Hirohata-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan
Hirohata-jinja is a simple Shinto shrine in the town of Komono in Mie Prefecture, marked by a traditional torii gate. The grounds feature well-maintained wooden structures with steep roofs, surrounded by stone lanterns and quiet paths that lead visitors to the main hall.
The shrine was originally founded by Hijikata Yu, the lord of the Komono domain, to serve as a guardian shrine for his family. It was called Sho Hachimangu during the Edo period and received its current name in 1894 after a nearby Suwa Shrine was integrated.
The shrine is dedicated to Ōjin, a spirit deeply respected in local traditions. Visitors notice how people quietly pray and leave small offerings here, while festivals fill the grounds with music and bring the community together.
The site is easy to visit, as it is accessible from the town center along quiet paths. Visitors should come early in the morning to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and watch for festivals throughout the year that fill the grounds with activity.
A distinctive feature is the simple purification system using a water basin where visitors use flowers instead of a ladle to cleanse their hands and spirit. This quiet practice sets the shrine apart and shows how tradition here is woven with natural beauty.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
