Stone Shrine Dedicated to the God of Stone — Granite Shrine of Stone Gods in Okazaki
In September 2025, I visited Sekko Danchi Jinja and photographed its granite shrine buildings and guardian dogs up close. The images capture the unique presence of structures made entirely of granite, something rarely seen anywhere in the world.
Polytheism and the Spirit in All Things
Japan has long been a polytheistic country. Mountains, rivers, trees, stones, and even everyday tools are believed to be inhabited by deities. This worldview, called Yaoyorozu no Kami (eight million gods), continues to shape Japanese culture today.
Because of this belief, Japanese people treat objects not as mere tools but as entities with souls. Ceremonies are held to honor broken dolls or needles, reflecting a spirit of respect. For stonemasons, cutting, carving, and shaping stone is itself an act of facing the divine.
A Shrine Dedicated to the God of Stone
Sekko Danchi Jinja, located in Okazaki, is literally a stone shrine dedicated to the god of stone. The enshrined deity is Ishitsuchibiko-no-kami, the guardian of stonemasons and prosperity in their craft. The shrine was established in 1974 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Okazaki Stonemasons’ Cooperative, with the deities transferred from Ootoshi Jinja in Kyoto. Since then, it has become a sacred place where craftsmen pray for safety and success.
Shrine Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Sekko Danchi Jinja |
| Location | Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan |
| Founded | June 1974 |
| Purpose | 10th anniversary of the Okazaki Stonemasons’ Cooperative |
| Divine Origin | Deities transferred from Ootoshi Jinja, Kyoto |
| Main Deity | Ishitsuchibiko-no-kami and guardian deities of stonemasons |
| Main Structures | Torii gate, guardian dogs (Komainu), purification basin, main hall |
| Material | All constructed from granite |
| Feature | A rare shrine in the world entirely made of granite |
| Ritual | Enkiri Kigan (breaking wooden plaques to cut bad ties) |
| Faith | Prayers for safety and prosperity of stonemasons, cutting bad relationships |
Unique Ritual — Breaking Ema Plaques
The shrine is known for a unique ritual called Enkiri Kigan, or “cutting ties.” Visitors write their wishes on wooden plaques (ema) and break them on a stone block within the grounds. The act of breaking symbolizes severing bad relationships, making this ritual both distinctive and memorable for international visitors.
A Shrine Entirely Made of Granite
Unlike most Japanese shrines, which are primarily wooden, Sekko Danchi Jinja is remarkable because every structure is made of granite. From the torii gate to the guardian dogs, the purification basin, and the main hall, every element reflects the craftsmanship of Okazaki stonemasons. This makes it one of the rarest shrines in the world built entirely from stone.
Timeline of Construction
- June 1974 — Shrine established to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Okazaki Stonemasons’ Cooperative, with deities transferred from Ootoshi Jinja in Kyoto.
- Post-1974 — Granite torii, guardian dogs, and purification basin were added, completing the shrine’s structure.
- Recent years — The ritual of breaking ema plaques has become widely known, attracting visitors from both inside and outside the region.
Conclusion
Sekko Danchi Jinja is a rare granite shrine dedicated to the god of stone. Visiting this site offers not only an encounter with Japanese religious culture but also a chance to experience the pride of Okazaki stonemasons, who breathe life into stone. It is a place where the coldness of stone coexists with the warmth of human spirit.
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Last updated: September 2025 (JST)