Tosa Shrine [Kochi]

【Tosa Shrine summary】

Tosa Shrine, the first shrine in Tosa Province, is a 1,500-year-old shrine designated as a National Important Cultural Property and nicknamed “Shinane-san” in Kochi City. It is described in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) and Tosa Kuni Fudoki (Tosa Province Fudoki). The main deities are Ajisukitakahikone no Kami and Hitokotonushi no Kami. The shrine is said to bring blessings for warding off bad luck, marriage, family safety, traffic safety, and the fulfillment of various wishes.

【Tosa Shrine scenery】

The main hall, the hall of offerings, and the hall of worship are nationally important cultural properties, and are in the unique Iri-tombo style, which was created in the Muromachi period (1333-1573). The main hall, which was dedicated by Prince Chosokabe Motochika, has a magnificent wooden appearance, and it is not often seen among shrines in Japan that such a building still exists.

【Tosa Shrine Shina-ne Forest】

As you go deeper and deeper into the hall, you will find a path surrounded by greenery and the Shina-ne Forest. Walking along the path while listening to the birds’ chirps, you will feel refreshed.

【Tosa Shrine drum tower】

This one is also designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The temple has a bell in a similar building, but this one has a drum to tell the time. Therefore, it is not a “bell tower” but a “drum tower.

There is also a large camphor tree with a circumference of 8 meters, and a shrine dedicated to the stump of a cedar tree.

【Tosa Shrine Access】