Tamatajinja Shrine

Tamata Shrine is said to have been founded by decree of Empress Genmei in the Nara period, and has long been venerated as a guardian against misfortune arising from direction. Two stone monuments stand in the grounds, notable for how their bases are built: the eastern one in close-fitted masonry, the western imitating rough natural-face stacking. Many of the stone bases in the village around follow the same rule according to which way they face — shrine and settlement working to a shared logic. The main hall and stone torii are Registered Tangible Cultural Properties.