Sugiyama jinjya, Shinto shrine in Japan
Sugiyama jinjya is a small Shinto shrine in Hodogaya-ku with traditional wooden buildings set on quiet grounds surrounded by trees. The main deity worshiped here is Yamato Takeru, a legendary hero, while a smaller building is dedicated to Inari, the god of harvest and blessing.
The shrine was built over many centuries and is recorded in documents from the 9th and 10th centuries. During World War II, the shrine was largely spared from destruction because trees around it provided shelter from the surrounding damage.
The shrine serves as a gathering place where the local community celebrates seasonal festivals with traditional music and dances throughout the year. These events keep local customs alive and offer visitors a chance to experience how people here connect with their heritage.
The shrine is about a 13-minute walk from the nearest train station and easy to reach with some planning ahead. It helps to check the schedule for upcoming festivals or ceremonies beforehand, and reservations can be made if you want to participate in special rituals.
Archaeologists found ancient tools and stones near the shrine dating back thousands of years, showing that people have cared for this place for an extremely long time. Local legend speaks of a large cedar tree that once stood at the entrance and was believed to bring protection and good fortune to the area.
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