In the town of Narai, Nagano Prefecture, lies the Shitennō-ji Temple, a historic temple that was originally built in 711 CE and rebuilt after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. The main hall, known as the 'San-byōden', is said to be one of Japan's most beautiful temples. Visitors can see the temple's impressive wooden architecture, including its iconic San-byōden, which features an intricately designed ceiling with a complex system of wooden beams and supports that hold up the roof without visible nails or rivets.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto
- Kami enshrined
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Tenzai-inari, Shinobazu-no-Kami
- Coordinates
- 36.6919874, 138.3158297
Visitor tip
To avoid lines, it is recommended to visit the temple early in the morning or later in the evening. Also, be mindful of your belongings as pickpocketing is common.
Historical note
The Shitennō-ji Temple was rebuilt in 1930 after being damaged during World War II.