Ai-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan
Ai-jinja is a Shinto shrine in the town of Ai with a simple, respectful layout consisting of a wooden torii gate at the entrance, a main building with a curved wooden roof, and grounds surrounded by nature. The grounds feature stone lanterns, traditional statues, smaller altars, and a water basin for ritual cleansing before prayer.
The shrine was founded many decades ago by local people to honor specific spirits believed to protect the town and its residents. Over time, it has become an integral part of local life and has been cared for by the community across generations.
The shrine is a place where the community gathers to honor the spirits believed to dwell in nature. Visitors can observe traditional practices such as hand and mouth washing, ringing bells, and hanging wooden plaques with personal wishes, which reflect the daily spiritual life of the place.
A visit works best in the early morning when the shrine is quiet and many visitors come to pray. It is customary to wash your hands and mouth at a small water basin before approaching the main building.
Visitors often see small wooden wish plaques on which people write and hang their hopes and dreams. These personal messages create an unseen connection between visitors and the spirits believed to inhabit the shrine.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
