Sugiyama jinjya, kuil Shinto di Jepang
Sugiyama jinjya is a small Shinto shrine in Yokohama featuring simple wooden structures, a distinctive Ryobu torii gate midway up the stairs, and a separate Inari shrine on its grounds. Stone lanterns and neatly maintained paths wind through the area, with old trees providing shelter and a sense of order and calm throughout the space.
The shrine was traditionally established around 674 during Emperor Tenmu's reign, when a chief priest from Awa Province created a sacred site on a hill in the former Musashi Province. Over centuries, this location became woven into local life, though early records grew unclear with time.
The shrine serves as a gathering place for local residents seeking blessings and personal reflection through prayer and offerings. Visitors experience the quiet practice of traditional Shinto worship, where simple gestures like leaving rice or sake connect them to long-standing community customs.
The shrine is easily accessible by foot or local transit, located about half a kilometer from the nearest subway station in the Chigasaki-chuo area. Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the stairs to the main building, and allow time to walk the peaceful grounds at a leisurely pace.
The Ryobu torii gate positioned midway along the stairs is a distinctive visual feature that often goes unnoticed but marks an important spiritual transition within the space. The shrine also connects to the Inbe family, who were historically known for their work with plants like hemp and grains for agricultural and ceremonial purposes.
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