What the Building Is
Kayashima Shrine Tenjin Shrine is a subsidiary hall of about 1868 in Hiezu, Tottori Prefecture, listed as Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 2 November 2018. Timber, single storey, copper roof, 5.4 square metres.
It stands at the back of the precinct, east of the sanctuary, facing south. The form is a three-bay nagare-zukuri hall of the misedana type, with a shelf beneath the floor and no steps. Toyouke Shrine faces it from the west side of the sanctuary, and the Agency for Cultural Affairs records the two as identical in scale and form.
The detailing matches as well. A curved beam and bottle-shaped strut fill the gable, a curved head tie runs across the porch, and its projecting ends carry young leaves worked in openwork. Repairs were carried out in 1976.
Why It Was Listed
The registration number is 31-0264. The Agency for Cultural Affairs describes the hall as set opposite Toyouke Shrine, a subsidiary hall of well-composed design forming part of a traditional precinct space.
That word, opposite, is the substance of the judgement. The value of Kayashima Shrine Tenjin Shrine does not close on itself: placing two halls of identical size and form on either side of the sanctuary is what gives the back of the precinct its structure, and the balance goes if either one is lost.
Along the approach, the three buildings of 1900 present the shrine's modern face. Kayashima Shrine Tenjin Shrine and its counterpart go back to about 1868 and hold to older conventions. Two periods and two characters share one precinct.
What to Look For
The openwork on the ends of the porch tie is the detail to find. Young leaves are cut through the timber at the end of the curved head tie, a level of work that looks extravagant on a hall of 5.4 square metres. It sits close to eye level, so the depth of the cutting and the overlap of the leaves can both be checked.
The curved beam and bottle-shaped strut in the gable are the same combination used on the Zuishin Gate at the front of the precinct. Two buildings of different size and date share one way of assembling a gable, and the resemblance surfaces as you walk the grounds.
Toyouke Shrine is on the west side of the sanctuary. Compare the pair from the same angle one after the other. Failing to find a difference tells you more about them than finding one would, and it is why Kayashima Shrine Tenjin Shrine is best seen as half of something.
Visiting
Kayashima Shrine Tenjin Shrine is a small subsidiary hall, closed internally and never built to be entered. Viewing means looking at it from the front.
The ground behind and east of the sanctuary brings it square on. The openwork shows best when light strikes from the side, so early morning or late afternoon suits it; crouching to bring your eyes level makes the detail legible.
Photographing the exterior is not normally an issue; ask at the shrine office on 0859-27-2518 about tripods or photography during rites. Directions and the conditions of entry for the precinct are set out on the Kayashima Shrine page.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Tottori
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Kayashima Shrine Tenjin Shrine
- [ Tottori Sand Dunes & Camel Riding Experience ]
Q&A
- Where is Kayashima Shrine Tenjin Shrine?
- At the back of the precinct on the east side of the sanctuary, facing south, paired with Toyouke Shrine on the west.
- How does it differ from Toyouke Shrine?
- Hardly at all. The official description records the two as identical in scale and form. Position tells them apart: east of the sanctuary is Tenjin, west is Toyouke.
- When was it built?
- About 1868, with repairs in 1976. That makes it roughly thirty years older than the Kagura Hall and the gate on the approach.
- What should I look at first?
- The young leaves cut in openwork at the ends of the porch tie. They sit near eye level, so the cutting can be examined closely.
- Can I see inside?
- No. It is closed internally, and as a misedana-type hall it was never made for anyone to enter. Viewing is from the front.
Basic Information
| Name | Kayashima Shrine Tenjin Shrine |
|---|---|
| Location | 354 Hiyoshizu, Hiezu Village, Saihaku District, Tottori Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2018/11/2 (Heisei 30) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Floor area 5.4 square metres |
| Owner | Kayashima Shrine (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | Precinct open; building interior closed |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, National Cultural Properties Database: Kayashima Shrine Tenjin Shrine
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00012630
- Hiezu Village: About Kayashima Shrine
- https://www.hiezu.jp/list/kyouiku/e123/y114/a171/
- Hiezu Village: Registered Tangible Cultural Properties of Kayashima Shrine
- https://www.hiezu.jp/list/kyouiku/e123/y114/
- Tottori Prefecture Cultural Property Navigator: Kayashima Shrine
- https://db.pref.tottori.jp/bunkazainavi.nsf/bunkazai_web_view/BB16958A323A90D94925837F002C3D1C
Last verified: 2026.09.17
