Iina-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan
Iina-jinja is a small Shinto shrine on the lower slopes of Mount Tsukuba, built on one of the mountain's oldest sacred sites. The simple wooden main hall features detailed carvings depicting local legends and Asian influences, while the grounds are scattered with unusually shaped stones and seasonal flowers like the bright orange kitsune no kamisori that blooms in mid-August.
The shrine was mentioned in 8th-century records documenting the local geography and customs, and was already recognized as a significant religious site at that time. Over the centuries, Shinto and Buddhist traditions merged at this location, as evidenced by Daoist symbols and carvings from the Edo period still visible on the grounds.
Locals affectionately call this shrine Benten-sama, after the goddess Benzaiten, associated with femininity and the arts. The large stone with a distinctive slit near the grounds has long represented this feminine force and continues to hold meaning for visitors who come seeking blessings related to fertility and life cycles.
The shrine is reached via a tree-lined path that winds up the mountainside and is lined with cherry blossoms in spring. Keep in mind that the pathways are narrow and the site becomes crowded during the annual market festival in February, so visiting during quieter times is advisable.
Every February, an annual Daruma Market takes place here on a date tied to the old lunar calendar, attracting thousands of visitors who purchase small amulets containing coins to bring financial luck. The tradition of buying coin-filled amulets symbolizes the hope that wealth will grow and renew like a snake shedding its skin.
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