The Chūryū-ji Shrine in Yamanashi Prefecture is dedicated to the worship of Shimenawa-no-kami and Hiedaka-no-kami, two kami believed to have created a canal through the mountains that connected Lake Kawaguchi with Lake Sai. The shrine's architecture reflects the local Edo period style, featuring a unique curved roof design. Visitors can experience the shrine's rich history by walking along the Shimenawa-no-kami's sacred pathway.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- null
- Kami enshrined
- null
- Coordinates
- 35.6372294, 138.4977799
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's history, visitors can follow the Shimenawa-no-kami's sacred pathway along the mountain, which offers breathtaking views of Lake Kawaguchi and the surrounding mountains.
Cultural notes
The Chūryū-ji Shrine is known for its unique festival, 'Shinmei no Saito,' where participants carry a 7-meter-tall wooden pole adorned with lanterns and prayers are made to Shimenawa-no-kami and Hiedaka-no-kami.
Historical note
Founded in 1649 during the Edo period, Chūryū-ji Shrine was originally built as a votive shrine to commemorate the completion of the canal.