塩野神社
1681 Maeyama, Ueda City
Shiono Shrine is located in Maeyama, Ueda City, with its inner shrine on Mount Tokko. The area is known for cultural architecture, such as the Maeyama Temple Three-storied Pagoda and the Anrakuji Temple Three-storied Pagoda in Bessho Onsen. Shiono Shrine is mentioned in the Engishiki and features intricate carvings and unique architectural styles in its main and worship halls.
Upon entering the shrine grounds, you can see subsidiary shrines such as Kami-Suwa Shrine and Shimo-Suwa Shrine. The shrine is surrounded by a dense forest of impressive cedar trees, with sunlight filtering through the leaves creating a striking atmosphere. Passing through the third torii gate in front of the shrine office, you cross a taiko bridge over the Shionogawa River.
Crossing the taiko bridge, the tower-style worship hall stands prominently ahead. Known as the Chokushiden, it is a rare two-story shrine building. The lower floor features a corridor ceiling, and the upper floor has windows. The hall's wooden construction creates a unique atmosphere in the dim forest. While not heavily decorated with carvings, the brackets under the eaves are impressive, with protruding brackets and double rafters catching the eye.
The intricate carvings on the main hall's eaves and the deeply sculpted guardian deities are noteworthy.
The main hall behind the worship hall is of single bay flowing style, notable for its detailed carvings. The carving patterns include clouds on the bargeboards, celestial maidens on the gables, and various animals on the lateral walls, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of the mid-Edo period.
Decorative carvings include tigers and peonies on the side screens, dragons on the small gable brackets, and rabbits in waves on the front rainbow beam, making it an early example of richly carved local architecture from the Edo period.
| Location | 1681 Maeyama, Ueda City |
|---|---|
| Website | None |
| Deities | Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto, Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto |
| Main Hall | Ueda City Tangible Cultural Property Kan'en 3 (1750) |
|---|---|
| Carpenter | Tadabei Sueno |
| Architectural Style | Single bay flowing style, copper roof |
| Worship Hall | City Designated Cultural Property Kanpo 3 (1743) |
|---|---|
| Carpenter | Tadabei Sueno |
| Architectural Style | Single bay tower style, hip-and-gable roof, copper roof |