Kandani Shrine, Shinto shrine and National Treasure in Sakaide, Japan
Kandani Shrine is a Shinto shrine and designated National Treasure in Sakaide with a main hall featuring three bays, a cypress bark thatched roof, and traditional design from the Kamakura period. The structure showcases carefully crafted wooden pillars built using distinct woodworking methods that reflect its documented historical construction.
The shrine was founded in 812 and ranks among the oldest shrine buildings in Japan with confirmed construction dating and historical records. This early establishment and its preserved building structure make it an important example of shrines from that period.
The shrine honors three deities following Shinto tradition, including Kagu-tsuchi the fire god. Visitors can sense how these divine figures remain important to local religious life today.
The shrine is located at 621 Kandanicho and can be reached in about 25 minutes by car from JR Sakaide Station. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since the grounds are explored on foot and terrain may be uneven.
The wooden pillars display two distinct finishing techniques: round pillars shaped using the yariganna method and squared pillars with mendori edges. These craftsmanship differences offer insight into the specialized carpentry skills of that era.
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