Ukimu First Temple

The Ukimu First Temple (劲木韩方; ukimu-kanhora) is a temple located in Ukimu Forest in north-west Kanton. It is the largest temple in its area and attracts hundreds of visitors every year. It is thought to be around 500 years old, making it one of the oldest temples in Kanton, and may have originally been constructed as a ritual-house (命偷) for Shenlu practices. Now, it is dedicated to the forest deity Shamakami.

History
The Ukimu First Temple was constructed by ancient adherents of the Shenlu faith, presumably as some kind of sacred place wherein to conduct rituals and ceremonies. Over the centuries its useage and appearance changed with the religious landscape.

The temple has been rebuilt and reformed many times during its existence. In the Kyo Period, it was entirely rebuilt in order to appear more in line with modern Qiren architecture; in the Shomi Period it underwent even more changes. In the 1700s, the roof of the temple was damaged by falling trees during a storm, which required repair. However, for the past 300 years it has remained almost entirely untouched.

Features
The Ukimu First Temple is extremely large, situated in a wide and open clearing surrounded by a moat-like body of water known as mizu-yo (a feature added in the Kyo Period). The water in the moat is kept fresh by drawing from the nearby Shini River. The building itself is made entirely from wood, with a thatched roof and a large entrance with steps leading up. Inside the temple, there are two shrines - one dedicated to the forest deity Sushamajin, and the other a jonsan honouring the late Emperor Narakiru.

Outside at the back of the temple, there is a small sun-garden in which visitors can relax and stroll.