Ajifu-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan
Ajifu-jinja is a small Shinto shrine in Settsu, Japan, featuring simple wooden buildings set in a quiet setting. The main structure follows the Sumiyoshi-zukuri architectural style with black, white, and red colors, while a large torii gate, a pond with a small arched bridge, and a hand-washing basin define the grounds.
The shrine was founded to honor the Sumiyoshi Sanjin, gods believed to protect travelers, with origins reaching back to the 8th century. During the Kamakura period in the 1300s, gods from a larger Sumiyoshi shrine in Osaka were brought here, establishing the site's official name.
The shrine honors the three male gods of Sumiyoshi, believed to protect travelers and sailors. Visitors notice wooden wish plaques hanging on racks and locals quietly lighting incense and bowing at the main hall as part of daily devotion.
The shrine is easily reached on foot after arriving by local train to Settsu, with nearby parks and quiet streets inviting exploration. The straightforward access and countryside setting make it a relaxed place to visit, ideal for a break from busier spots.
The shrine holds several unusual monuments, including one dedicated to a serpent believed to control mice and a rare monument honoring cats as protective guardians. It also features a tiny shrine called Kaiko-gami for silkworms, where visitors pray for healthy cocoons and good silk harvests.
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