On January the 2nd 2020, we visited Shinto shrines in Shiga Prefecture. First, we visited Namura Jinja Shrine（苗村神社）. It composed of a national treasure and important cultural properties.
This is the tower gate of Namura Jinja. It was built during Muromachi Period, and one of the largests among Japanese architecture in this district.
This is the East Main Shrine, originally built during Muromachi Period. It worships Ohkuninushinomikoto（大国主命）, Kotoshironushinokami（事代主神）and Susanoonomikoto（素戔嗚尊）. Ohkuninushinomikoto is a main god of native Japanese, and Susanoonomikoto is one of the main gods of immigrant Japanese. Kotoshironushinonkami is a son of Ohkuninuhsinomikoto.
The shrines are surrounded by ancient Japanese tombs of powerful families in this district, which were founded during the latter half of A.D. 6 C.
The front shrine of Namura Jinja.
This is the West Main Shrine, built during Kamakura Period. It worships Namurahikogami（那牟羅彦神）, Namurahimegami（那牟羅姫神）and Kuninosadzuchinomikoto（国狭槌尊）. The first two are domestic god and goddess of this district, ruling craftworks. Kuninosadzuchinomikoto is one of the original founder gods/goddesses of Japan.
This is Hachimansha Main Shrine, built during Muromachi Period. It has a rare example of the entrance opened on the left side of the shrine.
This is Juzenjisha Main Shrine, built during Muromachi Period. It worships monkeys and related to Hieizan temple.
These monkeys are for protecting against misfortune and a guard for children.
This is Mikamijinja Shrine（御上神社）, originally founded by a member of famous powerful family, Fuhito Fijiwara（藤原不比等）. It composed of a national treasure and important cultural properties. It worships Amenomikagenomikoto（天之御影命）, a grandson of the sun goddess, Amaterasuoomikami（天照大神）. He prevents fires. This district was once governed by an ancient powerful family (A.D. 5-6 C), and 24 Japanese bronze bells were found on the top of Mt. Mikamiyama（三上山）.
Happy New Year!
