Mizukamifunayama jinja

Inari Shrine behind the lantern

It is said that the shrine was established as a guardian shrine by enshrining the deity from Suwa Taisha when the Shimogawara Inn on the Hokuriku Highway was established in the 8th year of Keicho (1603).

Donated lantern by waitress

Passing through the torii gate, there is a stone lantern called the "Waitress Donated Lantern" on the right side of the main hall.
Designated as a tangible cultural property of Chikuma City, this lantern was donated in Tenpo 10 (1837) by 52 waitresses working at the inn with the inn owners at the Inari Shrine.
The current shrine was rebuilt in the first year of Kansei.

It is a one-bay Nagare-zukuri with a Kara-hafu on the front of the eaves and a shingle roof.
The roof, previously exposed to the elements, has been restored.
The building is unpainted, with natural wood as the main material, and follows typical late Edo period techniques, with notable architectural carvings demonstrating the craftsmanship of Chozaburo Shimiya.

Noteworthy carvings by Chozaburo Shimiya include the dragons on the transom, the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, and the turtles and flying dragons on the support brackets, showcasing his dynamic and delicate craftsmanship.

This main hall shares similar styles, carving techniques, and themes with the Hokumai Suwa Shrine (Shiojiri City), also created by Shimiya.

Ascending dragon

Descending dragon