Shinano-omiya-sha, Shinto shrine in Japan
Shinano-omiya-sha is a Shinto shrine inside Ueda Castle Park, in the city of Ueda, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It consists of a main wooden building with a curved roof, a stone torii gate at the entrance, and a few smaller subsidiary shrines with stone altars scattered around the grounds.
According to legend, the shrine dates back to the reign of Emperor Sujin and has been part of the local community for many centuries. The Sanada clan kept it under their protection during the construction of Ueda Castle, and the current main building was rebuilt in 1860.
The shrine is dedicated to Okuninushi, a god associated with good health and fortune. Visitors toss coins into an old stone well on the grounds while making a wish, and students often come here before exams hoping for good results.
The shrine is easy to reach on foot from Ueda Station by walking through the castle park, and no special requirements apply for entry. Going early in the morning or in the late afternoon means fewer visitors around, which makes the visit more comfortable.
The grounds include a stone well known as the Sanada well, linked to the samurai clan of the same name. It sits modestly among the trees and draws more attention from some visitors than the main building itself.
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