Susanoo Shrine Kusano

 

Susano Shrine in Kusano near Kurume is sometimes read as Susanoen Shrine.

Kusano was a post town on the Hita Kaido during the Edo period.

The shrine was established at the end of the 12th century and is also known as Gion Shrine which means it is a branch of the famous shrine that is now called Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto.

The architectural style is "Gongen Zukuri", which is a blend of Buddhist and Shinto styles.

The main gate is most impressive, not just in scale but also in the number of carvings adorning it. The other buildings are similarly decorated.

The buildings were rebuilt in the Meiji period, and its not clear if they were painted at any time, but in many ways, the shrine seems more like a Toshogu shrine than the temple across the road that has that reputation.