Araki Shrine, Shinto shrine in Takayama, Japan.
Araki Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Takayama featuring wooden shingle roofing and architectural elements from the Muromachi period. The building showcases the craftsmanship and proportions characteristic of its era.
The shrine was established in 927 and became one of eight official shrines in the Hida region. It underwent major reconstruction in 1390, a period of significant religious reorganization in the area.
The shrine honors Kahaku Daimyojin, a deity associated with rivers and water, through annual ceremonies featuring lion dances and traditional musical performances. These observances are woven into the local spiritual life and reflect the community's connection to water and nature.
The shrine sits within walking distance of central Takayama with easy access. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the grounds include stairs and uneven paths.
Children perform the Kaneuchi lion dance ceremony here, recognized as an Important Prefectural Intangible Cultural Asset. This practice shows how ancient traditions stay alive through the involvement of younger generations.
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