If you go to Nagatoro in Saitama Prefecture to see Iwadatami, you should definitely visit Hodosan Shrine to admire the beautifully painted wood carvings that decorate under the eaves and even the foundations of the main hall. This shrine has many special events. I visited there extremely early in the morning, yet there were quite a few other people there for the priest to perform a special service praying for health.
- 1 min read
Hodosan Shrine in Nagatoro
Mountain shrine with beautifully painted carvings
By Cathy Cawood
Community writer
Fabulous dragon
White torii with gold decoration
Purification font
Wealth of decoration under the eaves of the main hall
Nice tiger!
Left-over Tanabata decorations
Even the foundations were not forgotten!
The main hall
White elephant
Roof decorations
Stack of decorated buckets
The purication font
Ema - wooden tablets with prayer requests
Explore nearby
-
-
Hodosan Jinja (Mt. Hodo Shrine)
Featured
-
Nagatoro's Hodosan Ropeway
Featured
-
Shooting the Arakawa Rapids
Featured
Join the discussion
Lynda Hogan
5 years ago
One of my all time favorite shrines in all of Japan!
Elizabeth S
5 years ago
The carvings are typical, but the paint!
A fitting shrine for Emperor Jimmu.
A fitting shrine for Emperor Jimmu.
Elena Lisina
9 years ago
It reminds me Nikko - very beautiful!
3 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1A Hidden Getaway in Yaizu, Shizuoka
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
2Spa Resort Hawaiians: A Tropical Escape with a Japanese Soul in Iwaki
Fukushima - Sponsored -
3Ultimate Japan Car Culture Journey - From Auto Salon 2026 to the Open Road
Chiba -
4An Immersive Look Into Akita’s Food Heritage
Akita - Sponsored -
5Discover Hakodate: A Vibrant Port City in Hokkaido
Hokkaido - Sponsored -
6Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture -
7Experience Oarai: A Quiet Fishing Town Blessed by the Bounty of the Sea
Ibaraki - Sponsored -
8Discover Shiga Prefecture: Events at COCOSHIGA in Tokyo
Tokyo - Sponsored -
9A Taste of Shiga at COCOSHIGA
Tokyo - Sponsored -
10See Southern Japan with Kirishima As Your Gateway
Kagoshima - Sponsored
-
1Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo -
2Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
3The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5Shibuya Blue Cave Illumination
Tokyo -
6Nabana no Sato Illumination
Mie -
7Winter in Japan: Your Seasonal Guide
Planning -
8Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
9November Grand Sumo Tournament (Fukuoka)
Fukuoka -
10Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba
A fitting shrine for Emperor Jimmu.