Visited in person · Original photography
Origins and founding
The sannomiya, or third-ranked shrine, of Sagami Province. It is a shikinai-sha, listed as a minor shrine in the Jinmyocho, the register of shrines in the Heian-period Engishiki.
Above the stone steps, the shrine buildings can be seen beyond a torii hung with a shimenawa.
What to see
Through the torii above the steps, a path lined with large trees leads to the main hall. A large tree with a komainu at its foot is wrapped in a shimenawa. The basin of the water pavilion holds floating flowers and is carved with the characters for “wash the heart”. In the grounds there is also a stone sculpture in the shape of a curved jewel (a magatama), named “Nadenade Magatama” (“stroke-stroke magatama”), and a stone horse.
At the top of the steps, the main hall visible beyond the trees.
The front of the main hall, with its bell ropes and the curtain bearing the shrine crest.
The water basin, with flowers floating in it and the characters for “wash the heart” carved at the front.
A komainu at the foot of a large tree wrapped in a shimenawa.
“Nadenade Magatama”, a stone sculpture in the shape of a curved jewel.
A stone horse, with a lantern behind it.
Cultural context
In the Zamondo of the Kokufu Matsuri, a ritual enactment of the dispute between the first and second shrines, this is the shrine whose chief priest mediates with the words “let us leave it until next year”. The third rank stands between the first and the second (→ Kawawa Jinja).
Banners on either side of the main hall name it the “Sannomiya”, the Third Shrine.