美作総社宮
Soja, Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture
The Soja Shrine enshrines all the deities of Mimasaka Province, including the Ichinomiya Nakayama Shrine and Ninomiya.
It is said that approximately 1400 years ago, the deity Omikami-no-mikoto was enshrined at a location 1 kilometer west of here.
It has been worshiped by many people as one of the three major shrines of Mimasaka, and has received donations and offerings from the provincial lords.
Enter the shrine through the stone torii at the entrance, and follow the long approach path gently upwards to reach the stone steps.
In the shrine grounds, there is a worship hall (irimoya-zukuri style) at the front, with a large main hall behind it.
The main hall was constructed by Mouri Motonari in 1569 and extensively repaired by the Mori clan in 1657.
It is a characteristic example of Nakayama-zukuri style of Mimasaka and is known as a representative structure of the Momoyama period.
| Location | Soja, Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture |
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| Website | None |
| Main Hall | National Important Cultural Property Built in 1569 (Eiroku 12) |
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| Architectural Style | Hōsangensha Nakayama-zukuri, cypress bark roof |