Minashi jinja

Along the JR Takayama Main Line, head south on National Route 41 from Takayama City. Near Hida Ichinomiya Station stands Minashi Shrine, the main shrine of Hida Province. Surrounded by fields and mountains, it is a serene village shrine. The enshrined deity is Minashi-no-Kami, with the reading being uncertain, either "Minashi" or "Mizunashi." The founding date is unknown, but it was called Minashi Daibosatsu in the Kamakura period and Minashi Daimyojin or Minashi Hachimangu in the Edo period.

From the national road, a large stone Myojin torii gate is visible, with parking available. Passing through the torii, you enter a spacious shrine ground with gravel. On the left is the ema hall, built by Nagachika Kanamori in the Edo period, housing many ema (votive pictures), including works by Hidari Jingoro.

Facing the shrine grounds is the gate with corridors extending on both sides. A stone-paved path leads straight to the worship hall, but the main hall cannot be seen from the front. The main hall is in the shinmei-zukuri style with katsuogi (ornamental logs). Surrounded by a deep grove, the shrine has a calm and expansive atmosphere.