At Menuma Shodenzan: Sanbo Kojin Shrine
The Kangiin Sanbo Kojin Shrine (歓喜院三宝荒神社) is a small shrine of 1787 at Menuma Shodenzan Kangiin Temple in Menuma, Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture, registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 2 May 2017.
The Kangiin Sanbo Kojin Shrine stands at the northern end of the three shrines behind the Shodendo. The Agency for Cultural Affairs records it as a single-storey timber structure, copper roof, building area 3.9 square meters.
It is a one-bay Nagare-zukuri shrine of unpainted wood with a copper roof, with a low deck and platform beneath the front eave and a railing all round carried on shaped board brackets. It was restored in 2011.
Why It Was Registered
The Kangiin Sanbo Kojin Shrine carries registration number 11-0163 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, and the Agency for Cultural Affairs notes that the carving around its eaves shows a high level of carpentry.
What to Look For
Distinctive Tie Beams
The eaves use tie beams of an unusual profile and ebi-koryo, curving beams that link the front eave to the body of the shrine.
Carving at Every Joint
Frog-leg struts, coved panels and the beam ends on the front posts are all carved, crowding a shrine of 3.9 square meters with ornament. It is almost identical to the Tenmansha to its south, so the two can be compared side by side.
Visiting
The Kangiin Sanbo Kojin 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 Sanbo Kojin Shrine
- [ Kawagoe Little Edo & Moominvalley Park ]
Q&A
- Can you visit the Kangiin Sanbo Kojin Shrine?
- The Kangiin Sanbo Kojin 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 Sanbo Kojin Shrine built and registered?
- A small shrine of 1787, registered on 2 May 2017 as number 11-0163.
- How is the Kangiin Sanbo Kojin Shrine built?
- Single-storey timber structure, copper roof, building area 3.9 square meters.
- Where is the Kangiin Sanbo Kojin Shrine?
- At the northern end of the three shrines behind the Shodendo.
- Is the Kangiin Sanbo Kojin Shrine like the Tenmansha?
- Almost identical: both are one-bay nagare-zukuri shrines of unpainted wood with copper roofs and matching beams and carving.
Basic Information
| Name | Kangiin Sanbo Kojin Shrine (歓喜院三宝荒神社) |
|---|---|
| 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 3.9 square meters |
| Owner | Kangiin (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | Precinct always open and free (exterior viewing) |
References
- National Cultural Properties Database, Kangiin Sanbo Kojin Shrine (Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00011452
- Cultural Heritage Online, Kangiin Sanbo Kojin Shrine (Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/294120
- Tourism Resources of Kumagaya (Saitama Prefecture)
- https://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/soshiki/b0110/hokubutiikinogaiyou/gunmadc-kankousozai-kumagaya.html
Last verified: 2026.10.01
