Yamanashioka Shrine is located in Shimoishimori, Yamanashi City, Yamanashi Prefecture. The original shrine was founded at the top of Mt. Mimuro in back of the present shrine during the reign of Emperor Sujin (97-30 B.C.). Then it was transferred to this place under the Imperial order during the reign of Emperor Seimu (131-190). As pear trees were cut down to develop the land for a shrine at this time, the shrine was called Yama-nashi-oka (literally meaning “mountain pear hill”), which is said to be the origin of the prefecture’s name Yamanashi. The enshrined deities are Kumano Daigongen and Kunitokotachi no Mikoto.

Since the first shrine building was constructed in 768, several reconstruction works had been done. The present Honden (main hall) building was built in the Ikken-sha Sumiki-iri Kasuga-zukuri style (1-bay Kasuga Shrine style building with corner rafters), which was typical to the Muromachi period (1336-1573) architecture. It is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The Daidai Kagura Dance performed at the annual festival is said to originate in the kagura dance dedicated when Takeda Shingen set out for a battle field. Its elegant and gallant dancing is very famous in the prefecture.