Kumanokotai shrine Sangaku Tablet
The Kumanokotai Shrine is one of a number of Shinto shrines dotted along the Nakasendo trail, connecting Kyoto to Tokyo. Straddling the border between Nagano and Gunma prefectures, look out for the plaque marking the border where you can stand with one foot in Nagano and the other in Gunma. Legend has it that during his journey across the Usui Mountain Pass, the legendary Prince Yamato Takeru found himself enveloped in an impenetrable fog. In his moment of need, a Yatagarasu—a mythical three-legged crow—appeared, guiding him through the haze. In honor of this divine intervention, Yamato Takeru established the shrine. It is now dedicated to both himself and the revered Goddess Izanami No Mikoto.The Yatagarasu also serves as the emblem of the National Football Team. There are images of this legendary crow within the shrine grounds and it features on may lucky charms. Many football fans buy charms to bring luck to their national team. Another highlight of the shrine is the ancient Japanese Lime Tree, known as Shinanoki, with its mystical energy. Adorned with heart-shaped leaves, this sacred tree is believed to grant blessings in matters of love. You can purchase an Omikuji—a paper fortune—and offer prayers at the revered tree, seeking guidance and good fortune. The main purpose of my visit to the shrine was to study the Japanese Sangaku that hangs there. In the Edo period, a peaceful time in Japan, many people studied and wrote geometrical puzzles to work on for the sheer pleasure. Some scholars painted their problems onto wooden tablets and presented them to the Kami at the shrine. This booklet presents the geometry problems presented on the Kumanokotai Sangaku tablet which is pictured below. Try to find where it is displayed at the shrine.
