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Posted: May 8
Amino’s Shrines and Temples – Part 2
In part 1 we showed you 6 temples and shrines in Amino in Kyotango. Here we’ll bring you three more of Amino’s shrines and temples, including two of the larger shrines.
Amino Shrine
Amino Shrine (Japanese language only) actually consists of six smaller shrines, with as many as four gods enshrined in each. There are historic documents showing that Amino Shrine existed as early as 927 CE, with the potential that it’s even older than that. Needless to say it has had extensive maintenance completed on it several times over the last 1100 years.
The main shrine is visible straight from the entrance, and there are some komainu (guardian dogs) visible on either side. There are three gods enshrined here including Urashimako-no-Kami from the local version of the Urashima Taro legend.
Close-up of a komainu Looking deep into Amino Shrine The rope has been moved to one side to reduce the spread of coronavirus The Japanese maples really accent the shrine Wide view of Amino Shrine
Koori Shrine
There is some beautiful carving work on Koori shrine which is well worth a look. It houses four gods, including Amaterasu-Okami, who is one of the most important in the Shinto religion.
Koori Shrine Closer look at the shrine Close-up of the carved dragon
Hayao Shrine
Off to the side of the main shrine is the Hayao Shrine. It only houses one god, but it is said to help people recover from illness. It has been worshiped for a long time.
Hayao Shrine
Atago Shrine
At the top of the hill at the back of the Amino Shrine grounds is Atago Shrine. The only god enshrined here is said to protect against fires. Fires have always been a big problem in Japan. With the houses built out of wood and so close to one another an accident could leave a lot of people homeless, or worse. That’s why the shrine is placed so high up, so the god can look out over and protect the entire town.
Steps leading up to Atago Shrine A field of wildflowers on the top of the hill Close-up of Atago Shrine The shrine with its komainu
Tatewaki Shrine
There are four gods living in Tatewaki Shrine. Three of them are related to food, particularly grains and rice, and the fourth is for fire safety. I did say it was important.
Tatewaki Shrine Close-up of Tatewaki Shrine
Ichikishima Shrine
This shrine is placed on a little island in a small pond full of tortoises. The goddess here along with two others, is said to have been the goddess of water.
Ichikishima Shrine in it’s pond So many tortoises Close-up of the Shrine
Amino Shrine grounds
There is a lot to see on the grounds of Amino Shrine too. Including some interesting sculptures, a frame to hang your dreams, wishes or aspirations on, and even a children’s playground.
Horse sculpture Rock sculpture There are many pretty flowers in the shrine grounds A frame for posting your wishes
Hiyoshi Shrine
Continuing to look at Amino’s shrines and temples we come to Hiyoshi Shrine. It’s located next to the Fukuda river, very near the fishing port at Asamogawa, so you can hear a lot of sea birds while taking in the sites.
Hiyoshi Shrine is split across two levels. The first level has a lot of smaller shrines all sharing the same roof, as well as one shrine with some of the most intricate woodworking I’ve ever seen.
The main torii gate Looking down the first level of Hiyoshi Shrine Each of slot is a separate shrine Two small shrines sharing a roof These panels tell ancient Chinese legends Some very intricate wood carving
The second level has some larger shrines as well as some animal statues. It also continues the trend of intricate wood carvings. The main god of Hiyoshi shrine uses monkeys to do its work, hence the large monkey statue.
Wooden torii gates are becoming more rare to find The main shrine of Hiyoshi Shrine The second shrine See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil Monkey’s are said to do the work of the main god who lives at Hiyoshi Shrine Looking down the main shrine continues the trend of intricate wood work
Shotoku-In Temple
This temple is located right next to Hiyoshi Shrine along the Fukuda river. It’s a fairly small temple, but the gate is quite impressive, and it does contain a lot of statues. The three painted Jizo are said to be protectors of children and travelers, you can see them all over Japan. These ones are repainted by local children every year.
On the exterior wall of the temple Many statues with the temple bell in the background Looking up through the main gate He seems a little suspicious A more welcoming figure These Jizo are repainted by local children every year Very intricate wooden dragon The main temple building Another figure weary of visitors
Amino’s Shrines and Temples
I hope you’ve enjoyed this whistle stop tour of Amino’s shrines and temples. There are still more to see, and a lot of other sites from around Kyotango to show. So keep an eye on this space.