Shiratori Shrine, Shinto shrine in Japan
Shiratori Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the foothills of the Ebino Plateau in Japan. The main hall features carved pillars with dragons and clouds, blending Buddhist and Shinto design elements in its traditional wood construction.
The shrine was founded in 959 after a monk received a vision of Prince Yamato Takeru asking him to build a sanctuary. The main hall was rebuilt near the end of the Edo period, reflecting the craftsmanship and decorative style of that era.
The name Shiratori comes from an old story about a white-haired swan that appeared to a monk and asked for a shrine to be built. Visitors today can sense this connection between the sacred place and the natural world around it, where birds and forest sounds fill the quiet space.
The shrine is about 20 minutes by car from Ebino Station with free parking available. A path with roughly 210 stone steps leads from the main gate to the buildings, though driving is an option if you prefer to avoid the climb.
Two ancient red pine trees on the grounds, believed to be around 2000 years old, were used to build the roof of the famous Todai-ji temple in Nara. These trees were transported hundreds of miles and still support the temple's roof today.
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