It is said that the tsukimi-den (literally a moon-viewing hall) of Takayama Castle was relocated to become the emaden of Shinmei Shrine at the time of the demolition of the castle in 1695.

Using the occasion of severe damage to the roof due to a fir tree next to the building falling onto it in 1979, the roof was rethatched from a colored steel sheet roof to a copper sheet roof.

The emaden has a structure featuring a blow-by style in all directions with thick square pillars standing in a wall-less space. One of the features of this building is its structure suited to snow country, with boat-shaped brackets with beautiful curves steadily supporting the eaves. The building is low with a gently slanting roof. This emaden has an elegance that makes it stand out from other shrines in Takayama City.