Kawahara Shrine, Nagoya

The Kawahara Shrine, also known as the "Benten of Kawana," is a Shinto shrine and Buddhist Benten-dō located in the Showa ward of Nagoya. Although the exact construction date of the shrine is unclear, it is believed to have been established around the year 1000. Over the centuries, the shrine has undergone several reconstructions and renovations, the most recent in 1998.

The shrine is notable for its serene pond, which is home to numerous turtles, adding to the tranquil atmosphere of the site. Reflecting the historical intertwining of Buddhism and Shinto in Japan, the shrine is dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of everything that flows, including water, music, and eloquence. This association has led to the shrine being more commonly referred to as the "Benten of Kawana."

Kawahara Shrine enshrines three deities: the God of the Sun, the God of Himeyama (the God of Earth), and the Goddess of Elephant (the God of Water). The shrine has historical significance, with Matsudaira Tadayoshi, son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, paying tribute to the gods in 1601. Additionally, Tokugawa Mitsuyoshi, the second lord of the Owari domain, prayed for a good harvest at the shrine in 1664.

The shrine has a history of being rebuilt after being destroyed by fire twice and is currently utilized as a wedding venue. It hosts various festivals throughout the year, with the regular festival on September 25. For those visiting the shrine, the nearest Nagoya Municipal Bus stop is "Bentenmae" on the No. 18 route.