What keidaisha means
Keidaisha is a general term for the smaller shrines within a shrine precinct other than the main shrine. It covers sessha, which enshrine deities closely related to the main deity, and massha, which enshrine others; together they are also called setsumassha. They usually stand beside or behind the main sanctuary or in a corner of the grounds.
Though small, their buildings sometimes follow the same form and design as the main sanctuary and form part of the shrine group. One-bay and three-bay buildings in the Nagare-zukuri or Kasuga-zukuri form are common.
Reading the records
Records describe the form and position of a keidaisha. At Kayashima Shrine in Hiezu, Tottori, the Toyouke shrine stands west of the main sanctuary and the Tenjin shrine east of it, both facing south and both three-bay nagare-zukuri buildings of the misedana type. The record for the Tenjin shrine says it matches the Toyouke shrine exactly in size and form and, set opposite it, forms part of the traditional precinct as a keidaisha of refined design.
On site, look for small shrine buildings around the main sanctuary and check the name tablet or signboard for the deity. A symmetrical placing of keidaisha on either side of the main sanctuary helps in reading how the precinct is laid out.
References
- 蚊屋島神社豊受社｜国指定文化財等データベース（文化庁）
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00012629
- 蚊屋島神社天神社｜国指定文化財等データベース（文化庁）
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00012630
Last verified: 2026.09.26