Keta-hongū, Shinto shrine in Japan
Keta-hongū is a shrine in Nanao situated on a peninsula near the coast and surrounded by ancient trees. The main hall was built in 1787 in traditional style and features simple, unpainted wooden architecture with a natural appearance.
The shrine was founded over 1000 years ago and is mentioned in ancient texts from 927, confirming its high status in the region. Buildings have been rebuilt several times over the centuries, with the current main hall dating to 1787.
The shrine is particularly known for prayers related to love and marriage, reflected in the many heart-shaped votive plaques left by visitors. The community practices monthly rituals on the first day of the month where young women hang their wishes for romantic relationships.
The shrine is open daily from early morning until late afternoon and can be reached by bus from nearby Hakui Station. Spring, especially during cherry blossom season, is the best time to visit as the trees around the shrine bloom beautifully.
In December, the Uki Matsuri Festival takes place where a cormorant is brought unfed and then released to fly freely; its movements are observed to predict luck for the coming year. This unusual ritual combines reverence for nature with future prediction in a way found in few other shrines.
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