Takeminakata Mask szie80 with many originating from the

with many originating from the Muromachi period

Their effigies are placed at temple entrances as well as foxes

" "lucky hammer

bringing luck

The Nio are there to protect the temple from evil spirits

Takeminakata Mask szie80 with many originating from theTraditional Japanese Takeminakata Mask Description Takeminakata () is one of the gods in Japanese mythology (Shinto religion). He is the son of Okuninushi (god of Izumo in southern Honshu Island, Japan). One of the three major Japanese gods of war, together with Takemikazuchi and Futsunushi no kami. Takeminakata is enshrined at Suwa jinja Shrines throughout Japan, including Suwa taisha Shrine (Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture). As well as a god of war, he