The Shrine for "God's horse"


In Japan, since ancient times, the horse has been considered a sacred animal and a vehicle for the gods.
According to the legend, the God of Mishima Taisha Shrine rode this "God's Horse" every morning and climbed the Hakone mountain.
In the past, a living horse was dedicated to the god at this shrine.
However, this has now been replaced by a wooden horse.
Since the original wooden horse was destroyed by the Tokai earthquake in 1854, a new black lacquered horse was enshrined as an offering to the god.
The current God's horse was created in 1868 and was transferred to a new building after World War II.
In Japan, we say "Itadakimasu" which is the common expression of gratitude before meals in Japan.
However, the family of the priest Yatabe in worship of god's horse would say before their breakfast "Mr. horse has come back home".