To the left of the main hall of the Futarasan Shrine in Nikko, there is a building that stands out from the surrounding architectural style. With simpler ornaments, without the typical vermilion color and looking overall much older, this is Shinyosha, the building hosting the three mikoshi ("portable shrines") used at the Yayoi festival.

Designated as an important cultural property, Shinyosha was built in 1617 as a temporary worship hall for the Toshougu Shrine. But often what’s temporary becomes permanent… and that’s what happened with Shinyosha.
Moved to its current location a few decades later, it is now the oldest building in Nikko and the only vestige of the Toshougu Shrine’s early stage architectural style:

Shinyosha, Futarasan Shrine, Nikko

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Ueno Shitamachi today