Motoise Kono

Motoise Kono Shrine is described as a historic Shinto shrine with strong ties to local pilgrimage culture, highlighting its long regional religious role.

This is one of only a few shrines in Japan allowed to display the chrysanthemum crest on its main gate, a symbol typically reserved for the Imperial family and their direct religious connections.

Visitors can find stone guardian lions (komainu) at the entrance that are unusually carved in a seated position rather than the typical crouching stance seen at most shrines.

The shrine's name 'Motoise' means 'original Ise,' claiming it was the first location where Amaterasu, Japan's sun goddess, was enshrined before she was moved to the famous Ise Grand Shrine.