At Menuma Shodenzan: Gosha Daimyojin Shrine
The Kangiin Gosha Daimyojin Shrine (歓喜院五社大明神) is a shrine building of 1783 at Menuma Shodenzan Kangiin Temple in Menuma, Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture, registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 2 May 2017.
The Kangiin Gosha Daimyojin Shrine stands in the middle of the three shrines behind the Shodendo. The Agency for Cultural Affairs records it as a single-storey timber structure, copper roof, building area 15 square meters.
It is 5 bays by 2 bays under a Kirizuma-zukuri gabled copper roof; the rear bay enshrines five deities and the front bay forms an open offering shelf. It was restored in 2011.
Why It Was Registered
The Kangiin Gosha Daimyojin Shrine carries registration number 11-0164 and was registered on the same day as the other eight structures in the precinct, under the criterion of serving as a model of design.
It was registered under the criterion of serving as a model of design, so its form itself was what counted. It is the largest and most colourful of the three shrines.
What to Look For
Red Ochre Frame and Offering Shelf
The posts and beams are painted in bengara red ochre, and above the offering shelf the eaves are tied together with curved tie beams.
A Painted Gable
The gable has a double tie beam with a vase-shaped strut and scrolled oigata side panels, all painted, concentrating colour on a small shrine front.
Visiting
The Kangiin Gosha Daimyojin Shrine stands behind the Shodendo. Follow on-site signs about which areas are part of the paid Shodendo viewing and do not enter restricted spaces. The precinct itself is always open and free.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Saitama
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Kangiin Gosha Daimyojin Shrine
- [ Kawagoe Little Edo & Moominvalley Park ]
Q&A
- Can you visit the Kangiin Gosha Daimyojin Shrine?
- The Kangiin Gosha Daimyojin Shrine stands behind the Shodendo. Follow on-site signs about which areas are part of the paid Shodendo viewing and do not enter restricted spaces. The precinct itself is always open and free.
- When was the Kangiin Gosha Daimyojin Shrine built and registered?
- A shrine building of 1783, registered on 2 May 2017 as number 11-0164.
- How is the Kangiin Gosha Daimyojin Shrine built?
- Single-storey timber structure, copper roof, building area 15 square meters.
- What is enshrined in the Kangiin Gosha Daimyojin Shrine?
- Five deities, in the rear bay; the front bay is an offering shelf.
- What are the design features of the Kangiin Gosha Daimyojin Shrine?
- Red ochre on the frame and a painted gable with double tie beams, a vase-shaped strut and scrolled side panels.
Basic Information
| Name | Kangiin Gosha Daimyojin Shrine (歓喜院五社大明神) |
|---|---|
| Location | 1511 Menuma, Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2017/5/2 (Heisei 29) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Single-storey timber structure, copper roof, building area 15 square meters |
| Owner | Kangiin (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | Precinct always open and free (exterior viewing) |
References
- National Cultural Properties Database, Kangiin Gosha Daimyojin Shrine (Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00011453
- Cultural Heritage Online, Kangiin Gosha Daimyojin Shrine (Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/246661
- Tourism Resources of Kumagaya (Saitama Prefecture)
- https://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/soshiki/b0110/hokubutiikinogaiyou/gunmadc-kankousozai-kumagaya.html
Last verified: 2026.10.01
