Tenkawa Daibenzaiten-sha

What it is

• One of Japan's Three Great Benzaiten shrines.
• Founded by Emperor Tenmu and En no Gyōja.
• Dedicated to Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto, god of performing arts.
• Original deity was Benzaiten (Saraswati).

What to see

• Many dedicated Noh-related items are stored here.
• Sacred treasure called Isuzu.
• 30 wooden Noh and Kyogen masks are Important Cultural Properties.
• Okumiya (Misen Shrine) is at the summit of Mt. Misen.

When to go

• Annual grand festival is on July 16th and 17th.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.