子神社, Shinto shrine in Japan
Ko Jinja is a small shrine in Kanagawa Prefecture featuring traditional Japanese architecture with simple wooden structures and a thatched roof. The grounds are surrounded by mature trees, with an entrance marked by stone lanterns and a pathway of smooth stones leading to the main prayer hall.
The shrine was founded around the year 600 during Emperor Suiko's reign and has been managed by various groups over the centuries, including the Buddhist temple Eifuku-ji. Fires and conflicts repeatedly damaged the structure over time, but the community continuously maintained and restored it until formal recognition as a village shrine came in the late 1800s.
The shrine serves as a gathering place where visitors ring bells and light incense before offering prayers for health and safety. Seasonal ceremonies and neighborhood processions bring the community together, especially during August festivals and New Year celebrations when families come to seek blessings for their households.
The shrine is easily accessible by public transport, about a five-minute walk from Hinodecho Station, and sits in a quiet residential area with traditional houses. Visitors should wear respectful clothing covering shoulders and knees while exploring the grounds.
A tree over one hundred years old stands on the grounds and is viewed by visitors as a symbol of the shrine's endurance and continuity. Cherry trees bloom in spring, providing an extra reason for daytime visitors to walk the quiet paths beneath flowering branches.
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