蟻通神社, Shinto shrine in Japan
Aritoshi Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Katsuragi marked by old trees and quiet pathways throughout its grounds. The site has a simple layout with the main hall deep inside and large stone guardian figures at the entrance, including a notable natural stone lion statue about 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall.
The shrine originates from a legend where a young god used an ant to thread a string through a complex shell hole, solving what seemed impossible. This story was recorded in old Japanese texts over centuries, establishing the shrine as a place of wisdom and clever problem-solving in the region.
The shrine takes its name from an ancient legend about an ant threading a string through a complex shell hole. Visitors can experience how this story of cleverness and problem-solving remains central to how local people think about wisdom and ingenuity in their daily lives.
The shrine is easily reached on foot via quiet pathways and offers several spots for prayer and reflection. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and be aware that this is an active worship site where local community members regularly come to pray.
A large natural stone guardian lion sits at the entrance with a passageway between its hind legs that visitors can walk through. Local belief holds that passing under this stone figure brings protection from illness.
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