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 leads up to the balcony in front, with a balustrade on each side. The steps, balustrade and doors are profusely overlaid with brass plates, but there is none of the elaborate wood-carving which may be seen on many of the shrines which for ages past have been in the charge of the Buddhists, as for instance, the shrines of Kami-no-Suwa and Shimo-no-Suwa in Shinshiu. The external ridge-pole, cross-trees, and projecting rafters are also adorned with brass, and the ends of the latter are prolonged more than is usual. The roof is what is termed a gable roof, but projects some three feet beyond the walls at each end.

The one peculiarity which more than all others distinguishes the pure Shintô temples from those of the Buddhists is the absence of images, exposed as objects for the veneration of the worshipper. It has been observed that Shintô temples often contain a mirror placed in a prominent position, and this mirror has been supposed by foreigners to be their distinguishing mark; but it is only to be found in those which have been under the influence of Buddhism. It is absent from all the pure Shintô temples. At the same time this latter nearly always contains some object in which the spirit of the deity therein enshrined is supposed to reside. The common name of this is mi-tamajiro, or ‘august spirit-substitute.’ Another name for it is kan-zané, or god’s seed.’ [sic] It is usually concealed behind the closed doors of the actual shrine, within some kind of casing, which alone is exposed to view when the doors are opened on the occasion of the annual festival. As the tamajiro at the Gékû are imitations of those at the Naikû, I will speak of them when I come to describe that temple.

The two hôden, or Treasuries, are much simpler in form, having no balcony and very little brass ornament except on the timbers of the roof. They stand facing towards the Shôden, one on each side of the gate, and have floors raised above the ground. Their contents consist of precious silken stuffs, silk fibre presented by the province of Mikawa, and sets of saddlery: for the sacred horses.

In the northwest corner of the area, between the