A south-facing shrine north-west of the Reioden
The Myokyoji Asahi Tennosha Shrine (妙教寺朝日天王社, Myōkyō-ji Asahi Tennōsha) is a one-bay shrine of 1909 facing south, north-west of the Reioden's inner sanctuary at Saijo Inari Myokyoji in Takamatsu Inari, Kita Ward, Okayama City; it was moved in 1979 and registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 2009/01/08. It is one of the Seventy-Seven Subsidiary Shrines.
Asahi means "morning sun". The temple names Asahi Tenno alongside Arakuma Tenno when it introduces its registered shrines. The Myokyoji Asahi Tennosha Shrine stands on the opposite, north-western side from the row of shrines east of the Reioden, and is one of the first that visitors see when they walk round the west side.
Four-stepped brackets and heavy carving
The Myokyoji Asahi Tennosha Shrine is a one-bay hip-and-gable building of cypress bark with a small dormer gable and a one-bay porch under a curving karahafu eave. Its building area is 1.8 square metres.
The eaves rest on four-stepped bracket sets with curved infill, with continuous bracket arms at the second and third steps and tail rafters projecting at the corners. The rafters are doubled and closely spaced. Four steps is a deep projection even among the subsidiary shrines, and the eaves reach well out from the tiny body.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes the heavy cutting of the patterns and the distinctive feel of its carved elephants, lions and clouds. The carver chose mass over delicacy, a different hand from the dragons of the Higuruma shrine of the year before.
What to look for, and visiting
The Myokyoji Asahi Tennosha Shrine stands north-west of the Reioden's inner sanctuary, facing south. It can be seen at any time, free of charge; the interior is not open.
From the front, find the elephants and lions on the porch beam ends; from the side, the four tiers of brackets and the corner tail rafters. Because it faces south, morning and midday sun throws the deep carving into relief. Opening hours and directions are on the Saijo Inari Myokyoji page.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Okayama
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Myokyoji Asahi Tennosha Shrine
- [ Kurashiki Bikan District & Korakuen Garden Tours ]
Q&A
- Where is the Myokyoji Asahi Tennosha Shrine?
- North-west of the Reioden's inner sanctuary, facing south.
- When was the Myokyoji Asahi Tennosha Shrine built?
- In 1909. It was moved in 1979.
- What should I look at on the Asahi Tennosha Shrine?
- The four-stepped brackets with curved infill, and the boldly carved elephants, lions and clouds.
- What shape is the Myokyoji Asahi Tennosha Shrine's roof?
- Hip-and-gable in cypress bark with a small dormer gable, and a porch under a curving karahafu eave.
- When was the Asahi Tennosha Shrine registered?
- On 2009/01/08.
Basic Information
| Name | Myokyoji Asahi Tennosha Shrine (妙教寺朝日天王社) |
|---|---|
| Location | 712 Takamatsu Inari, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure); registration number 33-0187 |
| Year Designated | Registered 2009/01/08 (Heisei 21) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Single-storey timber, hip-and-gable cypress-bark roof with dormer gable; building area 1.8 square metres |
| Owner | Saijo Inarisan Myokyoji (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | Exterior can be seen freely in the grounds (no charge); interior closed |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties (Agency for Cultural Affairs) — Myokyoji Asahi Tennosha Shrine
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00007570
- Okayama City — Modern Japanese-style architecture at Saijo Inari Myokyoji, by Yasukawa Mitsuru (Japanese)
- https://www.city.okayama.jp/kankou/cmsfiles/contents/0000005/5279/000179262.pdf
- Saijo Inari official site — Seventy-Seven Subsidiary Shrines (Japanese)
- https://inari.ne.jp/facility/250/
- Saijo Inari official site — Former main sanctuary, Reioden (Japanese)
- https://inari.ne.jp/facility/252/
Last verified: 2026.10.01
