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The vermilion-lacquered Romon Gate and Tamabashi Bridge make a vivid impression |
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The Ichino Torii Gate and Nino Torii Gate (first and second torii gates) lead to the shrine grounds. Going across the small stream to the rear of the Hosodono Hall, you can see the Romon Gate, a vermilion-lacquered two-storied structure with a corridor running to the left and right. This structure has been specified as an important cultural property. With the Honden and Gonden Halls in the background, the Romon Gate is an imposing sight. Going through this Romon Gate, you come to the Honden Hall on the east and the Gonden Hall on the west, constructed symmetrically on the left and right. Kamowakeikazuchi-no-kami is enshrined in both of these halls, and special pray ceremonies open to the public are scheduled here. Also, in front of the Romon Gate there is the vermilion-lacquered Tamabashi Bridge crossing the Omonoigawa River. This is a beautiful arched bridge with a parapet, and the bridge is only used during religious ceremonies held at the shrine, when the Shinto priests involved cross the bridge. At all other times, ropes are used to block entrance to the bridge and normal visitors cannot cross over the bridge.
In addition, on the east side of the Tamabashi Bridge, there is the Kataoka Shrine. This shrine is an auxiliary shrine dedicated to Tamayorihime-no-mikoto (Kamowakeikazuchi-no-kami's mother) and it is at the head of the list of such auxiliary shrines. Tradition has it that Tamayorihime-no-mikoto came down the Nara-no-ogawa River with an arrow in her hand and blessed Kamowakeikazuchi-no-kami, and from ancient times, people have worshiped at the Kataoka Shrine as a guardian shrine for the god of marriage and to be blessed with children. The famous historical poet Murasakishikibu visited the shrine many times, praying for the realization of love, and leaving many poems on the subject. Visitors here can offer their prayers on a votive picture decorated with aoi wild ginger leaves in a heart shape. Furthermore, on the west side of the Kataoka Shrine, there is the roofed Kataokabashi Bridge, specified as an important cultural property. This is a very small structure down to the columns and crossbeams, but the structure still has precisely placed roof tiles made of the bark of Japanese cypress hinoki trees. |
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| Romon Gate |
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| Tamabashi Bridge |
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| Kataokasha Shrine |
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