Is it just me or does this torii feel different? This is the stone torii of Harada Shrine. It stands here at the east side of Harada Shrine.
Let me tell you a story about this torii and Harada Shrine. The Harada Shrine stone torii is not just any gate. It is a testament to time. It faces the bustling Nono Street. The torii is an iconic Shinto structure. It marks the entrance to a sacred space.
This particular torii is called Myojin Torii. Myojin Torii is the most common type of torii.
Look closely at the stone. Can you see the inscriptions? The right pillar bears the inscription Genroku 5. The left pillar reads Bo辰 8 years Good day. These inscriptions indicate its construction date. It was built in 1688.
Records from 1687 tell the story. Wakamiya Shobei sent an order to the Ojoya residence. This order was for the construction of a torii. The order detailed the size of the stones. It also covered the cost. It included transportation and installation. The total cost was 1 kan 160 monme.
The Ojoya residence bore some costs. They paid for transport from Hirotsuji to Harada Shrine. They also paid for necessary timber and labor. These records offer valuable insights. They shed light on Edo period torii construction. This included design and logistics. It included costs and the people’s faith.
The Harada Shrine torii tells us more. It speaks of local devotion. Local people deeply revered Harada Shrine. They show great faith.
This stone torii stands tall at nearly six meters high. Its width spans over seven and a half meters. It is made of granite.
Now let’s talk about Harada Shrine. Harada Shrine’s history goes way back. Legend says Emperor Tenmu offered treasures here in 684. The shrine became known as Nishimaki Goksha. It was revered by locals.
Over time Harada Shrine saw changes. It merged with Gyuto Tenno worship. It became known as Harada Daimyojin in 1685. The shrine grounds faced challenges. They shrank during the Edo period. Yet, its importance grew.
Harada Shrine became a focal point. It was at the junction of Nono and Itani streets. This bustling market area became present-day Okamachi.
Today, Harada Shrine stone torii is more than stone. It is a symbol. It represents faith. It signifies community. It is a testament to time. It connects us to the past. It invites us to reflect. It stands as a guardian. It bridges the gap. It unites the sacred and the everyday.