sandai jinja

Sandai Jinja is enshrined in Shina Town, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, and is considered a candidate for an ancient shrine listed in the Engishiki Jimmyocho. According to tradition, it was founded during the reign of Emperor Tenji to enshrine two wind deities, Shinatsu-hiko-no-Mikoto and Shinatsu-hime-no-Mikoto, with Oyake-no-kimi-no-Mikoto additionally enshrined during the Otoku era (1084-1086). It was renamed Sandai Jinja in the early Meiji period and designated a village shrine in 1876. The precincts contain a stone lantern from the Kamakura period designated as a National Important Cultural Property, and in late April to early May the ancient wisteria known as "Sunazuri no Fuji" blooms in splendor. The shrine preserves local faith traditions including the Sanyare dance performed at its annual festival.