The traditional Japanese architecture of the entrance gate of Kantakeyama Shinen will invite visitors to the sacred world where Daimyojin is enshrined.

Chozu-bachi (wash-basin) is made of stone from the foundation stone used for building the old third gateway. The rag stone inserted in the north-south direction indicates that the main building faces the west-south direction rather than due south.

Located just behind the main building, from ancient times, Nanba-no-koike has been considered as a sacred spring deeply related to the origin of Samukawa-jinja Shrine. In Tsuina-sai held on January 2, after offering the spring water drawn into a bamboo container to the enshrined deity, it will be sprinkled on the earth of the precincts for expelling evil spirits.

The place for worshiping Daimyojin from behind the shrine. Here worshippers reverentially fold their hands and gratefully express appreciation.

Entering through Uchimon, one is led to the Chisen-Kaiyushiki garden (Japanese style garden with a path around a central pond and spring). Traditionally, the tea ceremony uses a classification scheme that includes “Shin”( formal), “Gyou” (flowing), “Sou” (free)to describe the quality of implements. Following this classification, Uchimon refers to the kekkai (boundary) at which the world of the sacred “shin” returns to the mundane world of “Sou.”

The Chozu-bachi, it is made of stone taken from the foundation stone used for the old third gateway (torii), from where spring water flows forth. The scenery resembles yin-yang philosophy in its storing of primal energy for Happo-yoke.

This is an authentic tea house that includes a gate called “Baiken-mon” (“plum viewing gate”) and a waiting space called “Koshikake Machiai.” It is open one day a month.

Mioya Shrine is a subsidiary shrine located behind the main building.

Kantakeyama Shinen is the place where kami and people gather together to enjoy the changes of the seasons.  Powdered green tea (matcha) and traditional Japanese sweets will be served as part of “Shin-jin-wa-raku” during which time is devoted to the kami.

Open Hours
From 9:30 to 15:30
Please enjoy aromatic matcha tea and seasonal sweets while looking out at the panoramic view of the garden.
Charge : From ￥500

A dance dedicated to the kami called “kagura” and Japanese court music called “gagaku” will be performed on the stage covered with Aji-ishi stones(one of three major types of granite in Japan) from Shikoku. The performance can be seen from the rest house “Waraku-tei.” Visitors can enjoy themselves within the natural beauty of the scene.

Documents concerning “Happo-yoke” of Samukawa-daimyojin are displayed so that visitors can learn the history of Samukawa-jinja Shrine and faith in Happo-yoke.