Minamikata Shrine, Shinto shrine in Japan
Minamikata Shrine is a small Shinto sanctuary nestled on a hilltop in the rural surroundings of Shimizu-chō, surrounded by trees. Two large stone gates stand nearby in the grass, covered with moss and showing the effects of long exposure to weather.
The shrine was originally known as Nanso Shrine and became connected to the Suwa tradition during the Satsuma Domain period. After deteriorating over time, the building was torn down in 2004, and the local community worked together to rebuild it by 2010 in traditional style.
The shrine connects to the Suwa tradition, a local faith deeply rooted in this region. You can observe how residents leave small offerings and gather for seasonal festivals, showing how these places keep the community tied to its customs.
The shrine is easy to reach by bike and lies along marked routes through the surrounding fields and villages. It is good to bring water, light snacks, and a jacket, as weather in this region can change quickly.
Two large stone gates from a destroyed neighboring shrine were saved through local effort and now stand beside Minamikata to preserve the memory of the past. These gates tell a story of neighbors working together to protect historical traces.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
