Meta Shrine, Shinto shrine in Japan
Meta Shrine is a small Shinto shrine in Yamatokoriyama built in the Kasuga-zukuri style, featuring gently curved roofs and symmetrically arranged round wooden pillars. The structure sits on an elevated platform with double doors at its front center and decorative roof elements including triangular gable boards and ridge covers.
The shrine dates back several centuries as a place of worship within the local community. Its construction and preservation reflect traditional Japanese building practices that have been maintained across generations by shrine keepers and residents.
The name Meta often refers to a local kami or spiritual presence worshipped at this site. Visitors can see how locals bow, clap their hands, and leave coins as offerings, following practices that connect them to the spirits believed to dwell here.
Visit during clear weather to fully enjoy the peaceful setting and the natural paths around the grounds. Wear comfortable shoes since walking through the shrine area involves paths among trees and natural elements.
Small stone lanterns line the paths and are lit during certain festivals and celebrations, creating a gentle glow that transforms the space. These details are easily overlooked but show how the shrine serves different purposes throughout the year as a gathering place for the community.
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