Kumano Shrine Bishamondo is home to the largest wooden statue in Japan of Bishamonten, the God of War. It was designated as an important cultural asset in the 1970s and moved from the Bishamondo (former wooden hall dating from the medieval period where this statue was originally installed) into an exhibition hall with other statues. This shrine that has stood for more than 1,000 years in the country hills outside of Towa City secretly guards many stories and items of interest in its ancient precincts.
- 1 min read
Giant Wooden Statue of Bishamonten
Japan's largest standing wooden statue of Bishamonten
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By Sarashanti
Community writer

The great Bishamonten with other old statues inside a new, purpose-built storage building. The statue itself is more than 1,000 years old and was carved from a single cypress tree. (Photo: Mifthanzi Ariana Sarashanti)

Tsuchizawa Station in Towa City is the closest station to Kumano Shrine Bishamondo (Bishamon Hall). (Photo: Mifthanzi Ariana Sarashanti)

Stones of a Mandala in the grounds of a temple along the road to Kumano Shrine. (Photo: Mifthanzi Ariana Sarashanti)

An small shrine on the way to Kumano Shrine. (Photo: Mifthanzi Ariana Sarashanti)

The beautiful country scenery of Towa-cho surrounds the road to the shrine. (Photo: Mifthanzi Ariana Sarashanti)

Long steps that lead up to the main entrance of Kumano Shrine. Access is also possible by car. (Photo: Mifthanzi Ariana Sarashanti)

The shiny, red torii (gate) that marks the entrance to the shrine. (Photo: Mifthanzi Ariana Sarashanti)

Old and high Japanese cypress trees that fill the shrine precincts. One tree in particular oji-sugi (old-man cypress) is known to be over 1,000 years old. (Photo: Mifthanzi Ariana Sarashanti)

Omikuji. Visitors to the shrine tie their wishes on to the rope. (Photo: Mifthanzi Ariana Sarashanti)

Area for nakizumo (cry baby sumo wrestling) tournament. (Photo: Mifthanzi Ariana Sarashanti)

Main hall of Kumano Shrine and area for nakizumo (cry baby sumo wrestling) that stand side by side. (Photo: Mifthanzi Ariana Sarashanti)

Old wooden Bishamondo (Bishamon hall) that was built in the 15th century (Muromachi period 1333-1573). (Photo: Mifthanzi Ariana Sarashanti)

Moss covered komainu guard of the Bishamondo (Bishamon Hall). (Photo: Mifthanzi Ariana Sarashanti)

One of the sacred symbols of the shrine God represented by a mirror. (Photo: Mifthanzi Ariana Sarashanti)

Swords of wisdom to remove blindness and clear the mind of distracting thoughts. (Photo: Mifthanzi Ariana Sarashanti)

Shadows of Bishamonten cast from many directions are projected on to the pu (Photo: Mifthanzi Ariana Sarashanti)

God of the earth that carries Bishamonten with her two hands. (Photo: Mifthanzi Ariana Sarashanti)

Face of Bishamonten who carries a spear in the right hand and stupa (Buddhist tower) in the left hand. (Photo: Mifthanzi Ariana Sarashanti)

Main entrance gate of Kumano Shrine Bishamonten. (Photo: Mifthanzi Ariana Sarashanti)

Beautiful view from top of the stairs just before you enter the Kumano Shrine Bishamondo (Bishamon Hall). (Photo: Mifthanzi Ariana Sarashanti)
Join the discussion
Olga
9 years ago
I was just reading about Bishamonten today!
Justin Velgus
10 years ago
Amazing! I really want to see this =)
2 comments in total
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