Atsuta jinja

Atsuta Shrine, dedicated to the deity of fire, was founded by enshrining deities from Atsuta Jingu in Nagoya during the Battle of Okehazama involving Oda Nobunaga and Imagawa Yoshimoto. The shrine is nestled in the mountainside within the village and is designated as a prefectural treasure and important cultural property. Directions are clearly marked for easy access, although parking is limited. It serves as the village guardian, enshrining the deity Yamato Takeru.

Passing through the torii gate, a purification trough is on the right, and the dance hall, a cultural asset of the former Hase Village, is on the left. The dance hall, once in front of the main hall, was moved for convenience. It serves as a stage for local residents to perform dances and plays, reflecting the cultural creativity of the community.

The main hall, enclosed by a protective structure behind the worship hall, is adorned with vibrant colors and intricate carvings, characteristic of the highly ornate Edo period style. These decorations extend to the base, transoms, and three-tiered bracket complexes between horizontal beams and pillars.

The carvings on the base, beams, transoms, and lateral screens resemble those found in the Kangiin Seiden Hall in Saitama Prefecture, both designated as important cultural properties. The vibrant colors and extensive carvings on the main hall, visible through gaps in the protective structure, captivate visitors, even those without specialized knowledge.