Jan 18, 2015 - 1 min read

Machida Tenmangu Shrine

Fabulous mythical creatures carved in wood

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

Beautifully carved shishi - a mythical animal with protective powers

Blossom motif in gold on the roof apex

Fabulous dragon carved in wood

Stone lanterns and two ox statues stand beside the straight path to the shrine

Dragon and water basin

Small stones inside one of the lanterns

Ox statue with a small Inari shrine in the background

Visitors pray at the main shrine building

On New Year's day the path to the shrine is crowded

Several carved wooden scenes feature birds

Luck 5 yen coins on the eyes of this guardian koma-inu statue

One of the carved strongmen supporting the roof

A tiny shrine with one red tori stands in a corner

These tori lead to a small Inari shrine

Tenmangu shrines usually have ox statues, and there are two at Machida Tenmangu. The main building is beautiful, and many people visit through the day to pray there, especially before exam time since Tenmangu shrines are believed to be efficacious for study. To the left of the main building is another building with lovely wooden carvings of dragons, shishi (mythical lion-dogs with protective powers), and scenes with flowers and birds.

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Cathy Cawood

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

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Elena Lisina

Elena Lisina 8 years ago

I always admire carvings! Thanks for GREAT photos, Cathy!

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Joseph Bautista

Joseph Bautista 8 years ago

Detailed carvings are unique!

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Anonymous 8 years ago

nice photos!

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Odilia Sindy Okinawati

Odilia Sindy Okinawati 8 years ago

I like the unique wood carving and true that it's so peaceful!

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Victoria Vlisides

Victoria Vlisides 8 years ago

Beautiful carvings with lots of movement!

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