Iwa jinja facts for kids

One of the shrine buildings at Iwa jinja

Iwa Jinja (伊和神社) is a special Japanese Shinto shrine. You can find it in Shiso, Hyōgo, a city on the big island of Honshu in Japan. Shinto shrines are places where people worship kami, which are spirits or gods in the Shinto religion.

History of Iwa Jinja

Iwa Jinja has a long and important history. Long ago, it was known as the main Shinto shrine, or ichinomiya, for the old Harima Province. Provinces were like states or regions in ancient Japan.

Today, Iwa Jinja is still considered one of the most important ichinomiya in Hyōgo Prefecture. A prefecture is a modern-day region in Japan, similar to a state. This shrine is especially dedicated to a kami named Ookuninushi no kami (大国主神). He is a very important deity in Japanese mythology.

Images for kids

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  Torii, a traditional Japanese gate at the entrance of a Shinto shrine.

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  Honden, the most sacred building at a Shinto shrine.

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  Heiden, the hall of offerings.

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  Haiden, the hall of worship where visitors pray.

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  Tsuruishi, a special stone at the shrine.

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  Another view of Tsuruishi.

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  Kagura stage, where sacred dances are performed.

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  Shine office, where shrine affairs are managed.

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  North Gate, one of the shrine's entrances.

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  West Gate, another entrance to the shrine grounds.

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  The main entrance to Iwa Jinja.

See also

In Spanish: Santuario Iwa para niños