八菅神社, Shinto shrine in Japan
Hakusuge Shrine is a Shinto shrine located on Mount Hakusuge near Aikawa and consists of multiple buildings and smaller temples spread across the forested slopes. A long stone staircase of roughly 300 steps called Omi-zaka leads upward, with a gentler path called Onna-zaka available as an alternative route.
The shrine developed during the period when Shugendo practitioners sought out mountains, with connections to the Nara period and early figures like Gyoki and En no Gyoja. Later, influential leaders such as Minamoto no Yoritomo and Ashikaga Takauji provided support to the site, and in the 19th century, many smaller temples were closed while the main shrine was formally named Hakusuge Shrine and became the center of worship.
The shrine takes its name from eight deities worshipped here and represents a blend of Shinto and Buddhist practices that developed on sacred mountains. Visitors can observe how local people still gather for seasonal festivals and rituals that connect them to this long spiritual tradition.
Wear comfortable shoes because the paths include steps and uneven terrain, especially on the longer climbing route. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon when the surroundings feel quieter and the forest shows its full character.
The shrine is known for its annual fire crossing ceremony on March 28, where people walk barefoot across hot embers to pray for good health and safety. This tradition dates back to the Nara period and represents a powerful connection between old practices and modern life.
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