Hakusangu Shrine

Hakusangu Shrine in Kaminashi, Gokayama, was first established in the early Nara period before moving to its current location in 1125. The main shrine, rebuilt in 1502, is the oldest wooden structure in Toyama Prefecture and a designated Important Cultural Property. It sits inside a protective sayado building whose roof echoes the steep gassho-zukuri style found throughout the valley. The shrine is usually closed to the public, but on September 25 and 26 the annual Kokiriko Festival brings folk performances to the precincts, including the ancient Kokiriko Bushi harvest song played on sasara clappers.