Sukunahikona Shrine

This Shintō shrine is noted for its Sanrōden, or private prayer hall, dedicated to Sukunahikona, a dwarf deity associated with the creation of Japan and the development of many human arts including medicine. The Sanrōden was built in 1934 in the kake-zukuri or overhang style, using stilts of timber. The interior is a single large room, glazed on all sides, which was used for religious ceremonies and community gatherings over many decades. With the decline in followers of Sukunahikona, this unusual shrine fell into disrepair.

From 2014, the building was restored by local people under the aegis of the World Monuments Watch using authentic, locally-sourced materials. The restoration including measures to make the shrine resistant to earthquakes, and the creation of a medicinal garden.

This shrine has many of the features of a typical rural Shintō shrine, but the Sanrōden is unique and well-worth a visit.

Information

Name in Japanese: 少彦名神社
Pronunciation: su-ku-na-hi-ko-na jin-ja
Address: 937 Sugetacho Ōdake, Ōzu, Ehime, 795-0083