Daianji-Hachiman Shrine (Nara)

What it is

• The original guardian shrine for Daianji Temple, dedicated to Emperor Ojin and Empress Jingu.
• Tradition claims this location is the original site of the famous Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu Shrine.
• A site managed by two traditional hereditary guild groups known as Miyaza.
• Also known as Koyasu Hachiman-gu, where visitors pray for safe childbirth.

What to see

• The middle gate and corridors are designated Tangible Cultural Properties of Nara City.
• A main hall reportedly rebuilt by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the year 1385.
• The largest ceramic guardian lion dogs found in Nara Prefecture.
• Small clay pigeons offered by visitors as prayers for safe childbirth.
• A middle gate dating back to the Muromachi period.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.