Nishina shinmeigu

National Treasure - Kinbara Clan Architecture

Located in a village south of Omachi City, the shrine's forest is designated as a natural monument with towering cedar trees. The Nishioka Shinmei Shrine, related to Ise Jingu, is one of four Shinmei shrines in Shinano.

After passing through the village and the first torii gate, you enter a serene shrine grounds surrounded by tall cedar trees, with various wooden shrines dedicated to related deities.

Ascending the stone steps, you'll find the third torii gate, relocated from Ise Jingu in 1993, leading to the shrine's main gate. Unlike many shrines in Nagano, this shrine features a main gate, a worship hall, a middle gate, a connecting hall, and the main hall.

The worship hall, with a three-bay wide and two-bay deep gabled roof structure, stands elevated, housing a mirror and other sacred items. Behind it is the middle gate.

Behind the middle gate are the main hall and the temporary shrine, used during the deity transfer ceremonies. The main hall is a three-bay wide and two-bay deep Shinmei-zukuri style with prominent roof support columns and cypress bark roofing.

The main hall's pillars stand on natural stone bases, with foot and stabilizing beams for support. The roof features six layers of wooden shingles, creating an impressive and serene structure within the towering cedar forest.