Kanabu Shrine, Shinto shrine in Japan
Kanabu Shrine is a small Shinto shrine in Ogaki nestled between modern buildings, making it easy to overlook at first glance. The entrance is narrow, and the site was originally located within Ogaki Castle before being relocated to its current spot.
The shrine was originally located within Ogaki Castle and was moved to its current site in the late 1800s after the castle's main gate was demolished. This relocation allowed worship traditions to continue despite changes in the city's landscape.
The shrine is dedicated to Susanoo no Mikoto, an important figure in Japanese mythology, where people come to pray for good fortune and protection. The bronze guardian statues on either side of the entrance differ from typical shrines, as they share the same form rather than showing the usual open-mouthed and closed-mouthed poses.
The shrine sits on the left side when entering from a nearby street and features a narrow entrance that can easily be missed. Visitors should look carefully while walking through the area to spot the small site nestled between surrounding buildings.
A stone monument marks the former location of Ogaki Castle's main gate near the shrine, reminding visitors of the site's past. This marker connects the shrine directly to the castle's history and creates a spot where old and new times meet.
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