Sugawara-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan
Sugawara-jinja is a small shrine in Sakai city dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane and revered as a deity of learning. The grounds feature simple wooden structures in red and white, stone lanterns, and tree-lined pathways that create a calm setting for visitors.
The shrine was founded in 997 and has been part of local community life for centuries. The Niomon Gate, donated by a local gunsmith in 1677, is now protected as a cultural property by Osaka Prefecture.
The shrine is known locally as Sakai Tenjin-san and centers on worship of Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. You will see students and parents regularly praying here and leaving wooden wish plaques, especially during exam seasons.
The shrine is free to visit year-round and is only a 3-minute walk from Oshoji Station on the Hankai Line, or about 12 minutes from Sakai Station on the Nankai Main Line. Parking is limited and unavailable during festivals, so public transportation or walking is recommended.
The grounds contain a teahouse called Kobaiken dating to the early Edo period, where visitors can relax after praying. Additionally, a firefly viewing event takes place each June, allowing visitors to walk through the gardens in the evening and watch glowing insects dance in the darkness.
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