Make-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan
Make-jinja is a Shinto shrine in Nantan whose structures date entirely to the Edo period and feature traditional Japanese architecture with thatched roofs. The main hall has an unusual north-facing design with double-layered roofs, while the grounds are surrounded by old trees, rocks, and mountain streams flowing from nearby springs.
The shrine's origins trace to the Heian period, with sacred rituals believed to have begun here in the 8th century, making it the main shrine for many others with the same name across Japan. In 1079, Emperor Shirakawa visited and granted an imperial scroll, while during the Edo period regional lords also came to pray at this sacred site.
The shrine serves as a community gathering place where people come throughout the year to pray and celebrate traditional festivals with music, dance, and local food. Visitors can observe locals making offerings, purchasing protective charms, and participating in rituals that reflect deeply held local spiritual beliefs.
You can reach the shrine by bus from Kyoto, which drops you near the entrance, followed by a short walk through the wooded paths to the main gate. The shrine has no specific visiting hours or entrance fees, allowing free visits anytime, with early mornings or late afternoons offering the most peaceful experience with fewer crowds.
The main hall's thatched roof is naturally covered with moss, giving the shrine a feeling of age and calm while protecting it from snow loads in winter. Additionally, the shrine features detailed animal carvings, including a rare carved elephant on the main building, showcasing the careful craftsmanship of earlier generations.
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