Kuwayama-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan
Kuwayama-jinja is a Shinto shrine in Kameoka built in the ishi-no-ma-zukuri architectural style, which uses natural stones and timber as structural elements. The grounds contain more than 1,000 maple trees and sit within a valley surrounded by hills, creating a layered natural setting.
The shrine was founded in 709 and was long protected by the rulers of nearby Kameyama Castle, creating a strong bond between religious and political authority. This connection shaped its role in the local community for many centuries afterward.
The shrine's name comes from an old story where a god used a hoe to carve through mountains and drain a lake, reshaping the land. Local farmers have visited for centuries to pray for good harvests, making this place central to agricultural traditions in the region.
The shrine is accessible by bus from Kameoka Station in about 20 minutes, or by the local community bus that runs directly to the site. Free parking is available for visitors who arrive by car.
The site actually contains two separate shrines within its grounds, one dedicated to Takamitsu Omi and another to Betsuson Honda, both protected as cultural properties. During the October festival, visitors witness traditional performances and taste local foods while surrounded by maples displaying their brightest red and orange hues.
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