Kandaijin-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan
Kandaijin-jinja is a shrine in Shimogyō-ku in Kyoto, a quiet place with traditional wooden buildings, simple stone gates, and small stone statues along the paths. The grounds are modest but well-kept, with a main hall, several smaller shrines, and old trees that give the place a calm character.
The shrine was established about one thousand years ago near the birthplace of Sugawara no Michizane and was destroyed multiple times by fire and war. The current main hall was rebuilt in the 1800s using materials from an older local shrine.
The shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a respected scholar figure from centuries ago whom visitors seek for help with learning and good fortune. You will see people here offering small coins, ringing a bell, and writing their wishes on wooden plaques to hang as a way of making their hopes known.
The shrine is located near two train stations, making it easy to visit, and the area is straightforward to access. The best time to visit is early in the morning or evening when the place is especially peaceful and you can enjoy the atmosphere without crowds.
A special feature is the komainu stone lions at the entrance dressed in a rare style, with one of their paws holding a shiny ball. The place is also known as the home of the flying plum tree, a symbol connected to Michizane's story that links the location to poetry and history.
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