If you go to Nagatoro in Saitama Prefecture to see Iwadatami, you should definitely visit Hodosan Shrine to admire the beautifully painted wood carvings that decorate under the eaves and even the foundations of the main hall. This shrine has many special events. I visited there extremely early in the morning, yet there were quite a few other people there for the priest to perform a special service praying for health.
- 1 min read
Hodosan Shrine in Nagatoro
Mountain shrine with beautifully painted carvings

By Cathy Cawood
Community writer

Fabulous dragon

White torii with gold decoration

Purification font

Wealth of decoration under the eaves of the main hall

Nice tiger!

Left-over Tanabata decorations

Even the foundations were not forgotten!

The main hall

White elephant

Roof decorations

Stack of decorated buckets

The purication font

Ema - wooden tablets with prayer requests
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Join the discussion
Lynda Hogan
4 years ago
One of my all time favorite shrines in all of Japan!
Elizabeth S
4 years ago
The carvings are typical, but the paint!
A fitting shrine for Emperor Jimmu.
A fitting shrine for Emperor Jimmu.
Elena Lisina
8 years ago
It reminds me Nikko - very beautiful!
3 comments in total
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A fitting shrine for Emperor Jimmu.