Shinmeisha

What it is

• A shrine in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture.
• Founded in 1505.
• Originally a guardian deity of the Nakamura family.
• Now open to the public.

What to see

• Komainu (guardian dogs) at the entrance.
• A chikaraishi (power stone).

When to go

• For the 'Iwatsuki no Koshiki Dohyoiri' event.
• Children perform dohyoiri, a sumo ring-entering ceremony.
• This event has continued since 1684-1688.
• The dohyoiri is an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Getting there

• 28-minute walk from Urawa-Misono Station.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.