Shinano-omiya-sha, Shinto shrine in Japan
Shinano-omiya-sha is a small Shinto shrine located within Ueda Castle Park, surrounded by tall cedar and pine trees that form a peaceful enclosure. The main building features a curved wooden roof with traditional Japanese construction, a large stone torii gate at the entrance, and smaller subsidiary shrines on the grounds where visitors leave offerings at stone altars.
According to legend, the shrine was founded during Emperor Sujin's reign and has been part of local life for many centuries. The Sanada clan protected it during the construction of Ueda Castle, and the current main building was rebuilt in 1860, earning recognition as a cultural property of Ueda City.
The shrine honors Okuninushi, a deity revered locally for bringing good fortune and health to those who pray here. Visitors leave small offerings and coins as signs of respect, connecting with traditions that tie the community to the land and its spiritual protection.
The shrine is easily accessible by a short walk from Ueda Station through the castle park, with no special requirements for entry. Visiting early morning or late afternoon offers the most peaceful experience, as fewer people are around and the light is soft and inviting.
Within the shrine grounds stands the Sanada well, a modest stone structure tied to local legends about the samurai clan's resilience and strength. Many visitors toss coins into it, believing its water brings luck, and students especially come here hoping for success during exam preparation.
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