Hoshimiya Shrine in Sano is a rare shrine based on celestial body worship. The principal deities Iwasakunesakuno-Mikoto are connected to faith deifying the North Star and Big Dipper. Many Hoshimiya shrines are distributed across Tochigi, showing the spread of Shimotsuke's unique star worship. The shrine building, while simple, has dignity, conveying ancient celestial worship traditions. Rural scen…

Hoshimiya Shrine's founding date is unknown, but it is an ancient shrine based on celestial worship. Over 100 Hoshimiya shrines exist in Shimotsuke, showing a unique distribution nationally. Iwasakunesakuno-Mikoto are deities connecting celestial bodies and earth, closely related to agriculture. Nor…