八坂神社
3684-1 Satoyamabe, Matsumoto City
Located in Satoyamabe, Matsumoto City, this shrine is surrounded by sprawling fields and farmland.
The shrine grounds are covered by a dense grove of trees, and the spacious grounds house various shrine structures.
At the entrance, a *ryōbu-torii* (double-pillared torii) greets visitors. Passing through the torii, you will see the *kagura-den* (sacred dance stage) directly in front.
In 1549, during the era of Ogasawara Nagatoki, the local ruler, an investigation into the shrine's origins was conducted, though the details remain unclear. It was originally called *Tenno-gū* (Heavenly King Shrine) and was worshipped as such.
The main hall, located behind the *haiden* (worship hall), is built in the *nagare-zukuri* style with a three-bay layout.
The large thatched roof is an impressive feature, and the ridge tablet indicates that the structure was built in 1744.
Rounded pillars are used in the structure, and the eaves feature a double-layer of rafters, while the protruding section utilizes chamfered square pillars.
This shrine was constructed by master carpenter Tazaemon, a skilled craftsman from Yamakōji in Higashimachi, Matsumoto Castle Town.
