Kanasana Shrine

Shinto Shrine in Saitama
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Kanasana Shrine
Religion
AffiliationShinto
DeityAmaterasu
Susanoo
Glossary of Shinto

Kanasana Shrine (Kanasana Jinja, 金鑚神社) is a Shinto shrine located in Kamikawa, Saitama.[1][2][3] The shrine worships Amaterasu alongside Susanoo-no-Mikoto.

It is a mid-range ranked Imperial shrine (Kanpei-chūsha),[3] and is a Ninomiya of Musashi Province, or a second rank shrine in the province after the Ichinomiya, and is commonly called "Ninomiya-sama".[2] It is considered a prestigious shrines in the Saitama Prefecture.[4] The shrine is believed to have been founded when Yamato Takeru hid the tools of fire in Mount Ōmuro.[4] Every November 23 it hosts a firestone festival (火金鑚祭, Hikiri Shinji)[2]

Overview

Kanasana Shrine is in Kamikawa, in the northwest of Saitama Prefecture, at an elevation of 343 meters at the base of Mount Mitake. The shrine overlooks the Kannagawa river, which demarcates the border between Saitama and Gunma prefectures. According to legend, following his achievements in the eastern regions, Prince Yamato Takeru placed a hikirigane (a metal instrument used for kindling fire) here as a tribute to the revered deities, Susanoo and Amaterasu.[1]

Etymology

The name "Kanasana" originates from the term for "iron sand," highlighting the high-quality iron sand from the Kannagawa River used in traditional sword making. Mount Mitake is steeped in mythology, with legends indicating the presence of iron and copper deposits. Archaeological evidence suggests human settlement in the area dating back between 15,000 and 20,000 years (to the Jomon period, likely for metal mining.[1]

Architecture

The shrine has a large shinboku camphor tree, and includes a tahōtō pagoda dated from 1534[5]

The shrine omits a Honden (main hall) as the mountain behind it is considered the shrine's Shintai.[4][2] It is one of only three major shrines that continue the practice of direct Mountain Worship via Kannabi alongside Ōmiwa Shrine and Suwa-taisha.[6][1] In this case the Kannabi is Mimurogatake, a visible peak of Mount Mitake from the shrine's worship hall.[1]

Tahoto
Mitake no Kagami Iwa

Above the shrine is an expansive slickenslide, a smooth rock surface spanning 9 meters with a 4-meter height, showcases a mirrored finish. Scientists attribute its sheen to the intense friction resulting from the Hachiōji tectonic line's emergence around 100 million years ago. Recognized for its geological significance, this rock was designated a national special natural monument in 1956.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Keeping Ancient Mountain Worship Alive at Saitama's Kanasana Shrine". nippon.com. 2018-07-08. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
  2. ^ a b c d "Glossary of Shinto Names and Terms: K". www2.kokugakuin.ac.jp. Retrieved 2023-04-06.
  3. ^ a b Ponsonby-Fane, R. A. B. (2016-05-11). Studies In Shinto & Shrines (1st ed.). Routledge. p. 383. ISBN 978-1-138-98322-9.
  4. ^ a b c "Kanasana Shrine｜CHOCOTABI SAITAMA". CHOCOTABI SAITAMA (in Japanese). Retrieved 2023-10-01.
  5. ^ "Keeping Ancient Mountain Worship Alive at Saitama's Kanasana Shrine". nippon.com. 2018-07-08. Retrieved 2023-10-18.
  6. ^ Cali, Joseph; Dougill, John (2012). Shinto Shrines: A Guide to the Sacred Sites of Japan's Ancient Religion. Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press. p. 195. ISBN 978-0-8248-3775-4.
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