Visited in person · Original photography
Origins and founding
The ichinomiya, or first-ranked shrine, of Hida Province. The principal deity is Mitoshi no Okami, with fourteen other deities enshrined alongside (one theory calls all fifteen together “Minashi no Okami”). In 1871 (Meiji 4) it was ranked as a former national shrine of the small rank (kokuhei shosha). The mountain behind it, Kuraiyama, is its sacred object.
The gate. Beyond the shimenawa, a path leads to the shrine buildings.
A great cedar in the grounds, with sunlight falling through the branches.
What to see
The great cedars, the ema hall, and the worship of Mount Kurai from afar. Beyond the stone torii, a flight of steps leads up to a gate, and the worship hall can be seen beyond it. Stone lanterns and komainu stand in front of the hall.
The shrine buildings are visible beyond the stone torii. The mountain behind, Kuraiyama, is the sacred object.
The wide gravel grounds, with the roofs of the shrine buildings beyond.
The worship hall seen from inside the gate, with stone lanterns and komainu standing on either side.
The shrine buildings stand in a row at the top of a flight of stone steps.
Cultural context
Yew wood cut from Mount Kurai is said to have been used for the shaku, the ceremonial tablet, at imperial enthronements. Hida could not grow enough rice, so it sent carpenters to the capital in place of taxes (the Hida craftsmen). Skill with wood shapes the shrines and festivals of this land.