Famous for its giant torii next to the shinkansen train tracks, this shrine is dedicated to Kanayama-hiko-no-Mikoto 金山彦命. It is the headquarters shrine for all Kanayama Shrines and iron-related shrines in Japan. Many of the buildings are Important Cultural Properties.

43 files, last one added on May 19, 2009
Album viewed 266 times

Held on May 2-4, three ornate hikiyama floats are displayed and paraded around town. Young boys also perform in kabuki plays on the floats. May 3 is the main festival day, but May 2 is also a good day to see the matsuri. These photos were taken on May 2, 2009. Also see my YouTube video here.

79 files, last one added on May 19, 2009
Album viewed 416 times

Sakura Matsuri with koinobori carp streamers along Aikawa River, Takenaka Hanbei's castle remains, and Tarui-juku post town on the Nakasendo.

62 files, last one added on Apr 23, 2011
Album viewed 303 times