Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, an architectural structure recognized as a national treasure

The architectural style seems different from other shrines I’ve seen.”
While viewing the main shrine pavilions of Sumiyoshi Taisha during a trip to Osaka, Nakata noticed something. The main shrines of Sumiyoshi-taisha are in a row from the first to the fourth main shrine, all of which are undoubtedly old shrine buildings. However, upon closer inspection, the atmosphere of the roofs and walls was different from that of other shrines.
When asked, the architectural style of Sumiyoshitaisha is called “Sumiyoshi-zukuri,” which is the oldest style of shrine architecture in history. It is characterized by its hiwadabuki (a technique of covering the roof with cypress bark), tsumairi-shiki kirizumatsukuri (two sloping sides of the roof are shaped like a mountain, with the entrance on the side that looks like a figure eight when viewed from the side [the gable end]), and tan-nuri (lacquered in vermilion using pigments such as vermilion and tan). The pillars are painted in vermilion (ni-nuri), and the walls are painted in gofun-nuri, which is a paste made from ground seashells. According to the priest who showed us around, “When the emperor is replaced, a court ritual called ‘Daijosai’ is held. The Sumiyoshi Zouzou has a structure similar to that of the Dajoubugu, which is built for this ceremony. The aforementioned main shrine is an ancient Japanese architectural style that has been designated a National Treasure, which is a testament to the prestigious nature of Sumiyoshi Taisha.

Power spot of “Sumiyoshi Shrine”, god of the sea

Sumiyoshi Taisha is a historic shrine built about 1,800 years ago. As the head shrine of more than 2,300 Sumiyoshi shrines throughout Japan, it has long been known as “Sumiyosan” in Osaka, and is the Ichinomiya of Settsu Province (the shrine with the highest number of shrines in the Settsu area). On New Year’s three days, more than 2 million people visit the shrine for the first time. In addition to the four main shrines, there are a total of 27 shrines in the vast precincts of the shrine, which are said to cover an area of about 30,000 tsubo. Sumiyoshi is often associated with the god of the sea, but in addition to being the god of safe navigation, Sumiyoshi is also the god of purification, agriculture, waka poetry, martial arts, sumo wrestling, and beckoning cats, making it one of the most famous power spots in Japan since ancient times.

There are also many other attractions such as the “Anti-Bashi Bridge,” which can purify you just by crossing it; the “Omokaruseki,” a sacred stone that can predict whether or not your wish will come true by the weight of your will when you lift it up; the “Goshogozen,” a stone with the words “Five,” “Great” and “Power” written on it that if picked up and used as a charm, your wish will come true. There are many places of interest in the area. I learned for the first time that “Issunboshi,” a famous tale told once upon a time, is said to have been a child of Sumiyoshi-Okami, and I found it humorous that there is a spot where you can take a picture of yourself in a bowl like Issunboshi. The shrine is located in a bustling area and is always crowded with worshippers, giving it a lively atmosphere that is typical of Osaka. In central Tokyo, one sometimes sees a high-rise building built on the site where a shrine or temple once stood, with a small concrete main shrine building in the corner of the site. However, Sumiyoshi Shrine will surely still be here 100 to 200 years from now, cheering up the people of Osaka. Walking through the spacious shrine grounds and bowing to the main shrine, I felt as if I had received a power boost.

NIHONMONO – 「にほん」の「ほんも…

大阪市内の夜景を一望「みのお山荘 風の杜」／大阪府箕面市 – NIHONMONO 国定公園に寄り添うお宿 大阪市内から車で30分、箕面市北部に広がる「明治の森箕面国定公園」に隣接したお宿が「み

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The Yoshino River, one of the largest rivers in Shikoku, flows through Tokushima Prefecture from west to east. Mima City, located in the basin of the Yoshino River, is home to Hongakuji Temple, a temple founded in the early Heian period (794-1185). The temple has two unique gardens: a karesansui (dry landscape garden) with the majestic flow of the Yoshino River as a backdrop, and a kaiyushiki (circular garden) that makes use of the natural mountain surface.

Location overlooking the nature of western Tokushima

The Shikoku Mountains are a series of 1,000-meter-high mountains in the central part of Shikoku. Many of these mountains, including Tsurugisan (Mt. Tsurugi), one of Japan’s 100 most famous mountains, have long flourished as sacred peaks of mountain worship. Hongakuji Temple is a temple of the Mimuro school of Shingon Buddhism located in Anabuki Town, Mima City, Tokushima Prefecture, in the middle reaches of the Yoshino River, which crosses the Shikoku Mountains. The temple stands on a hill with a fine view overlooking the Yoshino River, which flows freely through the area.

A Shingon temple that served as a fortress during the Warring States Period

Hongaku-ji Temple was founded in 828 by the monk Eun as a Shingon dojo, and was later revived in 1131 by the monk Yujun. The temple is said to have been used as a fortress during the Warring States Period because of its location on a hill with a river in front and mountains in the background. After climbing a steep slope and passing through the temple gate, the beautifully landscaped grounds spread out before one’s eyes, reminding one of a “natural fortress. To the right is a view of the Karesansui (dry landscape garden) and the Yoshino River, to the left is the Kyakuden (guest hall), and beyond the stone pavement in front of the main hall is the main hall.

The main hall is built in the kake-zukuri style, taking advantage of the topography.

During the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600), the temple was burned down in a military fire by the Chosokabe clan, and was again destroyed by fire in 1863, only to be rebuilt the following year by the monk Yukiei. Currently, the temple grounds include the main hall, gomado, Tenjinsha, Kyakuden, and a tea ceremony room, all of which were rebuilt or repaired in the Heisei period or later. The main hall and gomado were built using a traditional construction method called kakezukuri. For a common example, think of the main hall of Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto. It is a spectacular sight, standing tall atop a latticework of long pillars and beams from the bottom of a cliff.

The statue of Amida Nyorai that survived the war

The temple was the family shrine of the Hachisuka clan, the feudal lord of Tokushima in the Edo period (1603-1868), and is dedicated to the wife of the clan’s founder, Masakatsu Hachisuka, and to the descendants of the Inada clan, the feudal lord’s retainers.

The main hall is a wooden structure made of Aomori cypress, and a statue of Amida Nyorai is enshrined as the principal image. The statue is 45 cm tall and has an impressive expression that is both soft and stern. There were many other treasures in the hall, but they were lost in a recent military fire. The hall also houses the Daisho Junkiten, a secret statue of Buddha said to have been handed down from Ienobu Tokugawa, the 6th Tokugawa Shogun, as well as Buddhist paintings.

Two gardens as the face of the temple

Although Hongaku-ji Temple has a long history, most visitors to the temple today probably come for its beautiful garden. Karesansui (dry landscape garden) and kaiyushiki (circular garden). These two distinctive gardens were created by Tadakazu Saito, an expert on ancient gardens and temple grounds. He has created, supervised, and restored gardens all over Japan, including the Ueda Sokyu School Iemoto’s open-air garden in Hiroshima, the Shoujuin garden in Shizuoka, and the “Tsukuhano Garden” at the Hirozawa Museum of Art in Ibaraki. The temple garden is said to have been created by Mr. Saito in the late Showa period or early Heisei period.

Originally, there was a dry landscape garden created by a gardener from a parishioner’s family, but my father, who was the former head priest, asked Mr. Saito to create the garden because he wanted to make the temple more inviting,” said Yugen Yoshida, the temple’s head priest.

The only one of its kind in Japan? Stone garden with the river in the background

Karesansui refers to a form of garden that expresses natural scenery without using any water. The dry landscape “Tsurukame-no-niwa” at Hongaku-ji Temple is a garden with the view of the Yoshino River running right in front of it and the Asan Mountains stretching behind it as its borrowed scenery. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is the only garden in Japan that uses the river as a borrowed landscape rather than the mountains. Based on Chinese Taoist philosophy, the garden is composed mainly of white sand representing water and stone arrangements resembling cranes and turtles. The blue stones unique to Awa are used, and from the left toward the Yoshino River, the turtle masonry, the crane masonry, and the boat stone carrying the miracle medicine of immortality are arranged. The cranes and turtles are represented as heading toward the multiple pagodas representing Horai Island on the far left, which expresses the wish for longevity, prosperity, and celebration.

Selected as one of the 88 scenic spots in Shikoku

The “crane and turtle garden” was created to look most beautiful when viewed from the guest rooms. Looking around the garden from the corridor of the guest room. The dynamic stone formations contrast with the white sand with sand patterns representing ripples, running water, and whirlpools. The magnificent view of the Yoshino River overlaps with this, drawing you into a spacious and expansive worldview that is somewhat continental. The view from here has been selected as one of the 88 Views of Shikoku, a project to designate and promote the attractiveness of the unique landscapes and townscapes of Shikoku. The atmosphere is especially nice on rainy days,” says Yoshida.

The beauty of a garden with greenery and rock surfaces

Moving along the grounds toward the mountain side, there is another garden, the Kaiyushiki Garden. This garden makes full use of the terrain of the rugged mountain surface, with masonry, stone steps, and plantings, creating a landscape that looks like a miniature of the great outdoors. At the center of the garden is the Ryumonbaku Waterfall and Rigyoseki, a waterfall masonry structure that utilizes the original rock surface. Stone steps and small paths are built around the waterfall, which has a drop of about 6 meters, and a stone bridge at the top of the waterfall allows visitors to walk around the waterfall. Incidentally, “Longmen Fall” refers to the style of stonework associated with the Chinese legend “Xinglongmen,” in which a carp climbs up a waterfall on the Yellow River to become a dragon.

In the garden, the solemnity of the natural rocks and masonry is harmonized with the greenery of moss and trees covering the slopes, and visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the garden, which purifies the mind. The garden is also home to many maple trees, which create a gorgeous atmosphere during the fall foliage season.

Relax in a tea house built on a bedrock

Walking along a small path from the top of the waterfall, you will reach Hifumi An, a tea house in the sukiya style. Visitors enter the tea house through an atmospheric open space with the aforementioned blue stones as paving stones. The building is built on a large rock face, so the large windows offer a panoramic view of the powerful rock face, the main hall, the guest house, and the garden below.

The refreshingly decorated tearoom can be used for formal tea ceremonies or for a casual sip of green tea. With the colors of the season in the background, you can savor carefully prepared matcha green tea and tea cakes, and relax in the slow flow of time.

Enjoy vegetarian cuisine with all your senses.

What makes the cuisine even more appealing at Honrakuji is that it is deeply personal. Each Kaiseki vegetarian dish, carefully prepared to maximize the flavor of seasonal vegetables, is like a work of art. The elegant flavors reflect the seasons, and the dishes will leave you with a sense of peacefulness and richness.

I believe that a temple must have a charm that people love. I want to contribute to the improvement of the arts and the happiness of people through gardens and cuisine.” Mr. Yoshida, who puts these ideas into practice, continues to work tirelessly on his garden under the direction of Mr. Saito. He is also a chef himself.

A space where you can reflect on yourself and want to visit again and again

A garden tells many spiritual stories, and gardeners put many meanings into their gardens. （Therefore, it is important to see a garden over and over again. It is the same act as reading a good novel over and over again.

This is a passage in which Mr. Saito talks about how a garden should be. The Honrakuji Temple, a beautiful collaboration of seasonal nature and human creation, is a place where you will find something new no matter how many times you visit, and each time you visit, you will be able to look at yourself again.

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Shizuoka Sengen Shrine is the most famous shrine in Shizuoka.

Aoi-ku, which together with Suruga-ku forms the central urban area of Shizuoka City, has been the center of the Suruga area since the Imagawa period of the Warring States period, and Suruga Castle was not only Ieyasu’s childhood residence, but also served as the de facto sub-capital of the Tokugawa regime, including his later rule as Grand Gosho. The layout of the town, which is laid out in a grid pattern, has changed little from the days of Ieyasu’s beloved Suruga Castle. For this reason, when a referendum was held in 2005 on the transition to an ordinance-designated city, the name of the ward was chosen after the Tokugawa family crest, “Aoi” (hollyhock).

Located at the southern foot of Mt. Doki, which juts out into Aoi Ward, the site covers an area of approximately 13,000 tsubo. In 2014, the shrine underwent a large-scale repainting project called “20-year renovation. The 26 buildings of the shrine, which were built at the end of the Edo period and are designated as national important cultural properties, are being repainted one by one.

Shizuoka Sengen Shrine is actually the collective name for three shrines: Kanbe Shrine, Sengen Shrine, and Otoshi Miya Shrine. The Kambe Shrine was built about 2,100 years ago, the Otoshi Ancestral Shrine about 1,700 years ago, and the Sengen Shrine about 1,100 years ago, each with a long history. All three shrines are deeply revered by the Imperial Court, the local priests, and warlords, and are widely worshipped as the head shrines of Suruga Province, the general deities of Shizuoka, and the great shrines of Suruga. There are a total of seven shrines on the grounds, including these three, and visiting them all is called “shichi-sha mairi,” or visiting all seven is said to bring “all one’s wishes to pass.

Shrine visited by Tokugawa Ieyasu

The gate, decorated in vermilion lacquer, was built in 1816 and is designated as a national important cultural property. The magnificent Okumeden, also designated as a National Important Cultural Property, is 25 meters high in the sakurakaku-zukuri style and has a 132-tatami-mat area inside. The beams and ceiling are decorated with gorgeous dragons, kylin, and phoenixes. The ceiling paintings by Eishin Kano, Kannobu Kano, and others are decorated, indicating that the temple has been loved by the powerful. It is said that a considerable number of craftsmen were gathered from all over Japan for the construction of the temple. Looking at the colorful decorations, Nakata murmured, “It looks like Nikko Toshogu. It looks like Nikko Toshogu Shrine,” Nakata said. When the shrine was destroyed in a major fire, it was rebuilt at the expense of the Edo shogunate.

As we climbed to higher ground while touring the richly natural grounds, we could see Mt. Unlike ordinary shrines, the worship hall here faces the direction of Mt. Fuji is beautiful from any angle. Fuji is beautiful from any angle. It is easy to understand why people in ancient times worshipped this mountain as a god. We did not have time to visit all seven shrines, but we felt as if we were receiving good vibes just by being here.

NIHONMONO – 「にほん」の「ほんも…

眼病平癒の力で信仰を集める「医王山薬王院油山寺」／静岡県袋井市 – NIHONMONO 医王山薬王院油山寺とは いわゆる観光地的な寺ではない。ガイドブックにもあまり乗ることはない寺だ。だが、静岡県袋

NIHONMONO – 「にほん」の「ほんも…

世界一長い木造歩道橋「蓬莱橋」／静岡県島田市 – NIHONMONO 世界一長い木造歩道橋「蓬莱橋」 江戸時代、東海道屈指の難所といわれ「箱根八里は馬でも越すが、越すに越されぬ大井

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Serene place unlike any other in Tokyo

Meiji Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji, the 122nd emperor and his wife Empress Shoken. Despite being located in the center of Tokyo, it is the size of 15 baseball domes, and is known for having the most worshippers for New Years.
In 2012, it was included in the top 20 three star tourist spots in Japan by Michelin, positioning it as a globally recognized tourist spot that is representative of Japan.

Meiji Shrine was built in tribute to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken who passed in 1912 and 1914 respectively, in a location that is closely associated with them with great support of Japanese citizens.

The gates open at sun rise and close at sunset.
In December when Nakata visited, the gates opened at 6:40 am.
“Meiji Shrine was built in 1920, more than 100 years ago. The 700,000 square meter forest was planted with about 100,000 trees which were donated from around the country. It has grown to be an abundant forest that is loved by Japanese citizens.”

The air is crisp first in the morning and filled with the scent of vegetation. Only the sounds of chirping birds is audible. It is so serene, and the air is so clear that you almost forget you’re in the middle of Tokyo as you walk through the lush green grounds, listening to junior priest Muneaki Hirao who handles public relations for the shrine.

Omotesando is originally a path to Meiji Shrine

The Yoyogi area is made of Kanto loam which makes it inadequate for coniferous trees, so broad leave evergreens were planted. The trees were donated not only from around the nation, but also Sakhalin, Manchuria, Taiwan and the Korean Peninsula.
After a short walk, a large “torii” (gate) and the main shrine appear. Despite the early morning visit, some worshippers were already there, including some businesspersons in suits.

“Some people visit the shrine on their way to work.”
We purified our hands and mouth to pray, and notice the many scratches on the wooden pillar.
“These scratches are from the worshippers tossing their coins into the collection bin from far away.”
The scratches are unique to Meiji Shrine which boasts more than 3 million visitors annually. While we often see images of Meiji Shrine filled with worshippers, it’s rare to see it so quiet. It seems like a totally different world, and you almost forget you’re in a big city.

“Many don’t realize it, but Omotesando is a path leading up to Meiji Shrine. There is a stone lantern at the Harajuku intersection and the intersection at route 246.” (Junior Priest Hirao)

“Omotesando has become such a familiar word that I thought it was a word often used for a location. I didn’t realize it’s originally a path to Meiji Shrine.” (Nakata)
There are often new discoveries even in locations that may seem familiar. Our visit to Meiji Shrine early in the morning brought allowed us to experience a side of Tokyo that was refreshing.

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Kongo-gumi, the oldest construction company in Japan

Kongo Gumi, located in Tennoji Ward, Osaka City, is a construction company specializing in temple carpentry that builds and restores shrines and temples throughout Japan. The history of the company began with the Kongo Construction Department in Shitennoji Temple. It is the oldest existing construction company in the world.
The name “XX-gumi” is sometimes misunderstood (laughs), but Kongo Gumi is a shrine and temple construction company that owns eight temple carpenters called “Takumikai. Kiuchi Gumi, which I lead, is one of them. It is said that there are currently 200 to 300 companies in Japan that contract temple carpentry work, and about 110 of them work for the eight groups of the Kongo-gumi,” said Shigeo Kinouchi, a master carpenter of the Kinouchi group.
Kongo-gumi’s temple carpenters travel to shrines and temples throughout Japan to build and restore them. The main difference between ordinary carpenters and temple carpenters is that carpenters build “houses for people to live in,” while temple carpenters build “houses for gods and Buddha to enter.

The buildings we build are objects of worship, and it is not unusual for them to remain for 200 or 300 years. It is the job of the miya carpenter to use traditional techniques to create sturdy buildings that will not be defeated by any natural disasters. For example, we do not use metal nails for structural materials. For example, we do not use metal nails for structural materials because they rust and the wood rots from there,” says Kiuchi.

How advanced are the techniques of miya-daiku (temple carpenters)? This was immediately apparent when I saw Mr. Kiuchi planing the wood. He runs the plane lightly over a square piece of wood with a familiar plane in his hand. The shavings that came out of the plane were so thin you could see through them.

The Craftsmanship of a Palace Carpenter

The standard for plane shavings is 0.1 mm or less. Today, I’m not in good shape, so I’d say it’s about 0.07 mm (laughs). Some of our carpenters can plane as thin as 0.03 or 0.02 mm,” Kiuchi said.
Nakata also tried his hand with a plane. Nakata’s plane shavings were thicker and the thickness was not consistent, even though he was using the same tool in the same way.
Nakata said, “You can’t use too much force, and you can’t use too little force either. You have to pull with a certain amount of force all at once, but it’s very difficult.
Planing is one of the skills of a master carpenter, but it is not just a matter of being able to plane thinly and evenly. For example, compared to machine-finished floors, floors finished by miya carpenters are more resistant to water and dust and retain their beautiful wood texture even after 20 or 30 years. Miya carpenters have a number of such techniques, which have been passed down from generation to generation.

Inside the processing center, a model of a 2.5-meter-high tower had already been assembled. A scaled-down version of the model was made by precisely calculating each pillar and the angle of the roof’s warp, and the work process and durability were checked. This kind of meticulous craftsmanship has continued since the time of Prince Shotoku. These craftsmen are preserving Japanese architecture and culture.

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Mount Iwaki – looking over Aomori

Mount Iwaki is located to the northwest of Hirosaki City. It is the highest mountain in Aomori, with an altitude of 1,625 meters. Mount Iwaki is included in the Hundred Famous Mountains of Japan. Iwakiyama Shrine is at the southeast foot of Mount Iwaki. People lovingly called it “Oiwaki sama” or “Oyama sama”. It was founded about 1250 years ago in 780. In 800, Shogun Tamuramaro Sakanoue rebuilt the shrine, constructing a separate shrine in Tokoshinai village. The shrine on the mountain was named “Okumiya” or the rear shrine. During the Edo era, Tsugaru clan lords such as Tamenobu Tsugaru, conducted a large scale expansion of the shrine. It served as a shrine to protect the north gate and was highly revered as the god of agriculture and fishing, commerce and industry, medicine, transportation, and most of all, as the god of good fortune.

Mount Iwaki itself is God

Stand at the entrance of the shrine. Mount Iwaki stands on the other side of the torii. It is a majestic sight, and yet it is also calming. We were told, ”This scenery is the object of worship. The mountain itself is enshrined as a God.”
”Okumiya” or the rear shrine is located near the summit of Mount Iwaki, and the approach to the shrine is also one of the trails of Mount Iwaki. During the ”Mountain Worship”, which is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset, worshippers climb toward Okumiya by walking along the approach, with appreciation and prayer for an abundant harvest.
　Nakata bows once before climbing the approach to the shrine. We were told that during the snow season, heavy snow falls on both sides of the approach. If you go straight down the approach while looking up at Mount Iwaki, you come to the vivid red tower gate. Walk through the gate and you reach the front shrine.

Shomon of Mountain Worship

Sitting straight on the tatami in the spacious shrine. That alone puts you in a tranquil state. We received words of worship. The 26 character phrase that is hanging in the corner catches the eye.　It is the ”shomon” that monks chant as they worship at the mountain. Even the previously mentioned ”Mountain Worship” is a lively affair where worshippers chant and are accompanied by instruments like the flute and drums. We were treated to a special recitation. Listening to the chant, you could envision the many worshippers as they climbed from Iwakiyama Shrine to the Okumiya, chanting as they climbed.
We left the shrine and walked down the approach again. We took one last look at Mount Iwaki. There are green trees surrounding the torii. And further down, you can see the serene Mount Iwaki. It is a sacred scene that is in complete harmony with nature.

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About Churenji

Mount Haguro-san, Yudono-san, and Gassan, known collectively as the three Dewa mountains, are the three most powerful spiritual spots of the Tohoku region since the ancient ages. This day we visited ”Yudono-san Churenji” in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture. In the era of ”Shinbutsu Shugo” or the syncretistic fusion of Buddhism and Shintoism, many temples were built here, and groups of ”shugendo” mountain asceticists were generated in this area. Churenji is is said to have been opened by the famous Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi in 883AD and enshrines the Dainichi Nyorai (Mahāvairocana) . The temple belongs to the Yudono-san sect. We met with Hiroaki Sato, the chief priest of the temple, who lectured us on the role Churenji played in the religious ceremonies.
”One of the things mountain ascetics wear when they go into the mountains, is a rope hanging from their neck. This is called a ”Churen-nawa”, which is basically the same as the ”shimenawa” that most of you know.
The three Dewa mountains are where many spirits are believed to reside, so the ”shimenawa” is worn to keep them off, for protection. Churenji is placed here to be the ”shimenawa”, the barrier for the domain to separate Yudono-san from the secular world. Churenji is located on Shime Kakeguchi, one of the approach ways to Yudono-san.
With the coming of the Meiji era, reflecting the movement for the separation of Shintoism from Buddhism, many temples in the three Dewa Mountains were abolished. Churenji escaped that fate, but there was a period when their status declined . With the coming of the Showa era, it became widely known to the public as the stage for the novel ”Gassan”.

Egan-in tetsumonkai Shounin、the Living Buddha

During the Edo era, there was a monk who contributed to the fame of Churenji, a man of many legends. His name was Egan-in Tetsumonkai Shounin, who became a ”living Buddha” as a result of his ascetic practices. His body can be seen in the　miniature shrine within the temple and can be seen by visitors. A ”living Buddha” is the mummified body of a monk who went on with his ascetic practices to his physical death. Also called the ”mummy buddha”, 8 of these bodies remain in Yamagata Prefecture, with the body of Egain-in Tetsumonkai Shounin in Churenji is among the eight.
Egan-in Tetsumonkai Shounin、became a ”living Buddha after 3000 days of ascetic practices. He is said to have decided the date on which he would bury himself in the ground. That was the extent of determination he had when he went into the practice. There were breaks every 1000 days. However, even during the break, he is said to have traveled across the nation to spread the teachings.

Looking up at the beautiful pictures in the ceiling

One of the characteristics of Churenji is the painting on the ceiling. The ceiling painting on the main pavilion is that of a dragon, titled ”Hiten No Zu (Painting of the Heavenly Flight”, painted by the late Sekisui Ishii. In addition, there are 4 other paintings on the ceiling by modern artists; the painting of hands in prayer, ”Tenku No Tobira (the Door of the Sky)” by Shin Kinoshita ; ”Mizu- No Sei (the Water Spirit ”, a symbolic representation of water as a barrier painted by Atsuyoshi Mitsukubo; ”Seizoku Hyakka Menso (Hundred Faces of the Holy and the Worldly)”: and ”Hakuba Koukan No Zu” by Takayoshi Totoki.
These paintings are by modern artists upon the request for ceiling paintings that will last for a thousand years. The fact that these art were accepted at this temple indicates that there exist a kind of tolerance for people. Churenji, the place of ascetic practices, also exists in unison with people and the mountains.

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The Yamagata Buddhist Altar with tradition in Yamagata

“Urushi” lacquer crafts were a major industry in the Murayama Basin in Yamagata Prefecture, the place being known for quality “urushi” lacquer. The abundance of quality wood resources made it flourish with woodcrafts as well. One of the wood crafts that remains today is the Yamagata Buddhist altar. It is characterized by the robust zelkova construction that does not use nails. In addition, precise sculpting, and the “kuden” with depth are also some of the characteristics. The black metal fittings and the “urushi” lacquer finish also gives them a stable and warm impression.
The art started in the mid-Edo period when a man named Kichibei Hoshino learned wood sculpting in Edo (present day Tokyo). He brought back his skills to Yamagata and started manufacturing handrails and Buddhist ornament crafts. He was joined by lacquer craftsmen, painters, metal workers, and other craftsmen, and the group started building Buddhist altars. That is said to be the origin of the Yamagata Buddhist altars.

Also making furniture

Due this history, Yamagata Buddhist altars used to be made through division of labor. Even when they stated mass production in the Meiji-era, work was divided into woodwork, sculpting, metal fittings, lacquer, painting, inlay, foil stamping, and final assembly. Yoshitaka Saito, whom we interviewed, is a woodwork man. His job is to choose which material to use, and prepare the surface for building and painting. The beautiful wood grains so characteristic of Yamagata Buddhist altars is the woodwork man’s handiwork. “But there aren’t many craftsmen nowadays.“ said Saito. So in addition to his work as a woodworker, he doubles as a carpenter. A carpenter is the man who actually assembles the wood parts. It sometimes requires extremely detailed work, and requires trained hands. “Actually, a woodwork man does not build. There is supposed to be someone who specializes in roofs. Despite that, the work he showed us was accurate and detailed. He told us, “I don’t like to do things half heartedly.“ Woodwork and assembling require different skills, and we can imagine how difficult it must be to do both jobs with perfection. But Mr.Saito commented “Yes it’s a lot of work, but it’s really fun as well.“

I have more to do in life

It was surprising enough to know he wore two hats, but Mr.Saito told us he sometimes takes on jobs from Shinto Shrines. He takes part in work for Mikoshi (portable shrines carried around the town at festivals). The topic came up when Nakata asked about differences in different Buddhist sects.
Of course, altars are different according to sects, and Mr.Saito told us how difficult it is to meet the different requirements. When Nakata asked him if he made anything related to Shinto, he relied “Other people tend not to do it, but sometimes I make Shinto items as well.“ he told us.
We asked “Buddhist sects require different designs. The difference between Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines must be even bigger.“ To which he answered, “Of course.“ The difference ranges from material wood to construction methods. “I’m wanting to build an all zelkova “inari” shrine.“ he told us. His face gleamed with joy as he described his plans. “I still have a lot do in life. Things get harder and harder as you learn more.” The master of Yamagata Buddhist Altar told us passionately.

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Shugendo Attracted Faith

Musashi Mitake Shrine is a shrine located on the summit of the Mitake Mountains. It is said that it started thousands of years ago. During the Kamakura period when mountain worship thrived, many shugendo visited the shrine for training and the mountain was faithfully revered by the Shogunate and samurai. In 1700 by orders of the 5th Shogun Tsunayoshi Tokugawa, the hall of offerings was built, as it exists in its present form.
Numerous treasurable items which are stored in the shrine sanctuary are designated as National Treasure and designated as Important Cultural Treasure, exhibiting how much faith the shrine has attracted during its history.
Annual events and religious services are also very famous. In January, ”the Futomanimatsuri” takes place, where the shoulder blades of a male ox is burnt, the cracks predicting the year’s harvest. In May, the ”Rising Sun Festival” and the ”Ogunasha” are held. These events are supported by the locals as part of their lives. ”Daidai Kagura” is designated as Tokyo Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.

Overlooking the Kanto Plains

“The altitude of Mitakesan is 929 m. You can climb Mitake mountain by cable car. There are only 2 stations, Takimoto station and the Mitake mountain station. From the Mitake mountain station, the shrine is about 25 minutes on foot, even at a slow pace. On the either side of the road are inns and souvenir shops, and after climbing 330 steps, you arrive at the shrine. The shrine overlooks the Kanto plains, and it is also a location where you can feel the nature of Tokyo.
At Mitake shrine, there is a god called ”Oguchimagami”, which is a wolf god, believed to ward off evil, and many people visit the shrine with their pets.
Mitake shrine, located close to the center of Tokyo, surrounded by nature. It is a place where you can experience beautiful scenery and annual events that have been handed down from the ancient past. “

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A popular shrine known to the local populace as “Oinari-san”

Kasama Inari Shrine in Kasama, Ibaraki Prefecture claims a history of 1360 years, its establishment said to go back to 651 AD. A village named Kasama is clearly recorded in the history book ”Hitachinokuni Fudoki”（circa　713AD), and it is thought that by around this time, it was a place of worship for people. The deity enshrined is ”Ukanomitama No Kami”. A diety for harvest, business, luck and protection from fire, the shrine has won respect as the trustworthy ”Oinari-san” (name indicating respect and friendliness towards the deity) from ancient times. Ibaraki Prefecture was struck by a level 6 (out of 7) tremor in the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, and earthquakes of a smaller scale are still continuing. To avoid secondary damage, the shrine has temporarily taken down the ”Torii” gate, and repairs of the main shrine (designated as an Important National Cultural Asset) is on hold until the quakes settle down. However, that doesn’t stop people from visiting the shrine, and for them, they are proceeding to repair various buildings and facilities within the premises.

The “naorai” ritual

When Nakata finished worshipping, they lead him to a room where there was food on the table. Prompted by the shrine staff, Nakata set forth to eat. Seafood, beans, ”kanpyou” (dried gourd) etc. It is an important custom to treat guests with food that was once offered to the deities.
”It’s called ”naorai”. The food offered to deities are empowered by the spirit and by consuming the food, it empowers you from within. We always have worshippers enjoy the food as a part of the ritual. ”
In ancient times, ”Naorai” was the occasion for villagers to gather and discuss weather, crops, and rules after ceremonies and festivals.
”It’s the first time I was served a meal in a shrine. I didn’t know such rituals existed.” said Nakata.
”In Shinto, we have the idea of following the ancestors’ footsteps. I can imagine our ancestors attending the ”naorai” ritual, discussing various topics as they lived.” Kasama Shrine offers ”naorai” to visitors who attend the shrine worship ceremony year-round. The shrine continues an important tradition that has existed since ancient times.

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