Very old shrine founded in 2nd century. Moved from atop northern hill to the roadside of Tokaidon in 9th century.

It had been called "Hachiman" untill recent. Priests and priestesses' investigated vast anciet documents, catalogised, asked to Shizuoka prefecture and rename to the original accepted in 1999. An excellent webpage in japanese here.

Haiden

You will find its holy crest called Kiboku in Haiden.

Kiboku means foretelling by tortoise sell. Burn the shell and read the future from the cracks on the shell.　Hexagon in the crest represent tortoise shell.

Up the hill north of Tokaido, you can reach the Old Shrine.

On a rainy day, everythig seems unchanged for more than 1800 years.

Koto no Machi Hime enshrined here may be a goddess who tells the words from the heaven to mankind. Sei Shonagon reffered to this shrine in 10th century. Japanese tradition see the Kotodama: soul or spirit in every words. Rattlebrain like me have to be careful not ask the shrine silly wishes.

To the east along old Tokaido is the Nissaka no Shuku. Handrail for abridge id drawn at the bottom.

Over this bridge is Kawasakaya.

This print had drawn by KAWASE Hasui in 1942.

There seems no suitable place for road, newly constructed motorway spans over the old Shukuba of Tokaido.

Kawasakaya seems to be served Lords nights lodge. Rooms for lords



and many calligraphies by them are reserved.

One of TOKOBASHIRA make a pair with the onther in Kairakuen, Ibaragi.



e1 Kakegawa