Chinju Hikawa Shrine, Shinto shrine in Japan
Chinju Hikawa Shrine is a traditional Shinto shrine in Aoki, Japan, featuring simple wooden buildings and a large wooden torii gate at the entrance. The grounds are laid out with stone lanterns, gravel pathways, and lined with trees, with white banners and fluttering paper strips marking sacred areas throughout.
This shrine has served the community for over 700 years, standing as a testament to continuity in Aoki. The buildings are rebuilt approximately every 100 years to preserve the traditional style and honor the site's long heritage.
This shrine holds significant meaning for the local community as a place where people regularly gather to pray and give thanks. Visitors can observe traditional practices such as hand purification at the water basin and coin offerings, which remain woven into the daily rhythm of residents.
The shrine is accessible by walking from nearby areas, with visits best enjoyed in early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience. The grounds are easy to navigate with stone surfaces and marked pathways that guide visitors around the site.
A massive ancient keyaki tree over 400 years old stands on the grounds and is visited by many who believe hugging it brings good fortune to their families. Additionally, a miniature Fujizuka mountain made from volcanic rock once encouraged people to climb it as a substitute when visiting the actual Mount Fuji was difficult.
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