A Branch Shrine Older than the Main Hall
The Ikuwa Shrine Kasuga Branch Shrine Main Hall (生和神社末社春日神社本殿) is the one-bay nagare-style hall of a branch shrine of the late Kamakura period (1275 to 1332) in Tobaotsu, Yasu City, Shiga Prefecture, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on February 18, 1949 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a one-bay nagare-style hall roofed in cypress bark; designation number 01118.
The 1949 date in the Agency record is that of its designation under the former law.
A Branch Shrine Older than the Main Hall
The Ikuwa Shrine Kasuga Branch Shrine Main Hall is the hall of a branch shrine within the precinct of Ikuwa Shrine, a one-bay nagare-style building roofed in cypress bark (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency's commentary notes that although it is smaller than the main hall, its form and techniques are older, and it is thought to be earlier than the main hall.
Why It Is an Important Cultural Property
The Agency lists this one-bay nagare-style hall of the late Kamakura period as an Important Cultural Property. It is thought to be the oldest building in the precinct (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
What to Look For
Look at how this hall, built in the same one-bay nagare style as the main hall, is smaller yet shows older forms and techniques (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
The branch shrine is owned by Ikuwa Shrine (Agency for Cultural Affairs). No official information on access to the interior was found.
Q&A
- When was the Kasuga branch shrine built?
- In the late Kamakura period, between 1275 and 1332 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Is it older than the main hall?
- Its form and techniques are older, and it is thought to predate the main hall.
- What style is it?
- A one-bay nagare-style hall roofed in cypress bark.
- Where is it?
- In the precinct of Ikuwa Shrine in Tobaotsu, Yasu City, Shiga Prefecture.
- When was the Ikuwa Shrine Kasuga Branch Shrine Main Hall designated an Important Cultural Property?
- On February 18, 1949 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Ikuwa Shrine Kasuga Branch Shrine Main Hall (生和神社末社春日神社本殿) |
|---|---|
| Location | Tobaotsu, Yasu City, Shiga Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1949/02/18 (Showa 24) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | One-bay nagare style, cypress-bark roof |
| Owner | Ikuwa Shrine |
| Public Access | No official information on interior access |
References
- Ikuwa Shrine Kasuga Branch Shrine Main Hall (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/1447
Last verified: 2026.10.19
