Kawaguchi Asama Shrine
Download a licensed digital photo: pix4japan.picfair.com
Order a print: pix4japan.smugmug.com
Kawaguchi Asama-Jinja Shrine
Location: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Pref., Japan
Timestamp: 15:09・2024/03/20
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
28 mm ISO 2500 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/8
Situated just 1.28 km (4,186 ft) from the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, which lies northeast of Mt. Fuji, Kawaguchi Asama Shrine boasts an ancient history dating back to the Jogan Eruption of Mt. Fuji in 864. The shrine is oriented toward the source of the lava flow rather than Mt. Fuji’s peak, to appease the volcano deity known as Asama or Sengen. Establishment of this shrine marked the beginning of the building up of shrines on the northern flank of Mt. Fuji, which centuries later, would welcome thousands of lay pilgrims every year.
After the devastating Jogan Eruption, which wreaked havoc on the Asama/Sengen shrines located on the southern slopes of Mt. Fuji, the imperial court decreed the construction of a new shrine to the north. This decision aimed to appease the angered deities and safeguard the shrine from potential future eruptions.
The architecture of Kawaguchi Asama Shrine follows the wari-haiden ("divided worship hall") style typical of Sengen shrines. This style features two distinct structures connected by an open space beneath a single roof. In my accompanying photo, you can see a prime example of wari-haiden: the expansive main worship hall (haiden) on the left and the sanctuary housing the shrine's central object of veneration (honden) on the right, both unified under the same roof.
The haiden, positioned on the left side, functions as the primary worship hall within the shrine complex. Depending on factors such as the shrine's size and location, the haiden may also double as a platform for ritual performances, ceremonies, and direct worship of the shrine's kami. Typically situated at the forefront of the sanctuary (honden), the haiden is often constructed on a larger scale compared to the honden. Consequently, it tends to be the most noticeable structure by regular worshippers.
The honden, positioned on the right side, holds paramount significance within the shrine's architecture as it houses the essence of the deity, typically represented by a sacred mirror or, less commonly, a statue. The honden is situated at the rear of the shrine complex and is accessible only to shrine priests or, in the case of major shrines, the Emperor.
The standout feature of this shrine that immediately captivated my attention is its remarkable nagare-zukuri (流造) design, showcased in the roofs of both the worship hall and the sanctuary. Characterized by gently sloping curves that seamlessly extend to the eaves, this style of gabled roof is distinctive for its integrated roof-eave structure. Nagare-zukuri roofs can be crafted from a variety of materials, such as thatch, cypress bark, and copper plating, contributing to the shrine's aesthetic appeal.
I'm also fascinated by the metal fittings positioned at the ends of the rafters, which extend to the edge of the eaves. Typically crafted from iron, copper, or gilt bronze, these fittings serve not only as decorative elements but also play a functional role in safeguarding the structural components from weather-related wear and tear.
Terminology:
割拝殿・wari-haiden: A specific architectural style commonly found in Shinto shrines, characterized by a long structure under a single roof that is divided in the center by a passageway. This passageway connects the haiden, the main worship hall, with the honden, which houses the shrine's central object of veneration. The wari-haiden design allows for a seamless flow between the two essential components of the shrine while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic unity.
拝殿・haiden: Primary worship hall within a Shinto shrine, typically positioned on the same axis as the main sanctuary (honden). It serves as a space for ritual worship, ceremonies, and offerings to the shrine's deity or deities. The haiden is often the focal point of religious activities and is designed to accommodate worshippers during various religious observances.
本殿・honden: The sanctuary of a Shinto shrine, revered as the most sacred building because it enshrines the deity (kami). This central structure serves as the spiritual heart of the shrine, where worshippers offer prayers and reverence to the divine presence believed to reside within.
神・kami: Divine beings in Shinto belief, encompassing a wide range of entities, including deities, spirits of nature, ancestors, and even revered objects or phenomena. They can be symbolized by various items such as amulets, mirrors, swords, carved statues, as well as natural elements like trees, rocks, and animals. Kami are revered for their power and influence over different aspects of the world, including the elements, natural forces, and human affairs.
References:
