刈谷沢神明宮
Kariyasawa Sakakita,Chikuhoku Village, Higashichikuma District
Shimmei Shrine in Kariyasawa, Azumino City, known for its "Otaue Matsuri" (Rice Planting Festival), designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Nagano Prefecture, is enshrined as the Soja of Sakakita.
Located in Kariyasawa, Sakakita District, Chikuhoku Village, surrounded by mountains and fields, the shrine is set in a very quiet forest.
Originally, this area was a mikuriya (sacred territory) of Ise Shrine, and the shrine precincts beyond the torii gate enshrine eight subordinate shrines, including Amano Shrine.
The So-mon gate along the approach, built in Tenmei 3 (1783), is a simple structure with no special decorations, a four-legged gate with a gabled roof and tiled roofing.
The worship hall (haiden) on the left side of the precincts was built in Kyowa 2 (1802).
It is said to be the work of Tachikawa Ryu's second-generation Tomimasa from Suwa, with a gabled roof.
The carvings under the eaves, featuring dragons, elephants, and lions, are impressive.
Behind the worship hall is a 2×3 Shinmei-zukuri style main hall (honden).
It features the characteristics of Shinmei-zukuri, including ridge poles, katsuogi, chigi, and whips, with zuijin (guardian deities) placed on either side of the front.
There is a sliding door in the center of the main hall's back, which might allow access to the interior, though its purpose is unknown.
Next to the worship hall is a two-story gabled Naorai Hall.
Opposite the worship hall stands the Kagura Hall with a hipped roof.
Both were built in Kyowa 2 (1802).
The Kagura Hall is built at the same height as the precincts by extending the pillars under the floor due to the slope behind it.
The surrounding walls are open, with a movable stage inside.