Hakusansya satomiya

Shirayama Shrine in Iida City is divided into a Satomiya (lower shrine) and an Okumiya (upper shrine), with the Okumiya situated just below the summit of Mt. Kazekoshi behind the Satomiya. The Satomiya is located at the entrance to the hiking trail. The shrine is said to have been established in 718. During the Edo period, it was known as Shirayama Temple, reflecting the era's syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism. At that time, the Satomiya housed structures such as the Nio Gate, Honjido Hall, and Jibutsudo Hall, while the Okumiya featured the Fudodo Hall and a five-story pagoda. In the Meiji era, the temple was renamed Shirayama Shrine Satomiya following the Shinbutsu bunri (separation of Shinto and Buddhism) decree, and the buildings were demolished.

As the starting point for the hiking trail to the summit of Mt. Kazekoshi, the shrine is situated on a slope overlooking Iida City. Passing through the stone torii gate, you will see the large Zuishinmon Gate at the top of the stone steps. The Zuishinmon Gate, designated as a cultural property of Iida City, was built in 1828. It features a large overhanging gabled roof with a karahafu (curved gable) on the front and is covered with pantiles.

The gate is adorned with intricate carvings, including sculptures of immortals on the wooden brackets and the twelve zodiac signs on the ceiling. The panels feature dragons, karajishi (Chinese lions), hawks, and other carvings typical of the late Edo period's ornate style.

Beyond the Zuishinmon Gate, the path continues up stone steps to the main hall of worship, which was originally built as a Gomado Hall. Following the Shinbutsu bunri decree in the Meiji era, it was repurposed as the main hall of worship. Built in 1733, the hall features a hirairi-irimoya style roof with elaborate carvings, including lions, baku (mythical creatures), and flowers on the wooden brackets, and dragons on the four corners.

The main hall was relocated from the treasure hall of Suwa Taisha Upper Shrine Main Shrine. It features a gabled roof with chigi and katsuogi (decorative logs) and is surrounded by a sacred fence. The shrine is nestled among large trees and bamboo groves, creating a vibrant green sanctuary.