that it stood in the first rank of government supported shrines. Architecture Isonokami shrine is surrounded by Cryptomeria (sugi). A waka poem from the Man'yōshū anthology mentions Isonokami shrine, surrounded by holy cedar trees. The current site of Isonokami shrine may have been the site of an earlier religious structure, the Izumo-taisha. This is suspected because of a secondary shrine to Izumo-takeo found near the main shrine, but on higher ground. Since secondary shrines are never built higher than the principal shrine, some have concluded that it was an older structure that stood before the current one. The honden, or main hall, is built in the nagare-zukuri style. Enshrined The main enshrined dedication is to , the kami of a legendary sword (futsu-no-mitama-no-tsurugi) that was given to by Takemikazuchi in Kumano and used by Emperor Jimmu, the first Emperor of Japan. However, the sword itself is hidden in Isonokami shrine, but the second sword is visible in Kashima Shrine, Ibaraki. Artifacts The Nanatsusaya-no-Tachi, a seven-branched sword, is housed in Isonokami shrine. It was given to the Yamato king by the crown prince of Baekje, a kingdom on the Korean Peninsula. The sword has been kept in Isonokami shrine since ancient times, perhaps as early as the 4th century when it was received from Baekje. It was rediscovered in 1873, and its gold inlaid inscription has proven to be a valuable historical resource. The sword is currently not available for public viewing. The Totsuka-no-Tsurugi, a legendary sword, is also said to be kept at Isonokami shrine. According to the Kojiki, the sword was used by the god Susanoo to slay the Yamata-no-Orochi, a giant serpent with eight heads and eight tails. Priests at the shrine do not allow anyone to see or inspect the sword. Ten treasures brought by Amenohiboko are thought to be housed in Isonokami shrine. According to the Nihon Shoki, Amenohiboko was a prince from Korea who settled in Japan. The ten treasures he brought are known as the Tokusa-no-Kandakara, and they are as follows: Okitsu-kagami (A mirror) Hetsu-kagami (A mirror) Yatsuka-no-tsurugi (A sword) Iku-tama (A jewel) Makarukaheshi-tama (A jewel) Taru-tama (A jewel) Chikaheshi-no-tama (A jewel) Orochi-no-hire (A type of long scarf worn by women) Hachi-no-hire (A type of long scarf worn by women) Kusagusa-no-mono-no-hire (A type of long scarf worn by women) National Treasures National Treasures of Japan The haiden, or hall of worship, with irimoya style