若宮神社, Shinto shrine in Japan
Wakamiya Jinja is a Shinto shrine in Taiki built in the traditional Shinmei-zukuri architectural style. The structure displays careful craftsmanship with clean wooden lines and a simple roof, set within grounds surrounded by tall, mature trees that frame the quiet pathways.
The shrine was established in the late 1100s during the time of Taira no Shigeo, a local leader of the region. According to local tradition, it was created to enshrine the spirit of Emperor Nintoku, with the veneration transferred from another shrine located in Kyoto.
The shrine honors Wakatomi no Kami, a water deity believed to control water and promote growth in the land. Visitors can observe locals arriving in early morning hours or during festivals to offer prayers and keep traditional customs alive within their community.
The shrine is easily accessible by car, about ten minutes from the main highway, and by train with a twenty-minute walk from the station. Parking is available nearby, making it convenient to visit at your own pace throughout the day.
A smaller building on the grounds is dedicated to Sarutahiko, the monkey god and divine messenger, locally called the bad luck warding shrine. This secondary structure reveals how the site blends multiple spiritual practices and serves different purposes for visitors seeking protection.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
