Ogawatsuki-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan
Ogawatsuki-jinja is a Shinto shrine in Kameoka with a simple main building covered in traditional wooden shingles, situated on a gentle rise surrounded by old trees. Stone lanterns line the pathways, and the shrine features a stone basin for purification along with a traditional wooden fence and stone steps marking the entrance.
The shrine dates back hundreds of years and is said to have been founded by farmers who honored the moon and sought good harvests. Over time it endured floods and conflicts, and was later recognized as one of the country's significant Shinto shrines.
The shrine is dedicated to the moon god Tsukiyomi, and visitors can see how locals come to pray and leave small offerings as part of their routines. The daily rituals and seasonal festivals show how this place remains woven into the community's life across generations.
The shrine is easily reached from Chiyogawa station with about a 20-minute walk through fields and small houses. The journey to the site is peaceful and suited for a leisurely stroll, especially during seasons when cherry blossoms bloom or leaves change color.
Near the shrine stands a mysterious cage that appears to house crows, though its exact purpose remains unclear. Some speak of special rituals connected to this cage, adding an element of intrigue and local folklore to the place.
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