武水別神社
3012 Yawata, Chikuma City
Takemizuwake Shrine, known locally as "Yawata no Hachiman-san," is a prominent cultural site in Chikuma City. The shrine features large, impressive buildings and is surrounded by an old-fashioned streetscape along the highway. A grand torii gate marks the entrance, blending seamlessly with the scenery.
The shrine was established to pray for bountiful harvests in the Zenkoji Plain and to prevent flooding from the nearby Chikuma River. Today, it is also known for traffic safety protection.
Upon entering the shrine grounds through the torii gate, three small shrines dedicated to different deities can be seen on the left. These are known as Akiba Shrines, each enshrining a deity to protect the local community from natural forces.
The first noticeable structure in the shrine grounds is the brightly painted Korasha. This small, single-bay flowing style shrine, constructed in the 16th century during the Muromachi period, features simple but elegant architecture. Renovated in 1993, it now showcases a vivid red color. Its understated design, lacking rafters, and the use of boat-shaped brackets make it a unique example of Muromachi period shrine architecture.
The shrine grounds also include various smaller shrines and decorative carvings, adding to its charm.
The worship hall in front of the main hall was constructed in 1856 by Yahei Minemura under the supervision of the second-generation Takigawa Tomimasa. The large gabled roof, adorned with carvings of lions, tapirs, and delicate floral patterns, adds grandeur to the building. Originally roofed with tiles, it was re-roofed with copper plates in 1982.
The main hall is a large structure with distinctive katsuogi (decorative logs) on the roof. It spans three bays in width and six bays in depth, allowing it to accommodate many people for prayers and ceremonies. As a substantial example of a three-bay flowing style shrine, it measures approximately 9 meters along the eaves and over 11 meters along the gables.
Intricate carvings can be seen on various parts of the shrine, particularly on the gables. The foundation features large bracket complexes, crucial for supporting the massive structure. Observing the base closely reveals a small statue seated on the foundation, adding a charming detail. The shrine grounds are dotted with many smaller shrines, offering visitors plenty to explore beyond the main and worship halls.
| Location | 3012 Yawata, Chikuma City |
|---|---|
| Website | http://takemizuwake.web.fc2.com/ |
| Deities | Takemizuwake Shrine: Amenomikumari-no-Kami, Kuni-no-Mikumari-no-Kami, Hondawake-no-Mikoto, Okinaga-Tarashihime-no-Mikoto, Hime-no-Okami. Korasha: Takenouchi-no-Sukune |
| Main Hall | Kaei 3 (1850) |
|---|---|
| Carpenter | Takigawa Washiro Tomimasa |
| Architectural Style | Three-bay flowing style, iron roof |
| Worship Hall | Ansei 3 (1856) |
|---|---|
| Carpenters | Takigawa Washiro, Yahei Minemura |
| Architectural Style | Six-bay, three-bay, hip-and-gable roof, copper roof |
| Korasha | Prefectural Treasure Estimated early 16th century |
|---|---|
| Architectural Style | Single-bay flowing style, iron roof |