中山神社
695 Ichinomiya, Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture
Mimasaka Province's Ichinomiya.
The name "Nakayama" was previously read as "Chuzan" or "Chuzen."
At the entrance of the approach continuing from the south side of the shrine stands a large stone torii gate.
This torii, called Nakayama Torii, has a kasagi (top lintel) with a curve like a Myojin Torii and a nuki (horizontal tie beam) that does not penetrate the pillars.
The shrine gate built at the end of the approach is designated as a cultural property of Tsuyama City.
Originally located in the Ninomaru of Tsuyama Castle, the gate was moved to Nakayama Shrine after the castle was abolished in the Meiji period.
The roof of the gate is supported by two main pillars with a gabled roof covered in cypress bark.
The lack of decoration and carvings, and the high eaves, are remnants of its use as a castle gate.
The shrine buildings are enclosed by a sacred fence, with a gabled gate at the entrance.
The worship hall is a hirairi (side-entrance) irimoya-style building, with a simple design devoid of prominent carvings or decorations.
A large shimenawa (sacred rope) hangs under the gabled porch, with the main hall situated behind the worship hall.
The main hall is a typical Nakayama-zukuri style building with a gabled roof spanning three bays.
This unique architectural style is seen in Mimasaka Province, notably in the main halls of Takano Shrine and Mimasaka Sosha Shrine.
The current main hall was constructed in 1559 by the Amago clan.
It features a gabled entrance porch and is covered with cypress bark shingles.
Nakayama Shrine once had 112 subsidiary shrines, but only five remain today.
The Sojinden, built on the left side of the worship hall, enshrines the deities of the burned-down subsidiary shrines.
Further back are the Kokushi Shrine and Misaki Shrine on the steps, with the Sarugami Shrine at the farthest point.
| Location | 695 Ichinomiya, Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture |
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| Website | None |
| Deities | Kagutsukuri no Kami, Amatsunukado no Kami, Ishikoridome no Kami |
| Main Hall | National Important Cultural Property Eiroku 2 (1559) |
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| Architectural Style | Nakayama-zukuri, 3 bays by 3 bays, cypress bark roof |
| Shrine Gate | City Important Cultural Property Meiji 7 (1874) |
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| Architectural Style | Yakuimon, gabled roof, cypress bark roof |