熊野出速雄神社
5454, Toyosaka, Matsushiro Town, Nagano City
Unique Kumano-style
Shrine in Nagano
Kumano Izasuwake Shrine, also known as Minakami Shrine, is located atop Mount Minakami in the Matsushiro area. The narrow road to the shrine barely accommodates passing cars.
Northern Nagano is known for shugendo practice areas like Togakushi Shrine and Kosuge Shrine. Kumano Izasuwake Shrine also thrived as a shugendo site. Nearby, there is a spawning ground for the black salamander, a natural monument of Nagano City. The approach to the shrine includes a torii gate, Zuishinmon gate, and paths flanked by Tenmangu Shrine and the shrine office. The shrine is a quiet place surrounded by sacred groves.
The main hall is a large irimoya-zukuri with intricate carvings on the rainbow beams. The exact construction date is unknown, but it is a serene, well-maintained space for visitors.
The main hall can be viewed by following the stone lantern-lined path beside the worship hall. It is a large building with a 5-ken (bay) by 3-ken structure, similar to Togakushi Shrine, with an inner and outer hall. The roof is irimoya-zukuri, and the structure has a T-shaped ridge. The current layout dates back to renovations in 1768, and older elements date back to the Momoyama period, making it a unique Kumano shrine in the prefecture.
The building materials span various periods, with the oldest presumed to date back to the Momoyama period. As a Kumano shrine, it is a distinctive structure within the prefecture.
| Location | 5454, Toyosaka, Matsushiro Town, Nagano City |
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| Website | None |
| Deities | Izahaya-no-mikoto, Izanagi-no-mikoto, Izanami-no-mikoto, Hayatamano-mikoto, Yomotsu-kotoshironushi-no-mikoto, Emperor Jomei, Prince Furudae |
| Main Hall | Prefectural Treasure Late Muromachi Period (estimated) |
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| Architectural Style | 5-ken by 3-ken, Kasuga-zukuri, gabled entrance, iron-plated roof |