Kanayago Shrine

The head shrine of Kanayago Shrine, which counts 1,200 shrines

Built in 1889, the 9-meter-tall Otorii made of granite is said to be the best stone structure in Japan.
It attracts the faith of various people involved in iron, including tatara craftsmen who stubbornly follow the old traditions, and even today, many people involved in iron manufacturing and metallurgy visit. The enshrined deities are Kanayamahiko no Mikoto and Kanayamahime no Mikoto.

Kanayago-no-kami, who saved many people from starvation by bringing rain to Harima, which was suffering from drought. “From now on, I have to go west and teach people how to make iron.” He flew away on a white heron, landed on a katsura tree in this area, and guided other gods to the people. It is said that he taught the art of making iron.

It is said that many gods participated in “Tatara ironmaking”, including the 75 gods who participated in the construction of the Eitara Tatara, the gods who protect the Takaden from fires, the gods who send wind to the furnace, and the gods who protect the direction. I’m here.

The Kanayako faith arose among the tatara makers, saying that if this god was with them, high-quality iron would be produced. Planted.

After that, it spread all over the country with the spread of the tatara group, and now it is the head temple of Kanayago Shrine, which counts 1200 companies. Many people from inside and outside the prefecture, including ironworkers, visit the Grand Festival in Spring and Autumn.