Oct 27, 2016 - 1 min read

Igami-jinja Shrine in Odawara

Admire the beautiful carvings

By Peter Sidell

Community writer

I think this lion has a float for a fisherman's net, representing Odawara's seafaring heritage

A closer view from the front of the main hall

Up the steps and into the woods

A big rough-hewn lantern

Amazing detail on the carving under the roof of the main hall

One of the guardian lions

This lion has what looks like a rose

An ancient stone marker by the main worship hall

One of the side shrines

Ancient lichen-covered wolf-dogs by a side shrine

The main worship hall in its peaceful forest setting

The main worship hall

A little statue and marker on the walk up the slope

The entrance from the street

Odawara City is good about providing interesting information

Across the railway tracks about a kilometer south of Odawara Castle, Igami-jinja is an atmospheric shinto shrine, with a peaceful forest setting despite being in the middle of a busy town. It's definitely worth seeking out to see the unusual, beautifully detailed wooden carvings under the eaves of the main worship hall, angels, demons, flying birds and guardian lions. There are also some interesting ancient stone markers and statues, and a view of the ornate interior of the hall.

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Peter Sidell

By Peter Sidell

Community writer

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