Nishina Shinmei Shrine

仁科神明宮

/ Nishina Shinmei-gu

Admission
Free
Goshuin (Temple Seal)
300 yen
Access
See details
Hours
Dawn to dusk

Overview

Nishina Shinmei-gu preserves the oldest surviving example of shinmei-zukuri architecture in Japan, the same style used at Ise Grand Shrine. While Ise rebuilds its shrines every 20 years (leaving no ancient structures), Nishina has maintained the practice of periodic rebuilding while also preserving older structures, giving visitors a rare opportunity to see what ancient Ise-style construction looked like. Designated a National Treasure, the main hall and middle gate date to the early Edo period but faithfully reproduce earlier architectural forms.

Enshrined Deities

primary Deity

Goddess of the sun, supreme deity of the Shinto pantheon, and ancestral kami of the Imperial house

Blessings

Shrine Network

Shinmei Branch shrine

Did You Know?

💡

This is the only place in Japan where you can see an ancient shinmei-zukuri structure, the same architectural style used at Ise Grand Shrine.

Source: documented

Practical Information

Location Coordinates

36.4811, 137.8594

Physical Address

1159 Yashiro Miyamoto, Omachi-shi, Nagano

長野県大町市社宮本1159

Access

Shinano-Omachi Station (JR Oito Line)

Hours

Dawn to dusk

Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team

What is Nishina Shinmei Shrine?

Nishina Shinmei-gu preserves the oldest surviving example of shinmei-zukuri architecture in Japan, the same style used at Ise Grand Shrine. While Ise rebuilds its shrines every 20 years (leaving no ancient structures), Nishina has maintained the practice of periodic rebuilding while also preserving older structures, giving visitors a rare opportunity to see what ancient Ise-style construction looked like. Designated a National Treasure, the main hall and middle gate date to the early Edo period but faithfully reproduce earlier architectural forms.

Where is Nishina Shinmei Shrine located?

Nishina Shinmei Shrine is located in Omachi-shi, Nagano. The full address is: 1159 Yashiro Miyamoto, Omachi-shi, Nagano.

What deities are enshrined at Nishina Shinmei Shrine?

The enshrined deities are: Amaterasu Omikami.