As I have often written before, I am particularly drawn to the many small and large shrines and temples in Japan. Even though I am not religious myself, places like these hold a special fascination for me. Japanese temples and shrines somehow radiate a very special energy, stimulating yet calming, which is probably one of the reasons why I like to linger there for a little while.
That's why I always stop on my way when I see a new and interesting shrine somewhere, which was just recently the case again. I had actually passed this shrine many times before, but until then I simply hadn't had the opportunity to take my time to look around.
But when I passed this particular shrine the last time, I just had no excuse anymore, and that's why I can show you these pictures today.
Our shrine today is located in the middle of a residential area, although at first glance you might get a different impression. It is situated on a small hill which, despite being in the city, is covered in quite a lot of green.
The torii gate at the entrance looks a little weathered, but perhaps that is what gives this place its special charm.
Just behind the Toori is a stone basin, which is used for ritual hand washing. However, due to the winter temperatures, the water is often turned off at this time of year.
Now we have to climb a few steps...
And when you turn around the bend, you can already see the small shrine building standing in the background. But first you have to pass these two Koma-Inu, statues of lion dogs that serve as guardians.
Komainu (狛犬) are guardian creatures of Japanese Shinto shrines, and they are said to protect the sacred area and ward off evil.
Komainu originally derive from lion figures from China and Korea, but were further developed independently in Japan. They often resemble dogs, but are mythical creatures.
The main building of the shrine was rather simple, but actually just as I had expected. And since we were already here, we took the opportunity to pay our respects to the kami who live in this place.
We then walked around the entire shrine grounds, which felt a bit like a small oasis. In the middle of the many residential buildings, there was this small hill with the shrine on top. You could almost get the impression that you were suddenly in a small forest. The large pine trees and the small bamboo grove on the side created an atmosphere that made you feel like you were far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
That's probably why I keep exploring shrines like this one. I just enjoy exploring places that normally only attract people who live in the immediate neighborhood. Here you get closer to a Japan that is not necessarily presented in the glossy travel brochures, but which is ultimately much more real and authentic. And which can be so much more interesting...
