Hiragata Jinja, Nagaoka, Shinto shrine in Japan
Hiragata Jinja is a Shinto shrine in Nagaoka with traditional wooden construction and simple, timeless design. The grounds feature smooth stone paths, ancient trees, and stone lanterns that convey a sense of age and history as visitors walk through.
The shrine was founded in 736 when a monk named Kukai helped stop a disease spreading through the area. It was rebuilt multiple times after fires and wars, reflecting how much the community valued this place as a source of hope.
The shrine is viewed locally as the guardian of Nagaoka and draws families seeking blessings for safety and health. During annual festivals, people wearing traditional clothing perform lively ceremonies that show how deeply this place is woven into the community's identity.
The shrine is about a ten-minute walk from Nagaoka's main train station and is easy to reach. Visitors can participate in traditional ceremonies for health, success, and protection, especially on weekends and holidays.
Near the shrine stands a tall stone monument dedicated to those who lost their lives during the 1945 air raids, with memorial ceremonies held every August. This connection between a spiritual place and wartime memory makes the shrine a location where history and hope meet.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
