After crossing the Masuda River, my route is now up a trail that leads from a arge torii on the riverbank up to a shrine in the village up above.
Apparently the shrine was originally down here at several sites on the waters edge but was moved after a tsunami in the 11th century.
There are several Buddhist statues and altars on the way up as there used to be 3 temples associated with the shrine but they were all closed in 1868 with the separation of buddhas and Kami.
The original shrine was established very early in the 8th century and is connected to a myth of the Kushiro Clan. Originally from what is now southern Osaka, they are said to be "pioneers" who immigrated here.
A little further up the coast in Kamate are a couple of "islands" just offshore, a male one and a female one. Kushirogahime is the female kami enshrined here, and Kushishikiamenohiko the male. The male is enshrined much further up the coast, not far from my place.
The male comes down to the islands to meet his wife. If in their meeting they agree then a rainbow forms between the two islands. It is said it is rare.
The husband covers his head and face with a scarf, and as it slips to reveal his face, that is the source of the waxing and waning of the moon.
The shrine is listed in the Engi Shiki, meaning it received offering from the Imperial Court.
The shrine was also well supported by the Masuda Clan.
An old, wooden mask from the Edo Period....
A more modern style of mask made from local paper. The kind of mask I make.
The current main hall was built in 1765, but reused some of the materials from the rebuilding in 1548.
At some point, Hachiman was enshrined here as well. The shrine is in possession of the oldest kami statue in Shimane.
The kami is dressed as a Buddhist monk, so it is almost certainly a Hachiman statue.
No idea what these lobsters are about.... they look real creepy.
The shrine has a small pair of stone komainu that were brought from Shikoku.
The shrine is home to 3 "Great Rites", a sumo, a lion dance, and a needle ritual.
The origin of the three rites was in the time when the shrine was to be relocated and two groups from different villages argued over where it should be. It turned physical and an old lady intervened and in the process lost her favorite needle.
The previous post was on the walk along the beach and across the river mouths to get here.
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