Ichinomiya-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan
Ichinomiya-jinja is a Shinto shrine in Tokushima built in the traditional nagare-zukuri architectural style, featuring a gently curved roof that extends far over the front. The main hall was constructed in 1630 and is recognized as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, with intricately carved verandas and a copper-covered roof.
The shrine was founded in the late Heian period several centuries ago and once served as the provincial temple for the entire region. During the Sengoku wars, the area was damaged but was restored in the early Edo period by feudal lord Hachisuka Mitsutaka.
The shrine is dedicated to Ōgetsuhime-no-Mikoto, goddess of food, and Amaterasu, goddess of the sun. Visitors can observe traditional practices such as ringing a bell and clapping hands before making offerings or prayers at the main hall.
The shrine is easily reached on foot from central Tokushima or by short bus rides from the station, situated peacefully away from busy roads. Visitors should watch for annual festival dates like October 18, when the grounds come alive with traditional music and dance performances.
Historically, the shrine was linked with the nearby Dainichi-ji temple, where the Buddhist goddess Juichimen Kannon was worshipped alongside Shinto deities during feudal times. This syncretistic practice was dissolved during the Meiji period when the government officially separated Shinto and Buddhism.
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