and the name of the village became Mikage.