Yatsurugi-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan
Yatsurugi-jinja is a Shinto shrine in Gamagori featuring a stone torii gate at the entrance and wooden structures throughout the grounds. The main hall houses sacred objects, a worship hall serves visitors, and smaller precinct shrines dedicated to different spirits are scattered across the property.
The shrine was founded in 1089 and rebuilt in 1190 after falling into disrepair, restored under orders from Minamoto no Yoritomo, a powerful military leader of that era. The shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu visited over 400 years ago to pray for safe travels and longevity.
The shrine is dedicated to Yamato Takeru, a legendary prince in Japanese mythology known for bravery. Visitors can observe local people coming to pray for health and longevity, especially touching a turtle statue on the grounds that is believed to grant a long life.
The shrine is about a ten-minute walk from Mikawa Mitani Station and easily accessible with free parking nearby. Visitors should know it is customary to wash your hands and mouth at the ablution pavilion before entering the sacred space.
The shrine is part of a seven-shrine pilgrimage circuit where visitors who complete all seven receive a gift. The Miya Matsuri festival, held yearly since 1696 after a village leader's dream, features the tradition of carrying portable shrines across the water.
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