Kaminomii Shrine, Shinto shrine in Japan
Kaminomii Shrine is a Shinto sanctuary in the town of Toyokawachō, characterized by traditional wooden structures and stone lanterns. The wooden entrance gate is the oldest of its kind in Kumagaya and is protected as a cultural property, while the interior is decorated with ropes and paper strips meant to invite spirits.
The shrine was rebuilt over 800 years ago by local leader Goro Ietoki Narita from the Narita clan, who controlled a nearby castle. In the late 1800s, deities Ōkuninushi and Kotoshironushi were added to the shrine, while Ōyamatsumi remained as the original principal deity.
The shrine is known locally as 'Raiden-sama,' a reference to the deity Raijin, the god of lightning. Visitors can observe traditional practices here, such as hand and mouth washing at the purification fountain or leaving offerings that reflect everyday respect for the spirits.
The shrine is about one minute by car from a nearby intersection on the main road or reachable by bus with a six-minute walk from a local stop. Upon arrival, take time to explore the grounds at a slow pace, as the tree-lined surroundings create a peaceful setting for visitors.
A nearby auxiliary shrine called Dai Raiden Shrine honors the god Raijin and is the largest Raijin shrine in the region. The vibrant doors of this shrine were donated about 1000 years ago by local lord Narita Nagayasu and reflect the historical connection between nobility and local worship.
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